Mesquite Pediatrics Blog

Care after a circumcision is really very simple. For the first few days we need to keep the healing circumcision site from being irritated by the diaper. We do this by applying petroleum jelly (Vaseline) to the penis with every diaper change and closing the diaper nice and tight to avoid friction. It’s easiest if you buy the petroleum jelly that comes in a tube and use it to apply a swirl over the entire penis (like a Dairy Queen ice cream cone). Do this for the first 7 days.

We also need to keep the site from being irritated with cleaning. So, for the first week, you should only use a wet washcloth to clean him in his diaper area. Baby poop cleans very well with just water, so soaps and wipes really aren’t necessary and they might cause irritation of the healing area.

Most babies do not have much pain, but if he seems very fussy today you can give him acetaminophen (Tylenol) infant drops. You can give it to him every 4 hours, up to 5 times a day. His dose is 1.25 ml (the first line on the dosing syringe) as long as he is at least 6 pounds. Ask us how much to give him if he is less than 6 pounds.

Complications or Reasons to Call Us

• Bleeding: If you see a little blood in a few of his diapers over the next couple of days, don’t worry. But if you see blood actually coming from the site of the circumcision, hold pressure on it with some gauze or a piece of tissue for 10 minutes. If it doesn’t stop with pressure, please call us.

• Infection: It is normal to see a yellow crust or film over the area of the circumcision for the first week or two. This is just a part of the healing process. If you see yellow liquid (like pus) leaking from the area, redness and swelling traveling up the penis toward his body, or if your baby develops a fever (temperature of 100 or higher), you should call us right away.

Download these care instructions.