Treatment of umbilical granuloma with common salt: a systematic review of current evidence
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.29352/mill0228.41949Keywords:
umbilical granuloma; sodium chloride; silver nitrate; infant; home care services; therapeuticsAbstract
Introduction: Umbilical granuloma (UG) is a common benign condition in neonates, characterized by the persistence of granulation tissue at the umbilical stump. Conventional treatment with silver nitrate is effective but may cause chemical burns and requires professional application. Common salt has emerged as a low-cost, safe, and readily available alternative, particularly beneficial in resource-limited settings.
Objective: To assess, based on the available scientific evidence, the effectiveness, safety, and feasibility of using common salt as a therapeutic alternative to silver nitrate in the treatment of umbilical granuloma in neonates.
Methods: A systematic review was conducted, including randomized clinical trials, observational studies, and case reports published between 2020 and 2025. Searches were performed in PubMed, Scopus, SciELO, LILACS, Google Scholar, and grey literature. Two independent reviewers carried out study selection, methodological quality assessment (using JBI and CARE tools), and data extraction. A narrative synthesis was undertaken due to study heterogeneity.
Results: A total of 13 studies were included (4 RCTs, 5 observational studies, and 4 case reports). Resolution rates with common salt ranged from 85% to 100%, with an average healing time of 3 to 7 days and no relevant adverse events reported. Efficacy was comparable to silver nitrate, with additional benefits regarding safety and home-based application.
Conclusion: Common salt represents an effective, safe, and accessible alternative for the treatment of umbilical granuloma, with strong potential for home use. Further high-quality studies are needed to support the incorporation of this approach into clinical guidelines.
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References
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