Caring for a Circumcised Penis

Following circumcision, it is important to keep the area as clean as possible. Gently clean with warm water — do not use diaper wipes. Your doctor may recommend putting a dab of petroleum jelly on the baby’s penis or on the front of the diaper for 3 to 5 days to ease any potential discomfort caused by friction against the diaper.

If your son has a bandage on his incision, you might need to apply a new one whenever you change his diaper for a day or two after the procedure (put petroleum jelly on the bandage so it won’t stick to his skin).

It usually takes between 7 to 10 days for a penis to heal. Initially the tip may appear slightly swollen and red and you may notice a small amount of blood on the diaper. You also may notice a slight yellow discharge or crust after a couple of day. Although this is normal, certain other problems are not.

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of the following:

• Persistent bleeding or blood on diaper (more than quarter-sized)
• increasing redness
• fever
• other signs of infection, such as worsening swelling or discharge, or the presence of pus-filled blisters
• not urinating normally within 12 hours after the circumcision
  

However, with quick intervention, almost all circumcision-related problems are easily treated.


About author MacKoul Pediatrics

MacKoul Pediatrics is an amazing local pediatrics office in Cape Coral, FL where caring, compassionate doctors and nurses work with you to keep your children as healthy as possible. MacKoul cares for children from birth to college age, from Cape Coral, Fort Myers, Naples, and beyond.