Q: Traces of blood have been oozing out from my umbilicus from the last one week. It is foul smelling. My doctor sent the blood sample for culture and the report is yet to come. What are the causes of the blood oozing from the umbilicus? The doctor has ruled out umbilical hernia and there is no wound either. Please advise.

A:The most likely cause is retention of secretions and infection in the umbilical scar. This gives rise to growth of what is called granulation tissue which can bleed. The alternative is what is called an umbilical adenoma which is proliferation of some embryonic tissue left in the umbilicus. Both conditions are benign but require attention from a surgeon for cure.