This article has been professionally reviewed by Dr. Nguyen Thi An, MSc, MD, Pediatrician - Neonatology Department, Vinmec Ha Long International Hospital.
Betadine is a common antiseptic solution widely used in medical facilities and hospitals, which raises the question for many mothers: can Betadine be safely used to disinfect a newborn's umbilical cord?
1. What is an umbilical cord infection?
Umbilical cord infection refers to an infection of the umbilical stump in newborns after birth. The infection may be localized or spread to surrounding areas. When the umbilical cord becomes infected, the area will show signs of inflammation, redness spreading to the abdominal wall, swelling, discharge with a foul odor, and sometimes pus.
2. Causes of Umbilical Cord Infection
The primary cause of umbilical cord infection often stems from mothers' lack of knowledge about proper neonatal care. Many mothers, fearing they might hurt their babies, tend to wrap the area tightly, leading to poor ventilation, which promotes bacterial growth and infection. If the umbilical area is not kept clean, infections are likely to occur, with Staphylococcus aureus being the main culprit. There are three levels of umbilical cord infection:
Grade 1: Redness at the base of the umbilical cord, with normal skin on the surrounding abdomen.
Grade 2: Redness around the base of the umbilical cord spreading to the skin with a diameter ≥ 2 cm.
Grade 3: Redness around the base of the umbilical cord spreading to the skin with a diameter > 2 cm, often without inflammation of the hypogastric veins.
3. Signs of Umbilical Cord Infection in Newborns
Umbilical cord infection in newborns has clear and easily observable signs. Parents can promptly identify the issue by monitoring for the following symptoms:
- Swelling and redness of the umbilical area and/or surrounding skin.
- Umbilical area leaking fluid, pus, or remaining wet after falling off
- Foul-smelling discharge from the umbilical area.
- Bleeding from the umbilical stump.
4. Can Betadine (Povidone Iodine) Be Used to Disinfect a Newborn’s Umbilical Cord?
Betadine, containing the active ingredient Povidone iodine, is an antiseptic solution commonly used for wound disinfection in hospitals. This solution dries quickly after application, does not cause a burning sensation, and is less toxic than natural iodine products. However, Betadine is contraindicated for use in newborns and children under two years of age. For pregnant and breastfeeding women, as well as children under six months, Betadine should only be used under a doctor’s supervision.
In cases where parents unknowingly use Betadine for umbilical cord care, specific recommendations depend on how the solution was applied:
If the mother applied the solution to a cotton swab and used it to clean the umbilical cord once daily, it is sufficient to discontinue use without requiring a doctor’s visit. Instead, mothers should use 70% alcohol or 0.9% saline solution to disinfect the umbilical cord.
If the solution was applied directly to the umbilical area more than twice a day or in quantities exceeding two drops each time, the child should be taken to a healthcare facility to check thyroid function.
Betadine solutions used for perineal wound care post-delivery do not significantly impact newborns, as the absorption and excretion of the medication through breast milk are negligible. However, breastfeeding mothers should also limit Betadine use and only apply it when prescribed by a doctor.
The Pediatric Department at Vinmec International Hospital is a trusted address for examining and treating common conditions in newborns and children. Equipped with state-of-the-art technology and sterile facilities, the hospital minimizes risks of cross-infection. Moreover, the dedication of highly skilled and experienced pediatric specialists ensures that medical examinations are no longer a source of anxiety for parents.
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