Name of the Condition

• Cutaneous abscess of umbilicus
• Also known as umbilical abscess

Summary

A cutaneous abscess of the umbilicus is a collection of pus that forms in the tissue around the navel (belly button). It is often the result of a bacterial infection and can cause pain, redness, and swelling.

Causes

• Bacterial infection, often involving Staphylococcus aureus.
• Poor hygiene or improper cleaning of the umbilical area.
• Piercing of the navel or trauma to the area.

Risk Factors

• Poor personal hygiene practices.
• Presence of umbilical piercings.
• Diabetes, which can affect the body's ability to fight infections.
• Weakened immune system.

Symptoms

• Swelling and redness around the umbilicus.
• Pain or tenderness in the affected area.
• Warmth around the abscess.
• Discharge of pus from the navel.

Diagnosis

• Physical examination by a healthcare provider.
• Laboratory tests of pus samples to identify the causative bacteria.
• Ultrasound or other imaging techniques to assess the extent of the abscess.

Treatment Options

• Incision and drainage to release pus from the abscess.
• Antibiotics to treat the underlying bacterial infection.
• Pain management with over-the-counter pain relievers.

Prognosis and Follow-Up

• With proper treatment, the prognosis is usually good.
• Importance of follow-up visits to ensure the infection is completely resolved.
• Monitoring for any recurrence of symptoms.

Complications

• Spread of infection to surrounding tissues or bloodstream.
• Formation of a chronic or recurrent abscess.
• Scarring or deformity of the umbilicus.

Lifestyle & Prevention

• Regular cleaning and care of the umbilical area.
• Avoidance of trauma or unnecessary manipulation, such as piercings.
• Managing chronic conditions, like diabetes, to minimize infection risk.

When to Seek Professional Help

• Increased pain, swelling, or redness around the umbilicus.
• Fever or signs of systemic infection (e.g., chills, malaise).
• Persistent or worsening symptoms despite initial treatment.

Additional Resources

• Mayo Clinic: Information on skin abscesses.
• American Academy of Dermatology: Guidance on skin infections.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Resources on skin and soft tissue infections.

Tips for Medical Coders

• Confirm the exact location of the cutaneous abscess when coding (specifically, the umbilicus for L02.216).
• Verify accompanying infection details to avoid coding errors related to causative agents.
• Watch for documentation specifying complications or underlying conditions that may require additional coding.