Symptoms
An umbilical hernia often occurs in infants and young children. It manifests as a belly button that protrudes by a few centimeters. The protrusion is soft and can be temporarily pushed back into the abdomen with a finger, but subsequently reappears. The condition is aggravated when crying and when stooling. An umbilical hernia usually causes no discomfort and is more common in premature babies, babies with low birth weight and dark skin color.
Causes
The protrusion is caused by a section of intestine that exits through an opening in the muscles of the abdominal wall under the skin and peritoneum.
Diagnosis
An umbilical hernia should always be evaluated by a pediatrician because of rare complications. The diagnosis is made on the basis of the clinical picture. Rarely, imaging studies are necessary.
Treatment
Usually, the umbilicus regresses on its own in the first months or years of life and no treatment is necessary. The literature mentions the use of a skin-friendly and transparent patch (e.g., Tegaderm, waterproof). A minor surgical procedure may be necessary if the duration is too long.
