Medical Conditions

Umbilical Granuloma (Tissue Growth After Cord Falls Off)

Medically reviewed by Dr. Michael Okonkwo, MD, FAAP · Board-Certified Neonatologist

Content reviewed against published AAP, NIH guidelines

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If your baby has been diagnosed with or you suspect umbilical granuloma (tissue growth after cord falls off), here is what the evidence says.

The short answer

An umbilical granuloma is a small, moist, pink or red tissue growth that can form at the belly button after the umbilical cord stump falls off. It is not painful and is very common. It usually needs to be treated with silver nitrate application by your pediatrician to help it dry up and heal, which is a quick and painless in-office procedure.

Key takeaways

  • An umbilical granuloma is a small, moist, pink or red tissue growth that can form at the belly button after the umbilical cord stump falls off. It is not painful and is very common. It usually needs to be treated with silver nitrate application by your pediatrician to help it dry up and heal, which is a quick and painless in-office procedure.
  • Usually normal when: A small, moist, pink or red tissue growth at the belly button after the cord falls off
  • Call your doctor if: The belly button area becomes red, swollen, warm, or tender with foul-smelling discharge, which could indicate infection
  • Varies by age — see the age-by-age breakdown below
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What Parents Should Know

According to AAP, NIH guidelines, an umbilical granuloma is a small, moist, pink or red tissue growth that can form at the belly button after the umbilical cord stump falls off. It is not painful and is very common. It usually needs to be treated with silver nitrate application by your pediatrician to help it dry up and heal, which is a quick and painless in-office procedure. At 0-1 month, after the umbilical cord stump falls off (usually 1-3 weeks after birth), you may notice a small, moist, pinkish-red tissue growth at the belly button. This is an umbilical granuloma. It may ooze a small amount of clear or slightly yellow fluid and does not heal on its own like the rest of the cord site. It is not infected and does not cause your baby any pain. Your pediatrician can treat it by applying silver nitrate, a chemical that cauterizes the tissue, usually requiring 1-3 applications. This procedure is quick, painless, and done in the office. It is generally considered normal when a small, moist, pink or red tissue growth at the belly button after the cord falls off. However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if the belly button area becomes red, swollen, warm, or tender with foul-smelling discharge, which could indicate infection.

Sources: [1], [2]

Normal vs. Concerning

Usually Normal
Worth Discussing
A small, moist, pink or red tissue growth at the belly button after the cord falls off
The belly button area becomes red, swollen, warm, or tender with foul-smelling discharge, which could indicate infection
Small amount of clear or slightly yellow drainage from the granuloma
Bleeding from the belly button that does not stop with gentle pressure, or fever in your newborn
The surrounding skin is not red, swollen, or tender
You notice a growth at the belly button after the cord stump falls off
Baby is not in pain and the area does not smell bad
The granuloma is not improving after silver nitrate treatment

By Age

What to expect by age

0-1 month

After the umbilical cord stump falls off (usually 1-3 weeks after birth), you may notice a small, moist, pinkish-red tissue growth at the belly button. This is an umbilical granuloma. It may ooze a small amount of clear or slightly yellow fluid and does not heal on its own like the rest of the cord site. It is not infected and does not cause your baby any pain. Your pediatrician can treat it by applying silver nitrate, a chemical that cauterizes the tissue, usually requiring 1-3 applications. This procedure is quick, painless, and done in the office.

1-3 months

If treated, the umbilical granuloma should heal within 1-2 weeks after silver nitrate application. Some granulomas require more than one treatment. If the granuloma has not been treated or is not responding to treatment, your pediatrician will assess whether further intervention is needed. Keep the area clean and dry between treatments.

3-6 months

Umbilical granulomas that persist despite treatment or that are very large may occasionally need to be tied off or surgically removed, though this is uncommon. If the belly button area continues to drain or has not healed, consult your pediatrician.

6-12 months

An umbilical granuloma should be fully resolved by this age. Persistent drainage or tissue at the belly button beyond 6 months may warrant further evaluation to rule out other causes such as an umbilical polyp or urachal remnant.

What to Tell Your Pediatrician

  • Describe when you first noticed umbilical granuloma (tissue growth after cord falls off) and how it has changed over time.
  • Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
  • Mention if you notice a growth at the belly button after the cord stump falls off.
  • Mention if the granuloma is not improving after silver nitrate treatment.
  • Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
  • Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.

What Should You Do?

When to take action

Probably normal when...
  • A small, moist, pink or red tissue growth at the belly button after the cord falls off
  • Small amount of clear or slightly yellow drainage from the granuloma
  • The surrounding skin is not red, swollen, or tender
  • Baby is not in pain and the area does not smell bad
Mention at your next visit when...
  • You notice a growth at the belly button after the cord stump falls off
  • The granuloma is not improving after silver nitrate treatment
  • The area continues to drain clear fluid for more than a few weeks
Act now when...
  • The belly button area becomes red, swollen, warm, or tender with foul-smelling discharge, which could indicate infection
  • Bleeding from the belly button that does not stop with gentle pressure, or fever in your newborn

What You Can Do at Home

  • Keep track of when you notice umbilical granuloma (tissue growth after cord falls off) — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
  • Remember that a small, moist, pink or red tissue growth at the belly button after the cord falls off — this is generally within the range of normal.
  • At 0-1 month, focus on observation rather than intervention unless your pediatrician advises otherwise.
  • Follow any care instructions from your pediatrician. Keep a written log of symptoms to bring to appointments.
  • While monitoring at home, seek immediate care if the belly button area becomes red, swollen, warm, or tender with foul-smelling discharge, which could indicate infection.

Umbilical Cord Stump Bleeding

A small amount of bleeding or oozing from the umbilical cord stump is common, especially as it separates or after it falls off. A few drops of blood on the diaper or a slight ooze that stops with gentle pressure is typically normal. However, active or persistent bleeding that soaks the diaper or does not stop with gentle pressure needs medical attention.

Umbilical Cord Stump Infection

An umbilical cord stump infection (omphalitis) is a serious but uncommon condition in newborns. Signs include redness spreading around the base of the stump, foul-smelling discharge, swelling, and warmth. While minor oozing or a small amount of clear or slightly bloody discharge is normal during healing, any significant redness, pus, or odor warrants prompt medical evaluation.

Oozing After Cord Falls Off

A small amount of clear or slightly bloody fluid from the belly button after the cord stump falls off is common and usually harmless. This minor oozing typically resolves within a few days with gentle cleaning and keeping the area dry. Persistent oozing may indicate an umbilical granuloma, which your pediatrician can easily treat.

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Frequently asked questions

Is umbilical granuloma (tissue growth after cord falls off) normal?
An umbilical granuloma is a small, moist, pink or red tissue growth that can form at the belly button after the umbilical cord stump falls off. It is not painful and is very common. It usually needs to be treated with silver nitrate application by your pediatrician to help it dry up and heal, which is a quick and painless in-office procedure.
When should I call the doctor about umbilical granuloma (tissue growth after cord falls off)?
The belly button area becomes red, swollen, warm, or tender with foul-smelling discharge, which could indicate infection Bleeding from the belly button that does not stop with gentle pressure, or fever in your newborn
When is umbilical granuloma (tissue growth after cord falls off) normal?
A small, moist, pink or red tissue growth at the belly button after the cord falls off Small amount of clear or slightly yellow drainage from the granuloma The surrounding skin is not red, swollen, or tender
What causes umbilical granuloma (tissue growth after cord falls off)?
An umbilical granuloma is a small, moist, pink or red tissue growth that can form at the belly button after the umbilical cord stump falls off. It is not painful and is very common. It usually needs to be treated with silver nitrate application by your pediatrician to help it dry up and heal, which is a quick and painless in-office procedure. Common explanations include: A small, moist, pink or red tissue growth at the belly button after the cord falls off. Small amount of clear or slightly yellow drainage from the granuloma.
What should I mention to my pediatrician about umbilical granuloma (tissue growth after cord falls off)?
You should mention umbilical granuloma (tissue growth after cord falls off) at your next visit if: You notice a growth at the belly button after the cord stump falls off. The granuloma is not improving after silver nitrate treatment. The area continues to drain clear fluid for more than a few weeks.
Is umbilical granuloma (tissue growth after cord falls off) normal at 0-1 month?
After the umbilical cord stump falls off (usually 1-3 weeks after birth), you may notice a small, moist, pinkish-red tissue growth at the belly button. This is an umbilical granuloma. It may ooze a small amount of clear or slightly yellow fluid and does not heal on its own like the rest of the cord site. It is not infected and does not cause your baby any pain. Your pediatrician can treat it by applying silver nitrate, a chemical that cauterizes the tissue, usually requiring 1-3 applications. This procedure is quick, painless, and done in the office.
Is umbilical granuloma (tissue growth after cord falls off) normal at 1-3 months?
If treated, the umbilical granuloma should heal within 1-2 weeks after silver nitrate application. Some granulomas require more than one treatment. If the granuloma has not been treated or is not responding to treatment, your pediatrician will assess whether further intervention is needed. Keep the area clean and dry between treatments.
Should I go to the ER for umbilical granuloma (tissue growth after cord falls off)?
Seek emergency care if the belly button area becomes red, swollen, warm, or tender with foul-smelling discharge, which could indicate infection, or if bleeding from the belly button that does not stop with gentle pressure, or fever in your newborn. When in doubt, call your pediatrician's after-hours line for guidance.
Does umbilical granuloma (tissue growth after cord falls off) go away on its own?
In many cases, umbilical granuloma (tissue growth after cord falls off) resolves on its own, especially when a small, moist, pink or red tissue growth at the belly button after the cord falls off. By 6-12 months, an umbilical granuloma should be fully resolved by this age. Persistent drainage or tissue at the belly button beyond 6 months may warrant further evaluation to rule out other causes such as an umbilical polyp or urachal remnant.
AAPNIH

References

  1. [1]American Academy of Pediatrics. Umbilical Cord Care. HealthyChildren.org. AAP
  2. [2]National Library of Medicine. Umbilical Granuloma. StatPearls. NIH

Doctor Visit Checklist

Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss Umbilical Granuloma (Tissue Growth After Cord Falls Off).

Things to mention

  • Describe when you first noticed umbilical granuloma (tissue growth after cord falls off) and how it has changed over time.
  • Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
  • Mention if you notice a growth at the belly button after the cord stump falls off.
  • Mention if the granuloma is not improving after silver nitrate treatment.
  • Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
  • Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.

Observations to share

  • You notice a growth at the belly button after the cord stump falls off
  • The granuloma is not improving after silver nitrate treatment
  • The area continues to drain clear fluid for more than a few weeks

Urgent signs to report immediately

  • The belly button area becomes red, swollen, warm, or tender with foul-smelling discharge, which could indicate infection
  • Bleeding from the belly button that does not stop with gentle pressure, or fever in your newborn

My notes

From ismybabyalright.com — free, evidence-based baby health guides

All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.

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Bottom line

Most cases of umbilical granuloma (tissue growth after cord falls off) are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if the belly button area becomes red, swollen, warm, or tender with foul-smelling discharge, which could indicate infection.

Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician. Worrying about your baby means you care — that is a good thing.

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Umbilical Cord Stump Bleeding

A small amount of bleeding or oozing from the umbilical cord stump is common, especially as it separates or after it falls off. A few drops of blood on the diaper or a slight ooze that stops with gentle pressure is typically normal. However, active or persistent bleeding that soaks the diaper or does not stop with gentle pressure needs medical attention.

Umbilical Cord Stump Infection

An umbilical cord stump infection (omphalitis) is a serious but uncommon condition in newborns. Signs include redness spreading around the base of the stump, foul-smelling discharge, swelling, and warmth. While minor oozing or a small amount of clear or slightly bloody discharge is normal during healing, any significant redness, pus, or odor warrants prompt medical evaluation.

Oozing After Cord Falls Off

A small amount of clear or slightly bloody fluid from the belly button after the cord stump falls off is common and usually harmless. This minor oozing typically resolves within a few days with gentle cleaning and keeping the area dry. Persistent oozing may indicate an umbilical granuloma, which your pediatrician can easily treat.

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