Evidence Based Practices in Umbilical Kord Care

The umbilical cord is a structure composed of blood vessels and connective tissue that connects the baby and placenta in intrauterine period. The umbilical cord is cut at birth and divides the baby and the mother both physically and symbolically. The infection of the cut umbilical cord is called omphalitis. Umbilical cord flora is susceptible to infections and carries a gate for the entry of infections into the body. Therefore, their care is of utmost importance. There are different applications in the literature on umbilical cord care. The aim of this study is to examine the evidence-based applications used in umbilical cord care. In accordance with the experimental research and systematic investigations about the care of umbilical cord, the most commonly used applications were; alcohol, povidone iodide, chlorhexidine, triple dye, olive oil, breast milk and natural drying method. The advantages and disadvantages of all antiseptics used in the care of the umbilical stump are emphasized in the studies. The most studied groups in the umbilical cord care are chlorhexidine and 70% alcohol. There is insufficient evidence to support antiseptic practice in developed countries. It is insufficient to make any conclusions about the effectiveness of antiseptics in terms of the number and results of the studies