Shinas Health Center, Ministry of Health, Oman

Corresponding Author: Dr. Fadi Ahmad Al-Hussein, General Surgery Specialist, Shinas Health Center, North Al Batinah, Oman.

Citation: Dr. Fadi Al-Hussain (2026). Topical Common Salt for the Treatment of Umbilical Granuloma in Early Infancy: A Case Series from Oman. Euro J Case Rep Clin Imag. 2026; June, e21,1-4.

Copyrights © Dr. Fadi Al-Hussain, 2026, et al., This article is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Non Commercial-4.0-International-License-(CCBY-NC) (https://europeanjournalofcasereports.org/blogpage/copyright-policy). Usage and distribution for commercial purposes require written permission.

Abstract:

Background: Umbilical granuloma is one of the most common benign umbilical abnormalities encountered during the neonatal period. It typically develops shortly after umbilical cord separation and may present with persistent umbilical discharge. Although chemical cauterization with silver nitrate has traditionally been used as the standard treatment, topical common salt has emerged as a simple, inexpensive, and safe alternative [1–3]. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of topical common salt in the treatment of umbilical granuloma in early infancy. Methods: A descriptive case series was conducted at Shinas Health Center, Oman, between January 2024 and June 2026. Six infants with clinically diagnosed umbilical granuloma were included. Most patients presented during the first month of life. Body weight ranged from 3.0 to 4.5 kg. Lesions appeared shortly after umbilical cord separation as a round granulomatous mass approximately 5 mm in diameter located centrally within the umbilicus. Most infants presented with persistent yellow serous discharge. Topical common table salt was applied directly over the lesion twice daily for 3 to 7 days. Results: Complete healing was observed in all six infants. Treatment success rate: 6 / 6 × 100 = 100%. No adverse effects, skin irritation, infection, bleeding, or recurrence were observed during the two-month follow-up period. Conclusion: Topical common salt appears to be a safe, effective, low-cost, and easily accessible treatment option for umbilical granuloma in infants. It may serve as an excellent first-line treatment, particularly in primary healthcare settings.

Keywords: Umbilical Granuloma, Salt Treatment, Neonate, Infant, Pediatric Surgery, Oman.