Efficacy of Arnica Echinacea powder in umbilical cord care in a large cohort study

BACKGROUND: Today healthy newborns are discharged after 48 h-72 h of life until umbilical cord (UC) detachment. Complications due to an inappropriate management are: erythema, edema, bleeding, omphalitis and sepsis. Hence the importance of a safe, effective, easy to do, and cheap method. AIM: This study tests the effects and the efficacy of arnica echinacea powder by evaluating the time of cord detachment and the risk of side effects in a large cohort of newborns. METHODS: 6323 babies were treated with Arnica Echinacea powder twice a day until cord stump detachment. Medications started in hospital ward and continued at home until stump detachment. RESULTS: The UC stump detachment occurred in 89.09% of newborns during the first 4 days of life. This percentage increase to 96.13% at 6 days. CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrates the efficacy and the safety of arnica echinacea in UC separation. No infections or even bacterial colonizations were found. The use of arnica echinacea reduces hospital costs as a consequence of complications. In addition arnica use is well received by medical staff and parents. In conclusion due to its potential benefits, low cost and feasibility, we recommend the use of arnica echinacea powder as routine procedure in all nurseries.