Proper care after circumcision helps reduce the chances of certain complications and problems. Good general hygiene and common sense are very important in preventing an infection from developing. Aftercare of circumcision may vary depending on the type of circumcision that was performed. Your baby’s pediatrician should give you specific instructions on how to care for your son’s circumcision.
You should clean the area very gently (as the wound will still be sensitive) with warm water every day and also whenever your baby has a dirty diaper while the circumcision wound is healing. Diaper changes need to be done gently as well, because your baby boy will have some discomfort for the first few days after the procedure. You should also change the gauze bandage (or remove it if your son’s pediatrician advises you do so). Put petroleum jelly on the tip of your baby’s penis or on the front of his diaper to keep the penis from sticking to the diaper and to decrease friction, which would lead to pain and possibly increased bleeding.
Your son may be fussy after being circumcised and sometimes giving acetaminophen after the local anesthetic wears off for up to 48 hours may be helpful. Discuss this with your baby’s doctor. Breastfeeding and cuddling will help comfort him and reduce stress for your baby after the procedure is done.
During the first week, the penis may swell a little, seem raw and there may be a small amount of blood or yellowish drainage on your baby’s diaper. A clear crust will probably form over the area, which is normal and is part of the healing process. It takes approximately 1-2 weeks for the circumcision to heal.
If a Plastibell device was used during the circumcision and it doesn’t fall off on it’s own within 1 1/2 weeks or so, you should call your baby’s doctor. Also, if you notice any of the following possible symptoms of infection or signs of complications, you should call the doctor without hesitation: persistent bleeding (or a bloodstain on the diaper larger than a quarter), redness (that gets worse, rather than better) or swelling around the tip of the penis, no wet diapers within 6-8 hours following the circumcision, a yellow discharge or fluid that has a foul odor, fever and sores or blisters that are filled with fluid. Minor circumcision problems are usually easily treated when taken care of in a timely manner.
The Circumcision Procedure
Pros and Cons of Circumcision
Benefits of Circumcision
Circumcision Care
Uncircumcised Newborn Care
