Using petroleum-based ointment will help to promote healing and prevent the gauze from sticking to the incision. When the dressing comes off, the head of your baby’s penis may appear discolored, or you may notice a little blood or small pieces of skin adhering to the tip.
Use an unscented, dye-free petroleum-based ointment, such as Vaseline or CeraVe. Apply the ointment any time you change your baby’s diaper or give him a bath. [4] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Note that your baby’s penis will look red and it will develop a soft yellow scab after a few days. This is normal. Watch for increased redness, swelling, pus, bleeding, or a fever. Contact your child’s doctor immediately if you notice any of these symptoms as they may indicate an infection.
The swelling might appear behind or underneath the head of your baby’s penis, and it may look like a blister. While some swelling is normal, it could be a sign of infection if it gets worse or doesn’t clear up after 2 weeks. Call your child’s doctor if you have any concerns. [6] X Trustworthy Source American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Professional association of OB/GYNs focused on education and public outreat initiatives Go to source
Unless your pediatrician advises otherwise, very gently wash your baby’s penis with soap and water during bath times and diaper changes, especially if he’s just had a bowel movement. [8] X Trustworthy Source American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Professional association of OB/GYNs focused on education and public outreat initiatives Go to source
Don’t do this sooner than 2 weeks after the circumcision or before your doctor advises you to do so.
Sometimes a small piece of the foreskin may be left behind after a circumcision. If this happens, gently pull back the skin any time you bathe your baby so that you can clean the area underneath.
If your baby’s penis is actively bleeding, gently squeeze the tip between your thumb and index finger for 5 minutes to try to stop the bleeding. Whether or not you’re able to stop the bleeding, you should still take your baby to the ER.
Redness that spreads to the legs or abdomen Vomiting or loss of appetite Difficulty urinating Yellow or cloudy discharge or crusty sores at the incision site[14] X Trustworthy Source American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Professional association of OB/GYNs focused on education and public outreat initiatives Go to source Swelling that gets worse or doesn’t improve over the first 1-2 weeks
If your baby was given any medication in the hospital for pain, find out how much and when it was given so that you can avoid an accidental overdose. Don’t give your baby any medication without talking to your pediatrician first. Make sure to check with them to determine a safe dose and frequency of doses for your newborn.
