A circumcision is the removal of the male foreskin. It is one of the oldest surgical procedures in medicine. After the circumcision, the tip of the penis may look raw or yellowish in color. Your son may have a bandage or a plastic ring around his penis, depending upon the procedure used.
It takes about 7 to 10 days for the penis to fully heal, but the tenderness should be minimal after the third day. The scab at the incision line usually comes off in 7 to 10 days. Every child heals differently, so don't be worried if the healing process takes one or two days longer than expected. The main concern after circumcision is infection. Keep a close eye out for increasing redness or pus after the first few days.
What should I do at home?
If a plastic ring was used (Plastibell), gently wash the area with water three times a day, or whenever it becomes soiled. The plastic device should fall off by 10 to 14 days. Even though the plastic ring can't fall off too soon, you should not pull it off. If it does not fall off after 14 days, call your son's nurse practitioner or doctor.
If a plastic ring is not present, a special gauze with petroleum jelly is usually wrapped around the penis. Remove this dressing with a warm compress 48 hours after the circumcision was done. Then gently wash the area with water three times a day, or whenever it becomes soiled.
Call your baby's doctor or nurse practitioner if:
Adapted from Healthy Steps. Edited and Compiled by the Center for Promotion of Child Development Through Primary Care 2011