Umbilical hernia is the result of a failure of the umbilical ring to close*. This defect in the fascia can range from several millimeters to 5 cm or more in diameter.
Skin protrusion is not always indicative of the size of the defect*.
Umbilical hernias usually close spontaneously at around 3 to 4 years of age. Pressure dressings and other devices to keep the hernia reduced do not improve the closure process and may cause skin irritation*.
SCIENTIFIC EVIDENCE * P Mattei. Fundamentals of Pediatric Surgery. * GW Holcomb, J Patrick Murphy, DJ Ostlie. Aschcraft´s Pediatric Surgery 6º Ed. * JM Hutson, M O’Brien, SW Beasley, WJ Teague, SK King. Jones’ Clinical Paediatric Surgery 7º Ed.