Post-Circumcision Care

• Wash your hands with soap and water before changing the diaper.

• Each time you change the diaper for the first 7 days, gently apply Vaseline, A&D or Bacitracin ointment to a 3x3 or 4x4 inch gauze and cover the penis.

• If there is any stool on the penis, gently wipe it away with gauze and water or wipes – no alcohol.

• On the first day, it is normal to see some blood on the gauze. If there is any oozing of blood or active bleeding, apply firm pressure to the head of the penis with the Vaseline-covered gauze. Hold for a full five minutes then check for bleeding. If bleeding continues, reapply pressure and call your pediatrician or myself.

• By the second day, there will likely be a yellowish, sticky discharge or covering to the penis – leave this alone. Infection is rare, but if there is a foul odor, pus, fever, or worsening in appearance, please call.

• The penis will look red and swollen for up to a week – this is normal.

• Sponge bathe the baby for the first week, after which time you can give the baby a bath.

• You may hold, feed and change your baby normally. Some are a little fussy for the first 24 hours but the usual comforting measures should be adequate. Tylenol is not routinely necessary but can be used if desired.

• In some babies, the head of the penis will retract into the shaft despite having been circumcised. If this occurs, gently push down on either side of the shaft to expose the head of the penis once or twice a day. You should be able to see the ridge that separates the head of the penis from the shaft fully. Wipe away any secretions. This will help prevent adhesions and ensure cosmetic healing.

• If there are any questions or concerns, please contact me and I will be happy to address any issues.