4 week old baby, red naval

[stressed out]

I just noticed this evening that my 4 week old boy has a red sore naval and has been sleepy for a couple of days, i did'nt call earlier as i have been in bed with fever and have the flu, and i called my G.P surgery but they were closed so i was put through an emergency line, a doctor just called back and told me that no on-call doctor would come out for a 4 week old baby as it was theyre policy!
And did'nt sound concerned and said that they were very busy and tried to put me off making an appointment! He finally made me an appointment for later on tonight at my nearest hospital as i told him i was concerned as he was a young baby.

Does anyone know what this could be?

Thanks

[redcrx]

always best to get anything unusual in such a young baby checked out.

The red navel may just be because hes so young and its still healing from birth. My sons was sore looking for a few weeks too. bath it with cooled boiled water often and try and tuck his nappies at front so they dont rub on it.

The sleepyness could be that he has caught your cold, keep a close eye on him and his temperature, keep an eye out for any unusual rashes or floppiness.

I cant believe that any doctor would refuse to see a patient, especially a baby, but the GP should have got you an appointment asap without you having to ask.

If you son seems to get any worse or you are concerned then take him straight to A&E.

[stressed out]

Thanks for your speedy response, the naval had healed well, the redness is a sudden thing, it looks as if there's blood under the skin. The on call gp made me an appointment for my local hospital, he said i should'nt have to wait, the appointment is in about half an hour, gotta get my skates on.

Thanks again.

[redcrx]

hope alls well, please post back tomorrow if you can, with news.

[stressed out]

Just got back, apparently the doctor said it probably got sore from rubbing on his clothes and advised me to bathe with salt water. I don't think i was being over anxious as it was red and he has been very sleepy. I'm glad it was nothing serious and he's still asleep in the carseat.

[redcrx]

Im so pleased. I hope the hospital didnt make you feel like you shouldnt have been there.
At least you reacted to what you thought may have been something serious rather than ignore it.
I hope it clears up soon and that he is back to his normal self. x

[stressed out]

Thanks again, the doctor advised me to give him Paracetamol, i was surprised as i always thought it was not to be given to babies under 2 mths old but he assured me that in the hospital they administer and prescribe it to premature babies! He said it is the safest medicine.
Plus i have to bathe the naval with salt water daily.

[crisgal]

if ever you're concerned about anything, stressedout, you could always try the nhs direct helpline. You can speak to a nurse or doctor who will advise you on whether or not to see a doctor.
With three children myself, they have been invaluable over the last few years.
I have always found them to be helpful and supportive - they have never made me feel like I shouldn't have called.
0845 46 47 48

[redcrx]

i agree with crisgal. Ive had to phone them a few times about bugs and rashes when GPs surgery closed. I also had to call when my little boy decided to eat his sudocream. They are great and always call back fairly quickly when its a baby involved.