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Circumcision - Decision
During a circumcision, the doctor removes the foreskin on
the penis. Immediately after the procedure, the area will be red and
tender, but the tenderness should be almost gone by the third day. The
scab on the incision will come off in 7 to 10 days. If your doctor uses a
Plastibel ring, it should fall off in 14 days.
Circumcision could cause infection, bleeding or injury to
your child's penis or urinary duct. If you follow the doctor's directions,
however, these is little chance of a problem.
After your leave the hospital:
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If a Plastibel ring was used: gently clean the area
with warm water 3 times a day or whenever necessary. You do not need
to use soap. After washing, apply the jelly or ointment suggested by
your doctor to the area where the cut was made to keep it soft during
healing. A black rim around the plastic ring is normal. Do not pull
the ding off: this could cause bleeding.
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If your baby has gauze bandage: first wet it
thoroughly with warm water and then gently remove it. After the
bandage is off, clean the area as instructed above.
Contact your doctor if:
the ring does not fall off
as quickly as your doctor said it would, the area where the cut was made
is bleeding freely, the baby acts sick.
Seek immediate care if:
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The baby's urine comes out in dibbles or the urine
stream is weak
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The penis turns blue or black
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The normal skin of the penis is tender or red
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There is any pus on the penis
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the baby develops a high temperature
Circumcision Care
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Steps: |
| 1. |
Change your
baby's diaper as soon as it is dirty. |
| 2. |
Gently clean
the area with water. |
| 3. |
Apply
petroleum jelly or an antibacterial ointment to the penis during
the first three to four days after the circumcision. |
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Tips: |
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Avoid soap,
lotion, powder and baby wipes until the penis has healed. |
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Don't give
your baby a tub bath until the circumcision heals and the
umbilical cord stump falls off. |
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Warnings: |
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Call your
doctor if: the baby's penis has increased bleeding or drainage;
your baby's urine dribbles in a weak stream; or if the head of the
penis is blue or black. |
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Signs of an
infection include a temperature above 100 degrees F, an unpleasant
smelling, yellowish-green discharge from the penis, swelling or
increased redness. |
Source: The PDR Family Guide,
Encyclopedia of Medical Care (1997)
and ehow.com
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