Care Advice
What You Should Know About Circumcisions:
- The tip (head) of the penis is bright red after the foreskin is removed. This is normal. The skin will heal and look normal over the next 2 weeks.
- The rest of the penis should not be red.
- Pieces of skin near the incision line are often yellow in color. The color is from bilirubin. It is harmless and not an infection.
- The penis will be swollen for a few days. There may be some bruises or dried blood on it.
- Most circumcisions heal quickly.
- Infections are rare.
- Here is some care advice that should help.
Plastic Ring Type Circ:
- Gently wash the area with warm water twice a day.
- Also, do this if it becomes dirty with poop.
Incision (No Plastic Ring is Present) Type Circ:
- The dressing is gauze with petroleum jelly. Take this off 24 hours later. Sometimes, it will fall off on its own. If you need to remove it, use a warm wet washcloth.
- Gently wash the area with warm water twice a day. Also, do this if it becomes dirty with poop.
Ointment for Pain:
- Put a layer of ointment on the incision line. This should lessen any pain and crying.
- To prevent pain, use petroleum jelly (such as Vaseline). Put it on the incision line and head of the penis. Do this after each cleansing for the first 4 days. Other option: You can also use an antibiotic ointment (such as Polysporin). No prescription is needed.
- Reason: helps keep it soft and stops the diaper from sticking during healing.
Crying - Don't Give Pain Meds:
- Circumcisions are usually not that painful.
- Covering the wound with an ointment often is all that is needed.
- Do not give pain medicine (such as Tylenol).
- If your baby is crying a lot, he may need to be seen. Call your doctor if you think your baby is in pain.
- Your baby's doctor will decide if pain meds are needed.
Bleeding - How to Stop:
- The circumcision wound can normally bleed a few drops. Most often, this is caused by the diaper rubbing on the wound.
- Will stop on its own or with a few minutes of direct pressure.
- Can stop bleeding by keeping the area soft with an ointment.
What to Expect for A Plastic Ring:
- The plastic ring will normally fall off between 7 and 14 days (average 10).
- It often hangs by a small piece of tissue for a few days.
- It will come off on its own.
- Pulling it off can cause bleeding.
- It can't fall off too early.
Prevent Infections:
- Fasten the diaper loosely to prevent friction against the penis.
- Avoid tub baths for 7 days after the circ. Just clean the penis with a wet cloth.
- If the cord is still on, wait longer. Avoid tub baths until 2 days after cord falls off.
Call Your Doctor If:
- Looks infected
- Bleeding occurs
- Plastic ring moves onto shaft of the penis
- Plastic ring does not fall off by day 14
- You think your child needs to be seen
- Your child becomes worse
Remember! Contact your doctor if you or your child develop any "Contact Your Doctor" symptoms.