Circumcision

About circumcision in children

Boys are born with a hood of skin, called the foreskin, covering the head of the penis. In circumcision, the foreskin is surgically removed, exposing the end of the penis.

• It is best to circumcise within the first 2 to 3 weeks after birth, as it can become more complicated as a child gets older. But the procedure is usually performed during the first 10 days (often within the first 48 hours).
• Premature babies or those with other complications may not be circumcised until they leave the hospital.
• Babies born with physical abnormalities of the penis that need to be corrected surgically are not often circumcised as the foreskin could be of use for reconstructive operation.

Caring for a Circumcised Penis

• Wash with soap and warm water every time you bathe him.
• Be gentle as the baby may have some mild discomfort after the circumcision.
• If there is a bandage on the incision, apply a new one if required
• It usually takes between 7 to 10 days to heal. Till then the tip may seem raw or yellowish in color. Consult the doctor is there is

1. Persistent bleeding
2. Redness around the tip of the penis that gets worse after 3 days
3. Fever
4. Signs of infection, such as the presence of pus-filled blisters
5. Not urinating normally within 6 to 8 hours after the circumcision

Source: Portal Content Team