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:
Your son does not urinate within four to six hours after the circumcision
There are more than a few drops of blood
The head of the penis looks blue or black
The redness around the tip of the penis starts getting worse instead of better
after three to five days
Any pus is present
Your baby's temperature is more than 100 degrees
Your baby is acting sick
Adapted from Healthy Steps. Edited and Compiled by the Center for Promotion of Child Development Through Primary Care 2011
