Time of separation of the umbilical cord: a comparative study of treatment with alcohol and Rikospray.

The time of cord separation and the umbilical changes post cord falling were studied in 394 infants, 35 to 42 weeks gestation, 1900 to 4500 g birth weight. Two methods of treatment; alcohol 70% with 0.5% chlorhexidine, and Rikospray were compared. The mean +/- SD age of cord separation was 6.36 +/- 2.64 days (range 3-20 days) in all infants studied. The time of cord separation and post fall umbilical complications were similar in the two treated groups. The only point of difference was the repulsive odor in the alcohol-treated group, making handling of the infants very unpleasant.