OBSTETRICS/MATERNITY:
Circumcision and Umbilical Cord Care
It will take approximately one week for the circumcision site to heal. Usually for the first 24 hours after the circumcision, with each diaper change , place a small piece of gauze with Vaseline over the penis. This dressing helps prevent any irritation to the site and the diaper from sticking to the skin. The penis can be washed with warm water and should be kept clean of stool.
Initially, the penis’ tip will be bright red in color. As the healing occurs, the redness will fade and eventually the penis will be the same, normal skin color from tip to base.
For a “plastibell” circumcision, no dressings are required. The plastic ring will drop off five to eight days after the circumcision. A dark brown or black ring of dead tissue encircling the plastic rim is normal and will fall off when the plastic ring falls off. The result is a clean, well-healed line of excision.
Notify the pediatrician immediately if there is any unusual swelling, if the plastic ring has not fallen off within eight days, or if the ring has slipped onto the shaft of the penis.
Right after the circumcision has been performed, it is normal for the baby to be sleepy and not too interested in eating. This may last from one to two feedings.
If parents go home the day of the circumcision, they should make sure that the baby has a wet diaper within eight hours of the procedure.
Care of the Uncircumcised Male
It is normal for a baby to have a tight foreskin that does not retract over the head of the penis. External washing is all that is needed. Forcing the foreskin back can cause pain, bleeding and adhesions.
As the baby grows and develops, the foreskin will naturally loosen. The baby’s pediatrician will instruct parents later on the daily care that is required. Normally, by the time the child starts school, the foreskin can easily be retracted.
Umbilical Cord Care
The umbilical cord stump usually dries and falls off between the first and second week of life. Clean the cord well--at least three times a day with 70% rubbing alcohol on a cotton ball. Wipe the stump from top to bottom and clean well around the base, where the stump meets the skin. Also, fold the diaper edge below the cord to further facilitate air drying.
Some blood spotting from the cord is common three to four days before and after the cord falls off. Continue cleansing the area with alcohol until the site has healed. Sponge bathing is recommended until the area has healed and looks like a normal navel.
When cleaning, inspect the cord for signs of infection. Notify the pediatrician if there is a foul odor from the site or redness surrounding the cord and on the abdomen.