My son is 4 weeks old and saw the doctor today because his umbilical stump hadnt fallen off yet. They applied silver nitarte all over it and around it inside the belly button. I went to change his diaper and noticed that he has a large area of skin on his stomach around the bellybutton that turned a brownish black. It looks like something spilled on his tomach but it wont come off. I also noticed that it was all over his clothes. Will this eventually fade or is it something I should be concerned about?
It eventually came off after a few baths. Thanks everyone!
This should fade. It is a normal side effect that can occur sometimes. It also is to be safer than sorry. I would call the pediatrician's office just to ease my mind. I knew someone that this happened to and the doctor said it was fine but I know that the doctor's are different on their care. Sorry I can't be much of help.
A. McClure
Hi S.!
Silver Nitrate is a good antibiotic, but it does stain. I found this online about how long it would take clear off:
One week to up to a month depending in how long it was on the skin and the concentration. One solution that help to remove the stains is washing the area with saltwater.
Hope it helps you, take care,
My daughter had this happen, too. Hers had fallen off, but apparently there was a tiny bit that was stuck in her belly button, so her pediatrician used the silver nitrate. The blackish marks did go away from her skin (I think pretty quickly, and I may have used a bit of alcohol to get it off), but it did not ever come out of her clothing. I still have the tiny shirt she wore home from that appointment, and it has black marks near the belly button area on it!
:) As he sloughs that skin, the mark will get lighter until it eventually goes away - much like a suntan fades. Ugly, but harmless.
The clothes are probably stuck.
S.
