What is the cause of umbilical discharge in an adult?

From the Guidelines

Umbilical drainage in an adult is a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention to prevent potential complications such as infection, abscess, or malignancy. The most common causes of umbilical drainage in adults include umbilical pilonidal sinus, infected umbilical granuloma, fistula, abscess, or rarely, malignancy. A healthcare provider will likely clean the area, obtain cultures of the drainage, and may prescribe antibiotics such as amoxicillin-clavulanate 875/125 mg twice daily for 7-10 days or clindamycin 300 mg four times daily if penicillin-allergic, as supported by general medical knowledge and not specifically addressed in the provided studies 1.

Key Considerations

• The umbilicus is a natural skin fold that can trap moisture, bacteria, and debris, making it susceptible to infection, especially in individuals with poor hygiene, obesity, or diabetes.
• Prompt medical attention is necessary to prevent potential complications and to determine the underlying cause of the drainage.
• Keeping the area clean and dry with gentle washing using mild soap and water, followed by thorough drying and application of an antiseptic solution like chlorhexidine may be recommended for mild cases.

Treatment Options

• Antibiotics may be prescribed to treat underlying infections, with the specific type and duration of treatment depending on the severity of the condition and the results of cultures.
• Surgical intervention may be necessary to remove infected tissue or repair anatomical defects in more severe cases.
• It is essential to seek medical care rather than attempting to treat umbilical drainage at home, as this can lead to delayed diagnosis and treatment, potentially resulting in worse outcomes.

Prevention

• Promoting good hygiene and keeping the umbilical area clean and dry can help prevent infections, although this is not directly addressed in the provided studies 1.
• Avoiding the use of unhygienic substances or nonsterile devices on the umbilical cord can also help prevent infections, as noted in the context of newborn care 1.

From the Research

Umbilical Drainage in Adults

• Umbilical drainage in adults is a rare condition that can be caused by various congenital or acquired conditions 2.
• One possible cause of umbilical drainage is primary umbilical endometriosis, which is a rare condition that can present with chronic umbilical drainage 3.
• A study published in 2007 presented three cases of spontaneous umbilical drainage in adults, demonstrating an approach that avoids the need for expensive diagnostic imaging 2.
• The approach involves a careful office exam and basic laparoscopic skills, highlighting the importance of a thorough examination in diagnosing the cause of umbilical drainage.

Possible Causes and Treatments

• Umbilical endometriosis is a rare condition that can cause umbilical drainage, and its diagnosis may be delayed due to its rarity 3.
• Other possible causes of umbilical drainage include congenital or acquired conditions, such as umbilical hernias or omphalitis 2.
• Treatment of umbilical drainage depends on the underlying cause, and may involve surgical intervention or medical management.
• A study on ciprofloxacin, a broad-spectrum antibiotic, highlights its effectiveness in treating various infections, including those that may cause umbilical drainage 4.

Related Studies

• A study published in 2023 investigated the effect of umbilical cord drainage after spontaneous delivery in the third stage of labor, finding that it significantly shortens the duration of the third stage of labor and reduces the risk of placental retention 5.
• Another study published in 1998 investigated the arterial vascular anatomy of the umbilicus, highlighting the importance of preserving blood flow to the umbilicus during surgical procedures 6.