Circumcision Care: After the Procedure

It is very important that you properly care for the penis in the first few days after your son�s circumcision. The greatest post-operative risk � infection � can be minimized by consistent care and attention.

The following tips will help guarantee a safe and successful healing process.

What to Expect in the First Few Days:

Red or purplish, swollen glans (the head of the penis) for the first 24 to 48 hours
Gradual healing, with the penis appearing well-healed within 5 to 7 days
Possible thin white films of tissue on the glans, representing normal healing
Possible small spots of blood on the diaper or gauze in the first 24 to 48 hours

How to Care for the Penis:

Allow the yellow, petroleum jelly-soaked gauze strip to stay on until it falls off. Remove it only if it becomes soiled with stool.
Once it falls off or needs removed, fold in half a square of the provided 2-inch gauze, and coat it with petroleum jelly (such as Vaseline-brand). Wrap it around the glans.
Change the gauze every diaper change for at least the first 24 hours, and up to 48 hours if the area still seems raw and sore.

Bathing:

Sponge-bathing is okay in the first 48 hours after circumcision, but do not submerge the baby in bathwater.
After 48 hours, you may submerge him in clean, non-soapy water, but do not attempt to scrub or use soap on the penis until it appears well-healed, by 5 to 7 days

Call the Office If:

Active bleeding is noted, especially after the first 24 hours
The redness fades, and then returns
Red streaks appear on the shaft of the penis
Green �pus� is noted on the penis
An abnormal urinary stream (flow) is noted

Medications:

Avoid putting any antibiotic ointment or cream on the healing circumcision
Acetominophen (e.g Tylenol �) is okay to use for pain if your baby is fussy and the usual cuddling and feeding responses are not helping.