A 1 year old child has a red navel. Causes of redness of the navel in a baby. Causes of navel inflammation

The umbilical wound is one of the most vulnerable places on the body of a newborn baby. It creates a favorable environment for the proliferation of harmful microorganisms, and therefore the baby’s navel should be constantly cared for and monitored. Even after complete healing of the postpartum wound, the risk of infection through the umbilical fundus remains increased: here, in the recess, microorganisms can live, which, under certain conditions, are activated and provoke inflammation. Therefore, a child’s red belly button can be observed even at an older age: closer to a year, and even at 2-3 years.

The reasons for the redness of the navel are completely different, but this phenomenon should never go unnoticed by parents.

Red navel in a child: causes

The most serious and dangerous cause of redness of the navel in a child is omphalitis.

. This is a bacterial inflammation of the bottom of the umbilical wound, the umbilical ring and surrounding tissues. Omphalitis is characterized by severe redness of the skin in the umbilical area (it becomes bright red), swelling and swelling, hyperthermia (increased skin and body temperature), and a few days after the appearance of these signs, purulent discharge may be observed.

Omphalitis causes discomfort to the baby and to a certain extent affects his well-being and health. The child may be weakened, capricious, restless, sleep poorly, eat poorly, and even lose weight. But the main danger lies in the fact that bacteria penetrate deep into the umbilical fundus, enter the blood and can thus spread the infection throughout the body.

Omphalitis usually occurs in newborns in the first days and weeks of life. But a child’s red belly button can also be observed in later periods of his development.

Around the end of the third month of its development, the newborn begins to explore its hands and find all sorts of activities for them. Later, he enthusiastically studies the body and its individual parts. In this process, babies often find a belly button on their tummy and play enthusiastically, picking at it with their fingers. Such manipulations often cause redness in children 7, 8, 10 months old and even older!

Another likely cause of a red belly button is allergic reactions. This may be a reaction of the child’s body to a new product introduced into his or the mother’s diet (if the baby is breastfed), to washing powder or baby cosmetics, to new diapers and even clothes! Any rubbing, irritation, diaper rash, contact with chemical or synthetic substances can cause redness and swelling on the skin of children, including in the navel area. And in babies, the skin in this place may turn red even after strong straining or hysterical crying.

Omphalitis certainly requires treatment, which should be prescribed by a specialist.
In complex advanced cases, the child may even need to be shown to a dermatologist or surgeon, but the pediatrician will judge this need after an in-person examination. Quite often it is possible to eliminate the problem on your own, simply by adhering to the rules of caring for the navel and paying increased attention to the hygiene of this area:
Always dry the navel thoroughly after water procedures, avoiding the accumulation of liquid in it.
In the first days and weeks of the baby’s life, do not cover the umbilical wound with a diaper - it must “breathe” until it heals.
Give your child air baths more often, allowing the navel to dry naturally.
Trim growing children's nails in a timely manner.
Buy your child underwear only from natural fabrics.
Do not use synthetic laundry detergents on children's clothing.
If the slightest souring occurs in the umbilical wound, treat this area with peroxide or a solution of potassium permanganate. After this, blot the moisture dry with sterile cotton wool.
Try to avoid eating highly allergenic foods if you are breastfeeding and introducing them into your baby's complementary foods.
However, the situation often requires qualified help and medication. It is necessary to take your child to the doctor if you observe the following symptoms - just one of them or several at once:
increased skin temperature around the navel;
increased body temperature;
visible swelling and “bloating” of the skin around the umbilical wound;
discharge of fluid or pus;
pulsation in the area around the navel.
Based on the condition and type of umbilical inflammation, the pediatrician will determine treatment tactics and advise what to do next. Usually, for omphalitis, antibacterial and disinfectants are prescribed; in some cases, the antibiotic will need to be taken orally or administered intramuscularly (but only after culturing the flora for sensitivity to antibiotics). It is necessary to treat the area of inflammation several times a day for 2-3 weeks.
A variety of means can be used for disinfection and drying. Most of all, doctors like to advise 3% hydrogen peroxide in such situations - it dries well and does not stain the skin, and this is important when it is necessary to assess the condition of the navel and the tendency for improvement/deterioration. In addition, brilliant green has recently not been prescribed at all for treating the umbilical wound, since after it the wound often begins to get wet and sour.
For drying and disinfection when a child has a red navel, Xeroform, Betadine, chloramphenicol, antibacterial ointments or gels are also prescribed. They should be applied to the wound only after preliminary drying of the umbilical fundus.
The above rules of hygienic care for omphalitis also remain relevant.
No matter how serious the situation may seem to you, you should not worry too much. An inflamed navel can always be cured, the main thing is not to let the situation take its course. Although, if the redness is caused only by temporary mechanical irritation, then it quickly goes away on its own without additional effort on your part.
Especially for - Larisa Nezabudkina

An infected belly button is a fairly common problem that affects many people, especially those with poor hygiene and those with piercings. Compounded by the fact that “being a dark, warm and moist area, the navel creates a favorable environment for the growth of microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi.”

In addition, it is known that poor hygiene, as well as frequent touching, provoke infection and the growth of microorganisms.

Hormonal ointments for diathesis

A special group of local drugs used for diathesis are hormonal ointments. They are used if non-hormonal drugs do not help. Hormonal drugs have a more serious composition, including hormonal components - glucocorticoids. These are steroid hormones synthesized by the adrenal cortex. The most common among them are:

Natural glucocorticoids: cortisol, hydrocortisone. Their effect lasts for 8-12 hours.
Synthetic analogues: prednisolone, prednisone, methylprednisolone, mometasone, clobetasol. The substances act within 12-36 hours.
Synthetic analogues containing fluoride: dexamethasone, betamethasone, paramethasone, fluprednisolone. The effect of the substances lasts up to 3 days.

Such substances have the following effects:

Antiallergic. Hormones reduce the level of basophils - substances activated during allergies.
Anti-inflammatory. Substances reduce the level of inflammatory mediators in the blood.

Hormonal drugs have a faster effect, but also have a more impressive list of side effects. For this reason, few hormonal ointments are approved for children, and they try to resort to them in extreme cases, when the child’s condition is advanced and he suffers from itching, large lesions and other unpleasant symptoms.

The list of hormonal drugs used for diathesis includes:

Advantan (methylprednisolone) – from 4 months;
Lokoid (hydrocortisone) – from 6 months;
Afloderm (alclomethasone) – from 6 months;
Beloderm (betamethasone) – from 6 months
Dermovate (clobetasol) – from 1 year;
Elokol (mometasone furoate) – from 2 years.

What are the dangers of using hormonal ointments for diathesis?

Because children have a larger surface area to weight ratio than adults, they are at greater risk for side effects from hormonal medications. With long-term use there is a risk of growth and development disorders. For this reason, children are prescribed minimal doses of ointments, as well as short courses. For example, Advantan cannot be used for longer than 4 weeks.

There are other features of the use of hormonal ointments associated with the small surface area of the child’s body. For example, Beloderm ointment is used very carefully and should never be applied under a diaper, since due to the increased absorption of the active components, the risk of developing serious side effects increases.

It is equally important to apply hormonal ointment with caution in the area of body folds. In these places, the ointment is absorbed more actively and can have a systemic effect on the body, that is, enter the bloodstream and influence from the inside.

In the case of hormonal ointments, it is also important:

do not exceed the prescribed dosage;
use the amount of ointment prescribed by the specialist;
do not extend the period of use (in most cases no longer than 5 days);
Apply only to the affected areas.

Symptoms

The symptoms that are present when an infection is present will go away in stages and vary depending on the cause. For example, a bacterial infection may have different symptoms than a fungal infection.

Additionally, different symptoms may appear at different stages if you do not see a doctor right away. The following will describe common symptoms. Later, when looking at various causes, we will talk about specific symptoms associated with a specific cause.

Some of the common symptoms of an umbilical infection include:

Pain, tenderness and local increase in body temperature
Itching (tingling or burning), redness and/or change in skin color
An abscess is a “painful collection of pus, usually caused by a bacterial infection.”
Swelling (there may be a small or large swelling covering the entire navel area)
Discharge – yellow, gray or brown, often with an unpleasant odor
Stomach upset, vomiting, dizziness and fever, especially if the infection extends deeper than the navel
Bleeding

These are the main symptoms of an umbilical infection. If you notice any of them, you need to immediately begin treatment.

What is known about COVID-19 in children under one year of age

In children aged 1 month to one year, the disease is more severe than in newborns. The incidence of severe and critical disease is significantly higher than in other age groups. Symptoms are most often associated with gastrointestinal disorders. Associated signs that may signal coronavirus in infants: the appearance of diarrhea, periodic bouts of vomiting, and a slight increase in body temperature. The stool is liquid, marsh-colored, and may be streaked with blood. Dry cough and difficulty breathing (even shortness of breath). One of the visible symptoms in infants, which indicates a lack of air, is swollen wings of the baby’s nose.

Gastrointestinal disorders and with Covid in children under one year of age are often accompanied by abdominal pain. This symptom can be determined independently by certain signs in the child’s behavior:

presses the legs to the stomach or often jerks them;
refuses to eat or eats little, and immediately after eating begins severe vomiting;
frequently wakes up or cannot sleep.

Similar symptoms also occur with functional disorders, for example, infant colic, so a pediatrician .

You can call a pediatrician at the Euromed Kids clinic at home by calling: +7 812 331 00 00

A severe form of the disease is often accompanied by damage to the lower respiratory tract with varying degrees of hypoxia, signs of severe inflammation according to laboratory parameters, and hypercoagulation syndrome - a blood clotting disorder.

Among the complications that can develop against the background of the disorder is intoxication of the body . Vomiting and severe diarrhea can cause dehydration. The child may be thirsty, but intense vomiting makes it difficult for water to enter the body. Dehydration requires immediate medical attention.

Doctors also identify a complication in children such as dry mucous membranes. Lips become dry and the tongue may begin to peel. In this case, you should consult a pediatrician to prescribe recommendations for eliminating the unpleasant symptom.

The main thing to remember is that it is strictly not recommended to independently diagnose your child, self-medicate, or wait for other symptoms to appear!

The consequences of Covid in children can be more serious than the coronavirus infection itself. Therefore, only a doctor should monitor the course of the disease and, if necessary, prescribe medications aimed at eliminating the accompanying signs of the disease.

You should contact your doctor immediately if you experience one or more of the following symptoms:

the temperature rises sharply (up to 38-39 degrees);
convulsions begin;
loose stools occur more often 5-7 times a day, bloody clots are observed in the stool;
breathing becomes difficult, whistling or wheezing is heard when inhaling or exhaling;
heart rate increases.

You can call a pediatrician at the Euromed Kids clinic at home by calling +7 812 331 00 00

Causes

When looking at the causes, we'll focus on what actually causes the infection. So what are some of the common reasons?

Yeast infection

Yeast infection
Yeast infection (candidiasis) in humans can be caused by more than 20 different species of candida, with candida albicans being the most common. They affect different parts of the body, especially warm, dark and damp ones, as well as those that have folds, such as between the fingers and toes, under the breasts, in the groin area, navel and others, as this is an ideal environment for the growth of a fungal infection.

Other factors such as tight clothing, poor hygiene, antibiotic use, warm weather, pregnancy, certain medications (such as steroids), post-surgery, and a weakened immune system due to diseases such as diabetes, HIV AIDS, cancer treatment and others, often increase the risk of fungal infection.

Additionally, infants, people with obesity, inflammatory conditions, or those who work in damp conditions are more likely to suffer from fungal infections.

Symptoms

Common symptoms of a yeast infection include itchy rashes, reddish, purple patches around the belly button, flaking and flaking, soreness, white or yellow discharge, and oily pustules (pimples filled with pus). Bleeding may sometimes occur, especially if you scratch an area that is itchy, which may release a foul-smelling fluid.

Diagnostics

To diagnose a yeast infection, a physical examination of the rash is performed, and a scraping is taken for analysis to confirm the cause. General tests can confirm the presence of the fungus, while specific tests identify it as candidiasis. This makes treatment easier.

Treatment

Once tests have confirmed the presence of a yeast infection, you should be diligent about keeping your belly button clean by thoroughly washing your belly button. Since sugar promotes yeast growth, it is best to limit its consumption. Obese people should control their weight and give preference to loose clothing made from natural materials.

The doctor will also prescribe an antifungal ointment, powder, or lotion for treatment. If candidiasis has not spread to other parts of the body, an oral antifungal medication may not be needed.

Streptococcal and staphylococcal infections

Bacterial Infection
A bacterial infection in the belly button is also a possible cause of infection. The causes are usually Staphylococcus aureus (staphylococcus) and Streptococcus pyogenes (streptococcus pyogenes).

The natural environment of the belly button, combined with poor hygiene (touching with dirty hands), sweat, accumulation of dead skin particles, cuts, sebaceous cysts and piercings can make the belly button susceptible to bacteria. Additionally, scratches (due to a yeast infection), a tummy tuck wound, laparoscopy, or surgery can create open sores, thereby making it easier for bacteria to enter.

If infected, some of the symptoms may include redness, itchy swelling, abscess, cellulite, pain around the belly button, and a foul-smelling “discharge that is usually yellowish, greenish, or greyish.”

Mild bacterial infection can be controlled. To do this, it is worth treating the infected area with saline solution and keeping it clean and dry. If the infection is severe, you may want to take antibiotic creams or oral antibiotics. Severe cases accompanied by fever require immediate medical attention.

Infected piercing

Infected Belly Button Piercing with Jewelry Removed
Navel piercings can also cause infection, especially if hygiene is poor. Additionally, poor piercing aftercare can lead to infection, which in turn can cause bacterial or fungal infections. There is also a possibility of an allergic reaction to jewelry.

Read more about the symptoms of infection in a navel piercing and how to properly care for it to prevent it.

During pregnancy

Pregnancy does not cause a belly button infection, but it does increase the risk of infection from bacteria and yeast. Mild belly button pain during pregnancy can be caused by stretching of the abdominal muscles and skin, pressure on the piercing, and is not necessarily a sign of infection.

In children and infants

Children, especially newborns, are more prone to navel infections compared to adults. However, the normal healing process, during which there is very often a small amount of clear discharge and some bleeding, should not be confused with infection. This occurs mainly during the first two weeks after the umbilical cord is cut from the placenta.

Care should be taken during the first 7-21 days, after which the umbilical cord nodule dries out and falls off. Don't try to pull it out yourself.

Infection

In addition to normal healing, even a newborn's belly button can become infected.

If a child cries when touching the navel, or there is an unpleasant odor near it (purulent discharge), or the skin around it swells or turns red, these are all signs of infection.

The infection is caused mainly by fungal and bacterial (especially staphylococcal) infections if you have not taken good care of the cleanliness of your navel. If infection occurs, contact your pediatrician for diagnosis and treatment advice.

Methods of treating diathesis

When dealing with diathesis in a young child, the main thing is to choose the right diet, excluding foods that may cause an allergic reaction.

For a child in his first year of life, it is very important to receive breast milk.

The proteins of human milk are easily broken down by the baby's enzymes and are completely devoid of allergic properties. However, a nursing mother must also follow a diet excluding fish, poultry, tomatoes, chocolate, smoked meats, spices and other allergenic foods.

When mixed feeding, the child should not be given some juices: orange, carrot, tomato. Introduce any new product carefully - from a small amount. It is important to prevent an allergic exacerbation, and at the same time, to give the baby’s body everything it needs for its development.

Specialist consultation

The Family Doctor pediatric allergist-immunologist will help you deal with your child’s skin problems, determine the cause of allergies, and also build a rational diet that is suitable specifically for your child.

Make an appointment Do not self-medicate. Contact our specialists who will correctly diagnose and prescribe treatment.

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Treatment with home remedies

In examining the two main causes of infections, we looked at how to treat each - bacterial and yeast. Now we will describe the important rules and methods of traditional medicine.

Maintain hygiene

Shower regularly, drying your belly button thoroughly after each time. If you have an inward shaped navel, you should pay more attention to cleansing the inside by wrapping a piece of cloth soaked in soapy water around your finger. The saline solution is ideal for deep navel rinsing and/or for people with piercings.

Tea tree oil

Experts recommend using diluted tea tree oil to get rid of belly button infections as it has “antifungal, antibacterial and antiseptic properties.” Apply a mixture of a few drops of tea tree oil and olive or coconut oil to a teaspoon using a cotton ball. Rinse off after 15 minutes.

Warm compress

Apply a warm compress using a clean piece of cloth.

Aloe vera juice

Apply freshly squeezed aloe vera juice and let it dry on your navel, then wash it off. Aloe vera is known for its ability to heal and relieve pain, meaning it has soothing and anti-inflammatory properties.

Rubbing with alcohol

Use alcohol to clean the area as it will sterilize the belly button and help stop the infection from spreading. Do not use alcohol after rinsing.

Turmeric

Using turmeric powder to treat an infected wound at home is a good idea as it has antibiotic and antiseptic properties. Make a paste of it by adding little water and apply it on your navel. Once dry, remove excess with a tissue. In addition, turmeric can be taken orally. A glass of milk with a teaspoon of turmeric and honey will promote internal healing.

White vinegar

Due to its acidic environment, it can help stop the spread of infection. Dilute one part white vinegar in two parts water, apply to the navel for 15 minutes.

Calendula

"Calendula herb contains moisturizing, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties that help soothe itching and irritation". This may also contribute to a faster recovery. To do this, you need to squeeze the juice from calendula flowers and apply it to the navel 2-3 times a day.

The occurrence of an inflammatory process of the skin in the navel area can occur not only in newborns, but also in older children.

One of the reasons why a child may have omphalitis is the congenital anatomical features of the navel structure.
The umbilical canal may be narrow or retracted, which increases the risk of a buildup of dead skin cells and sebaceous glands.
Damage to the navel in a child can also lead to the development of omphalitis. When injured, infection may occur and an inflammatory process may begin.
If the wound that occurs in the umbilical canal is not properly cared for, omphalitis occurs.
The development of the disease is especially likely in children with reduced immunity. With a reduced efficiency of the immune system, the body cannot cope with the development of infection. In such children, the likelihood of complications increases significantly.

Gastrointestinal allergies in children

Gastrointestinal allergy is a lesion of the gastrointestinal tract of an allergic nature, which ranks second among the pathologies associated with food allergies [1, 2].

Gastrointestinal allergies are caused by food allergens.

In the first place is an allergy to cow's milk proteins, which contains up to 15 antigens, of which the most active are αS1-casein and γ-casein. In second place is chicken egg white. In third place are fish and seafood.

Among dietary fibers of plant origin, cereals such as wheat, rye, oats, and buckwheat play a role. There are currently many reactions to rice and soy. Allergic reactions can be caused by fruits (citrus fruits, apples, bananas, etc.), berries (raspberries, currants, etc.), vegetables (tomatoes, carrots, beets).

Risk factors for developing gastrointestinal allergies

Risk factors for the development of gastrointestinal allergies include:

genetic factors - increased frequency of HLA-B8 and DW3 antigens;
antenatal factors leading to intrauterine sensitization of the fetus: abuse of obligate allergens by a pregnant woman, ARVI, use of antibiotics, occupational hazards, etc.;
childbirth by cesarean section, which leads to disruption of intestinal microflora;
early artificial feeding;
hygienic factors: reduction of antigenic microbial load due to small families and improved living conditions.

The development of gastrointestinal food allergy is based on:

decreased oral tolerance to food allergens;
allergic reaction in the gastrointestinal tract;
development of allergic inflammation in the mucous membrane of the gastrointestinal tract.

Reasons for decreased oral tolerance to food allergens:

In young children:

functional immaturity, including enzymatic deficiency;
secretory IgA deficiency;
excessive intestinal antigenic contact;
immunosuppressive effects of past viral infections.

In older children:

a consequence of exposure to intestinal irritants, helminths, and intestinal candidiasis.

Types of allergic reactions that cause gastrointestinal allergies:

IgE-mediated;
non-IgE-mediated;
immune complex and cell mediated.

In response to the allergen, type 2 T helper cells are activated - Th2 cells, which secrete interleukins IL4, IL5 and IL13, which switch the B lymphocyte to overproduce IgE. IgE is fixed on target cells: mast cells, basophils. When the allergen re-enters, an antigen-antibody reaction occurs, the release of preformed mediators (histamine, etc.) and the synthesis of new ones (leukotrienes, prostaglandins), which cause the early and late phases of the allergic reaction. In the early phase of the allergic reaction, mediators act on the mucous membrane of the gastrointestinal tract, which in this case is the shock organ. Mediators cause spasm of smooth muscles (intestinal colic, abdominal pain), hypersecretion of mucus (vomiting, diarrhea) and swelling of the mucous membrane of the gastrointestinal tract. In the late phase of the allergic reaction, migration of eosinophils, activated T-lymphocytes, and production of pro-inflammatory cytokines to the site of inflammation is noted, which maintains chronic allergic inflammation in the mucous membrane of the gastrointestinal tract [3–6].

Less commonly, non-IgE-mediated allergic reactions may occur in the pathogenesis of gastrointestinal allergies:

Immune complex reactions - in response to an allergen, IgG and IgM are synthesized, immune complexes are formed, complement is activated, which leads to the release of allergy mediators and the development of immune inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract.
Cell-mediated reactions - sensitized T-lymphocytes are formed, releasing cytokines leading to allergic inflammation.

The non-IgE-mediated type develops: enterocolitis due to food protein, proctitis.

There is a dependence of the clinical manifestations of gastrointestinal allergies on the level of sensitization and the age of the child.

Forms of gastrointestinal allergies

Depending on the level of sensitization, the following forms of gastrointestinal allergies are distinguished:

Oral allergy syndrome

allergic esophagitis;
allergic gastritis;
intestinal colic;
allergic enteropathy;
allergic colitis;
signs of cheilitis, gingivitis, glossitis: swelling of the lips, oral mucosa, tongue;
recurrent aphthous stomatitis.

Allergic esophagitis

In young children:

resembles a clinic of pyloric spasm: vomiting within one hour after feeding;
severe pain during eating.

In older children:

feeling of numbness, burning along the esophagus;
pain in the throat and behind the sternum;
difficulty swallowing due to dyskinesia and edema of the esophagus.

Allergic gastritis

For allergic gastritis, a few minutes after ingesting the allergen:

cramping pain in the epigastrium;
recurrent vomiting.

Allergic enteropathy

Recurrent diarrhea that occurs after ingestion of a food allergen.

Intestinal colic

the onset of an attack after feeding a food allergen;
loud shrill scream;
redness of the face, pallor of the nasolabial triangle;
the stomach is swollen and tense, the legs are pulled up to the stomach, the feet are cold;
arms are pressed to the body.

Allergic colitis

abdominal pain 12–36 hours after eating;
presence of glassy mucus in the stool;
rectal bleeding - hemocolitis.

Severe forms of gastrointestinal allergies

Severe forms of gastrointestinal allergies include allergic gastroenterocolitis with clinical symptoms such as:

repeated vomiting;
bloating;
frequent loose stools;
large amounts of mucus and blood;

In older children, prolonged antigenic irritation of the gastrointestinal mucosa can lead to the formation of ulcers.

Features of gastrointestinal allergies

Features of gastrointestinal allergies in children are:

In children under 3 years of age:

abdominal pain (in infants, intestinal colic is more common);
flatulence;
unstable stools (up to 5–6 times a day, liquefied with mucus, sometimes blood);
regurgitation, vomiting;
obvious and hidden intestinal bleeding leading to anemia;
symptoms are associated with ingestion of food allergens and disappear after eliminating them from the diet.

In children from 3 to 6 years old:

symptoms of gastric dyspepsia are more pronounced: heartburn, nausea, vomiting;
less often than at an early age, symptoms of intestinal dyspepsia occur: flatulence and diarrhea;
abdominal pain is less intense than in infants;
symptoms are associated with ingestion of food allergens and disappear after eliminating them from the diet.

In school-age children:

the clinical picture is more blurred;
Abdominal pain is the most common;
manifestations of gastric dyspepsia (belching, heartburn, nausea);
manifestations of intestinal dyspepsia (constipation);
decreased appetite and complete aversion to the product that caused the allergic process.

Diagnosis of gastrointestinal allergies

When diagnosing gastrointestinal [7, 8] allergies, the following is necessary:

1. Collection of allergy history:

hereditary history of allergies;
the child has skin or respiratory allergies.

2. Determination of clinical features:

connection of the disease with food allergens;
abdominal pain, intestinal colic;
dyspeptic symptoms (vomiting, loose stools with clear mucus and blood);
normal body temperature, no intoxication;
positive dynamics after eliminating the allergen and prescribing antihistamines.

3. Laboratory research methods include:

complete blood count - eosinophilia;
coprogram - light mucus and red blood cells in the stool;
endoscopy: esophagus, stomach, duodenum - pale mucous membrane, mucus, semolina symptom, linear grooves;
histology ≥ 20 eosinophils per field of view.

4. Specific allergological examination:

skin tests with food allergens (scarification, prik-test);
determination of total IgE;
determination of allergen-specific IgE and IgG4.

Treatment of gastrointestinal allergies

Treatment for gastrointestinal allergies includes:

diet therapy with the elimination of causally significant allergens (highly sensitizing and individually intolerant foods are excluded);
pharmacotherapy:
antihistamines;
membrane stabilizers;
enterosorbents;
enzymes.

Diet therapy in infancy

When breastfeeding: a strict hypoallergenic diet for the mother. Foods with high sensitizing activity and individually intolerable foods are excluded from the diet.

When artificial feeding, only medicinal mixtures are prescribed:

protein hydrolysates: complete - whey and casein;
Soy formula is used in children older than 6 months. Their use is limited because sensitization quickly develops to them;
mixtures based on New Zealand goat milk: Nanny classic from birth to 1 year, Nanny 1 with prebiotics for children from 0 to 6 months, Nanny 2 with prebiotics for children from 6 months to 1 year, Nanny 3 - for children over 1 year.

There are differences in the protein composition of New Zealand goat's milk from cow's milk. It contains virtually no αS1-casein; the main casein protein is β-casein. This proportion is close to the composition of human milk. A less dense clot forms in the stomach. Its digestion is greatly facilitated. The formation of a soft casein curd accelerates the breakdown of whey proteins. The complete digestion of goat's milk proteins explains the low risk of allergic reactions when consuming New Zealand goat's milk.

Benefits of New Zealand Goat's Milk Formulas:

there is practically no αS1-casein, which is the main protein in cow's milk that causes allergic reactions;
does not contain sucrose and glucose;
does not contain flavoring additives or dyes;
The composition of Nanny formula for children from birth is as close as possible to human milk.

Contraindications to the use of Nenny mixtures:

lactase deficiency;
allergy to goat's milk;
An immunological examination revealed sensitization to goat milk proteins.

Features of introducing complementary foods to children with gastrointestinal allergies

Features of introducing complementary foods to children with gastrointestinal allergies:

complementary foods are introduced no earlier than 5 months;
vegetable puree only monocomponent;
Dairy-free, hypoallergenic porridges, such as buckwheat, rice, corn. If you are not allergic to goat milk proteins, buckwheat and rice Bibikashi based on New Zealand goat milk are recommended;
rabbit, horse meat, turkey, pork, lamb, beef.

Sample menu for a 7-month-old child with food allergies who is bottle-fed:

6 hours. Nanny 2 mixture with prebiotics 200 ml.
10 hours. Buckwheat Bibikasha 200 ml.
14 hours. Vegetable puree from zucchini 150 ml, meat puree (rabbit meat) 50 g.
18 hours. Nanny 2 mixture with prebiotics 200 ml.
22 hours. Nanny 2 mixture with prebiotics 200 ml.

Whole goat's milk is not recommended for infants. This is an unadapted product. It contains too high a level of minerals, which puts an increased burden on the child’s digestive system and kidneys, and an insufficient amount of vitamins and especially folic acid, which can cause the development of megaloblastic anemia.

Pharmacotherapy

Antihistamines: from 1 month of age - Fenistil (drops), Suprastin (tablets) 2-3 times a day, from 6 months - Zyrtec (drops) - 1 time a day, from 1 year - Erius (syrup) 1 time a day day. The course of treatment is 2–3 weeks.

Membrane stabilizers in the period of remission - Ketotifen 2 times a day, Nalkrom 3-4 times a day. The course of treatment is 2–3 months.

Enterosorbents. During an exacerbation period, 10-14 days - Enterosgel (paste, gel) 2-3 times a day, Smecta, Filtrum, Laktofiltrum.

Enzymes - Creon, Mezim forte, Pancitrate 2-3 weeks.

Symptomatic therapy: for vomiting - Motilium, for flatulence, intestinal colic - Espumisan, Sab simplex.

Prevention of gastrointestinal allergies

In risk groups for the development of food allergies, which includes children with a family history of allergic diseases, it is recommended:

observance of a rational diet by the pregnant woman and during lactation. If a pregnant woman has an allergic reaction, highly allergenic foods are excluded from the diet;
elimination of occupational hazards;
smoking cessation;
breastfeeding until at least 4–6 months of life;
Early (before 4 months of life) introduction of complementary foods is not recommended;
if breastfeeding is impossible for children at risk of developing allergic diseases, it is recommended to use partial protein hydrolysates or Nanny mixtures based on goat milk: Nenny classic, Nenny 1 with prebiotics, Nenny 2 with prebiotics, Nenny 3;
formation of the child’s tolerance to the action of common allergens.

Literature

Baranov A. A., Balabolkin I. I., Subbotina O. A. Gastrointestinal food allergy in children. M.: Publishing house "Dynasty". 2002. 180 p.
Khaitov R. M., Pinegin B. V. Assessment of human immune status in normal and pathological conditions // Immunology. 2001. No. 4. P. 4–6.
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T. G. Malanicheva*, 1, Doctor of Medical Sciences, Professor N. V. Ziatdinova*, Candidate of Medical Sciences S. N. Denisova**, Doctor of Medical Sciences

* State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Professional Education KSMU Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Kazan ** State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Professional Education Russian National Research Medical University named after. N. I. Pirogova Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow

1 Contact information

Symptoms

It is easy to determine the inflammatory process in a child’s skin in the navel area. Signs of omphalitis vary depending on the form of the disease.

With purulent omphalitis, purulent masses form in the umbilical canal, and swelling and redness of the skin around the navel appears.
There is an expansion of the veins on the anterior abdominal wall, which is clearly visible.
The child may be capricious, feel restless, sleep poorly, and have a decreased appetite.
With the rapid development of purulent omphalitis, the navel begins to protrude above the surface of the skin.
If a baby has a weeping form of omphalitis, instead of pus, fluid appears in the umbilical canal.
If the liquid dries out, crusts form on the navel.
With weeping omphalitis, the child may feel well, but this form of the disease provokes the spread of the inflammatory process to neighboring areas of the skin.

Diagnosis of omphalitis in a child

A doctor can diagnose an inflammatory process in the umbilical canal during an initial examination. The child must be shown to a pediatrician and surgeon.
To determine the causative agent of an infectious disease, it is necessary to submit a sample of discharge for bacteriological culture.
Tank culture helps determine the sensitivity of the pathogen to antibacterial drugs.
The child may be prescribed an ultrasound examination to prevent complications in the form of abscesses or phlegmon of the abdominal cavity.
An abdominal x-ray can also be performed to identify complications of omphalitis in a child.
To determine the general condition of the body, the child is prescribed a general blood and urine test.

Causes of the rash

The most likely causes of abdominal rashes in childhood are:

Irritation of an allergic nature. There are a lot of allergens that provoke a reaction from the immune system. A skin rash can be caused by formula or mother's milk (if the mother herself consumed allergenic foods). The main method of therapy for allergic rashes is identifying the allergen and eliminating it.
Infectious lesions of the body. In such cases, the rash is usually severe and is accompanied by other symptoms (high fever, signs of general intoxication of the body).
Impact of external factors. Prolonged contact with wet underwear and untimely diaper changes can cause prickly heat in infants and older children.
Insect bites - mosquitoes, bedbugs, fleas.
Taking medications - any medications can have side effects in the form of rashes, itching and other manifestations.

You should not try to determine the cause of the rash on your own - a qualified specialist in childhood diseases will do this more effectively. If a rash on a child’s stomach is accompanied by additional symptoms, calling a doctor is mandatory.

Read also: Allergies in children

Complications

The occurrence of complications of the disease in children is rare. With timely diagnosis and correctly prescribed treatment, consequences and complications after omphalitis do not arise. But how dangerous is the disease if complications arise? There is a possibility of developing pathologies of various organs and systems.

An inflammatory process of the lymph nodes called lymphangitis may develop.
The occurrence of a purulent process in soft and bone tissues, as well as in the bone marrow.
The development of phlebitis - inflammation of the veins.
The onset of an inflammatory process in the intestinal mucosa or enterocolitis.
Development of sepsis. Sepsis is a blood infection that can be fatal.
The onset of inflammation in the arteries called arthritis.
Inflammatory process in the abdominal wall.

Therefore, the child may be hospitalized to prevent the development of complications.

What to do if a child has diathesis

Local therapy using ointments is one of the components of complex treatment. But both hormonal and non-hormonal drugs should be prescribed by a doctor individually for each baby, taking into account the characteristics of the diathesis.

Self-medication in such a situation is not only ineffective, but also dangerous for the child’s health. Therefore, it is better to contact competent specialists. PsorMak employs doctors with extensive experience in treating diathesis.

We take a comprehensive approach to diagnosis and treatment, and for local therapy we use ointment made according to our own recipe without the addition of hormones.
She has been helping our patients at our clinic for more than 25 years, so we guarantee a complete cure without side effects. Contact us for a consultation so we can begin solving your problem. April 5, 2020
Author of the article: dermatologist Mak Vladimir Fedorovich

Treatment

What can you do

If the disease proceeds without complications, the child is treated at home.
You cannot determine treatment on your own: you need to show the baby to a doctor and adhere to medical recommendations.
With a simple form of omphalitis, treatment occurs by treating the navel with a solution of hydrogen peroxide, after which an alcohol or aqueous solution of an antiseptic is used.
Parents should promptly treat the resulting wound, at least 3 times a day.
Moms and dads should use clean cotton swabs or swabs to prevent additional infection of the inflamed area of skin.
During treatment, the child should be bathed in water with the addition of a weak solution of potassium permanganate.
If bandages and plasters are used, they must be changed promptly.

What does a doctor do

If a child has a complicated form of the disease, treatment takes place in a hospital under the supervision of doctors.
The doctor prescribes antibacterial drugs.
To cure omphalitis in the shortest possible time, physiotherapeutic procedures, laser, and UHF are used.
With complicated omphalitis, in some cases surgical intervention is required. The doctor removes damaged and dead tissue. To reduce intoxication in the child’s body, special drugs are administered intravenously.
For a speedy recovery, antibiotics and immune-enhancing drugs are prescribed.
To ensure that the wound heals after surgery, wound healing agents are used.

Prevention

You can prevent the development of an inflammatory process in a child in the navel area by following simple rules.

If the anatomical structure of the umbilical canal predisposes to the development of omphalitis, it is necessary to monitor the skin in this area.
If the navel is damaged, the resulting wound should be promptly disinfected. For this, water or alcohol antiseptics, as well as hydrogen peroxide, are used.
If necessary, you need to use dressings or a plaster, which must be changed frequently.
Increase the efficiency of the immune system with the help of fresh vegetables and fruits, as well as vitamin and mineral complexes. But taking vitamins should occur after consulting a doctor. To increase immunity, the child must be in the fresh air every day, follow a daily routine and eat well.

You will also learn how untimely treatment of omphalitis in children can be dangerous, and why it is so important to avoid the consequences. All about how to prevent omphalitis in children and prevent complications.

And caring parents will find on the service pages complete information about the symptoms of omphalitis in children. How do the signs of the disease in children aged 1, 2 and 3 differ from the manifestations of the disease in children aged 4, 5, 6 and 7? What is the best way to treat omphalitis in children?

Take care of the health of your loved ones and stay in good shape!

Baby's red belly button

Young mothers have the most difficulties and questions when caring for their newborn’s navel. Why does the umbilical wound turn red and is it dangerous? Can a belly button come undone? How to care for the umbilical wound of a newborn? Indeed, these questions are quite important, so let’s try to understand some of them.

At the moment of birth of the baby, the umbilical cord, which was connected to the mother in the womb, is carefully cut and tied. All! The baby begins an independent life, independent of the mother’s nutrients. The umbilical cord dries out and after a while turns into the well-known navel. But in order for the wound to heal correctly and not become infected, the umbilical ring must be carefully looked after.

Why is my belly button red?

Like any open wound, the navel of a newborn baby is a real “gateway” for any infection. After all, bacteria live everywhere around us: in the air, water, on human skin. And, if the wound is not systematically disinfected, sooner or later pathogenic bacteria will get into it, which spread throughout the body through the circulatory system, affecting all systems and organs. Such infection through the umbilical wound is called omphalitis.

But immediately after cutting the umbilical cord, the umbilical wound will in any case turn red and become slightly swollen. This means that the body has activated a protective reaction aimed at healing the wound. It is necessary to distinguish between normal redness of the umbilical wound and infectious one. If an inflammatory process has begun in the navel, the wound will become bright red, the temperature in this area of the abdomen will rise, and if you put your finger on healthy skin near the wound, you will feel a fairly strong pulsation.

The umbilical wound can also turn red from uncomfortable diapers and rompers that rub the skin. Therefore, be careful that folds of diapers or elastic bands of rompers do not get on the umbilical wound.

When should you start worrying about a red belly button?

If the skin around the umbilical wound is only slightly swollen and swollen, especially if 1-2 days have passed since the birth of the baby, there is no cause for concern. But if the redness is quite strong and, in addition, an unpleasant odor emanates from the wound, purulent discharge appears - this is a reason to urgently show the baby to the pediatrician. Most likely, an infection has entered the cord, and the disease requires urgent treatment.

As a rule, a specialist will prescribe an ointment or gel with an antibiotic (penicillin, which is the most harmless for a newborn) for treatment, but intramuscular injections may also be prescribed in parallel if the infection was severe enough. Be sure to follow all the doctor’s recommendations and the rules of general hygiene so that the inflammatory process stops as quickly as possible and the infection does not penetrate further into the tissue. Systematically clean the wound of pus and disinfect it with hydrogen peroxide. Use only sterile dressings and try to keep the wound away from folds or seams of clothing.

It is also necessary to show the newborn to a doctor if bleeding begins in the area of the umbilical wound and does not stop for more than five minutes, although short-term bleeding is the body’s natural reaction to injury and there is no cause for concern.

How to care for the umbilical wound?

The umbilical wound is now your child’s weakest point. Therefore, the overall health of the newborn depends on how carefully you care for the navel. Here are a few simple rules that must be followed to avoid complications:

Do not bathe your baby until the umbilical cord falls off on its own. There are many bacteria in the water that are not in the air, so swimming earlier can lead to serious infection.
If water accidentally gets on the wound, immediately treat the surface with hydrogen peroxide and cover with a sterile napkin or a piece of sterile bandage.
Until the wound is dry, give the newborn air baths as often as possible. Do not cover the wound with diapers or onesies. The best conditions for wound healing are “in the air,” moreover, under clothing the air is always humid and hot, which is an ideal environment for the proliferation of pathogenic bacteria.
All infant clothing should be made of soft cotton that allows air to pass through freely. When the wound comes into contact with natural tissues, there will be no irritation or other undesirable consequences.
systematically disinfect the umbilical wound with hydrogen peroxide or ordinary brilliant green until completely healed. This must be done after changing the diaper and after each bath (wiping the child with clean water). Rubbing alcohol is also suitable, but if it causes irritation to the baby’s skin, it is better to avoid alcohol.
Add a little potassium permanganate (potassium permanganate) to the baby’s bathing water, this will protect the navel from infection in the water.
At the first suspicion that there is an infection in the umbilical wound, immediately contact the children's clinic.

Lyudmila Sergeevna Sokolova

Reading time: 5 minutes

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Article last updated: 04/18/2019

A woman who has become a mother for the first time pronounces the epithet “first”, regarding a newborn, very often. The first cry, the first feeding, the first smile, the first wound or injury. The latter seem inevitable for such a baby: everything about her is so small, tender, and looks vulnerable. The greatest worries in this regard are caused by the anterior fontanel and the navel: what if the first one does not close or the second one comes undone?

And for the newborn itself, during the mother’s experiences for several months (up to a year) after birth, it is more important that they are properly cared for and protected. And if there are no special rules for the fontanel (the main thing is not to rub it with a towel after bathing, but to get it wet), then for the umbilical wound the following are mandatory:

timely change of the absorber (absorbent pad, diaper, diaper);
treating the navel and the skin around it with a cotton swab previously moistened with a disinfectant liquid (for example, hydrogen peroxide) when changing the absorber;
Make sure that the edge of the absorber does not touch or cover the wound.

You cannot bathe your child until the umbilical cord falls off on its own. Air baths, which help the umbilical wound dry out, are the best prevention of possible complications.

COVID-19 in children from 6 to 12 years old

Symptoms of Covid in children aged 6 to 12 years are similar to the typical clinical picture of ARVI - sore throat, nasal congestion, cough. A rise in temperature from 37 to 38 degrees occurs more often in them than in younger children. Added to the clinical picture are symptoms in children aged 9 to 12 years, such as aching muscles and joints, conjunctivitis, a purple-red rash, loss of appetite, myalgia (muscle pain) and headache. The course of the disease in children of this age group is more reminiscent of the symptoms of coronavirus in adults. COVID-19 in adolescents

In children over 12 years of age, the classic clinical picture of coronavirus infection is more common. They may develop an intense dry cough, sore throat, runny nose, loss of smell and taste, and distorted perception of odors. Unlike patients in younger age groups, adolescents may experience malaise with headache and muscle pain. COVID-19 is especially dangerous for those teenagers who have previously been diagnosed with heart disease. Under the influence of the virus, the myocardium is damaged, which leads to serious consequences related to the functioning of the heart.

Even if the main symptoms are not observed, it is better to consult a pediatrician , who will prescribe an additional examination and establish the correct diagnosis.

You can call a pediatrician at the Euromed Kids clinic at home by calling +7 812 331 00 00

Why is my baby's belly button red?

A clear answer to the question “why?” No. No matter what measures are taken, no matter what sterile conditions the baby is kept in, bacteria will always be present on his skin: there are a lot of them in the air, on the mother’s body and on objects used. An open umbilical wound is the easiest place for them to enter the body of a newborn. Therefore, if this happens, an inflammatory process will begin to develop inside the navel, called the special medical term “omphalitis.”

The danger of omphalitis is that from the source of infection the infection can end up in the blood, which means anywhere else.

The first symptom of incipient inflammation is a red navel in a child. It may be accompanied by such phenomena as:

local swelling and a significant increase in skin temperature in the navel area;
clearly felt pulsation of blood (ibid.);
the navel becoming bright red.

If these symptoms appear, it is necessary, while maintaining composure, to consult a pediatrician. Missed time is fraught with complications and prolonged treatment (up to several months).

A slight change in skin color, which is observed in most newborns after the cord falls off, is not considered a pathology! Proper care ensures that the redness disappears within a few days.

A red belly button in a child can also occur due to poor hygiene. Friction against the diaper can also lead to irritation and redness. Its very rough edge (in comparison with the epithelium of the umbilical wound) has an effect similar to abrasive on the most delicate skin.

Types of rash

Rashes on the abdomen of a child are quite variable in nature and etiology (origin).

Pediatricians distinguish the following types of rash:

Spots are areas with clear boundaries on the surface of the skin of a discolored color (spots do not protrude above the skin and cannot be felt during palpation);
Papules are tubercles up to 5 mm in diameter, without an internal cavity and protruding above the skin;
Plaques are formations raised above the surface of the epidermis, significant in area, having a flattened shape;
Vesicles are formations with liquid contents;
Bubbles are vesicles more than 5 mm in diameter;
Pustules are cavities limited by the membrane with purulent contents.

Some diseases are also characterized by peeling of the skin. Any changes in the appearance of the skin surface are a signal that not everything is in order in the baby’s body. Of course, not all diseases accompanied by a rash require special therapy, but such signs should not be ignored in any case.