Umbilical hernia, commonly known as an "outie" belly button, is a condition that ancient medical texts often documented as a common ailment in newborns. However, it can also occur in critically ill patients, though such cases are not the focus of this discussion.

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1. Accumulated Heat︰When a newborn baby has an umbilical hernia that is red, swollen, and enlarged, it is due to heat accumulated in the abdomen during the fetal stage, which cannot be released and rushes into the navel, causing the hernia to appear immediately after birth. For treatment, it is advisable to clear heat, remove toxins, and dispel wind to reduce swelling. The recommended prescription is Rhinoceros Horn Detoxification Decoction.
2. Cold-dampness︰A newborn baby, about ten days after birth, suddenly develops swelling around the navel, which is not red, and produces a slight sound when pressed or twisted, or experiences palpitation due to fright and cries. This is because the infant is delicate and weak, and during bathing, they catch cold and are exposed to dampness. The cold-dampness evil invades the spleen and stomach, stagnating at the navel area, hence the condition often occurs within ten days after birth. The two symptoms differ, and so do the treatments. If the swelling is not red and produces a slight sound when pressed, the treatment should focus on water-draining and dampness-percolating, dissipating cold to relieve pain. The prescription can be White Peony Root Decoction with Coix Seed, or Erdou Powder, and for external use, Waixiao Powder.

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1. Yizong Jinjian Pediatrics Zabing Xinfa Yaojue．Chapter on Newborns: umbilical hernia Note: "It is most important to avoid applying cold and cooling medicines on the navel, as the cold may congeal the toxic heat, causing harm instead."