Care of the Circumcision: For the first 24-48 hours, place a new gauze pad smeared with petroleum jelly on top of your son’s penis whenever you change his diaper. This will prevent the scab from sticking to the diaper. If it does stick to the diaper or gauze, use warm water to dissolve the scab and remove it. Use warm water and a soft washcloth for cleaning for at least 4 days after the circumcision. After that, if his umbilical cord has fallen off, he may be placed in a bathtub. Avoid baby wipes, alcohol, powders and lotions, as these may be irritating. IF THE RESIDUAL TISSUE SWELLS UP OVER THE EDGE OF THE HEAD OF THE PENIS, IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO PUSH DOWN ON IT TO “POP” THE FORESKIN BACK, EVERY TIME YOU CHANGE YOUR BABY’S DIAPER. Otherwise, you could end up with adhesions (places where the skin of the penis attaches to the head of the penis).
Fussiness: Some babies will be uncomfortable or irritable for a day after the circumcision. Others will seem sleepier. Keeping your son tightly swaddled may decrease leg movement and discomfort. Carseats may irritate the penis and travel should be kept to a minimum for several days. If he seems to have pain, you can give your son acetaminophen (Tylenol), 160 mg per 5 ml. The dose is 1.25 ml (for a baby between 6-11 pounds) every four hours as needed.
Bleeding: There is usually little or no bleeding afterwards. If you notice more than a small amount of oozing, treat the area the same way you would a cut on any other part of the body, by putting direct pressure on it. Place gauze with petroleum jelly on it over the bleeding area and press firmly for 5 minutes. If this does not stop the bleeding, please call me.
Infection: This is unusual. In the unlikely event that it occurs, symptoms will likely appear a few days after the circumcision. If the skin below the circumcision (on the shaft of your son’s penis) becomes red or swollen or if there is a pus-like discharge from the site of the cut, please call me. It is normal for the head of the penis to look red and for there to be some honey-colored scabbing around the cut area.
Please call me if you have any concerns or questions. I will leave my pager on for 24 hours after the circumcision in case you need to reach me.