Circumcision Problems

When to Call for Circumcision Problems

Care Advice for Circumcisions

1. 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.
2. Plastic Ring Type Circ:
   • Gently wash the area with warm water twice a day.
   • Also, do this if it becomes dirty with poop.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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

And remember, contact your doctor if your child develops any of the 'Call Your Doctor' symptoms.

Disclaimer: this health information is for educational purposes only. You, the reader, assume full responsibility for how you choose to use it.