Treatment of Umbilical Infection in Adults

Initial Management

• The American College of Physicians recommends cleansing the umbilical area with an antiseptic solution, and avoiding the use of tincture of iodine as it may cause tissue irritation, with other iodine-containing products being suitable alternatives 1
• The Infectious Diseases Society of America suggests not applying topical antibiotic ointments or creams to the umbilical area as they may promote fungal infections and antimicrobial resistance 1