Circumcision of your Older Child
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 5, 2024.
Your child's penis will be swollen and red. This should get better over time. His penis may have a small amount of yellow discharge or crust. This is normal. It can take up to 3 weeks for your child to heal. He will not be able to run or do sports until his provider says it is okay.
DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:
Seek care immediately if:
- Your child's penis becomes cold, darker in color, or pale.
Call your child's doctor if:
- Your child has increased bleeding.
- Your child has a fever.
- Your child's penis has increased swelling, redness or pus coming from the circumcision area.
- Your child's pain becomes severe or does not get better within a few days.
- Your child has urinated very little or not at all.
- Your child's stitches come apart.
- You have questions or concerns about your child's condition or care.
Medicines:
Your child may need any of the following:
- NSAIDs , such as ibuprofen, help decrease swelling, pain, and fever. NSAIDs can cause stomach bleeding or kidney problems in certain people. If your child takes blood thinner medicine, always ask if NSAIDs are safe for him or her. Always read the medicine label and follow directions. Do not give these medicines to children younger than 6 months without direction from a healthcare provider.
- Acetaminophen decreases pain and fever. It is available without a doctor's order. Ask how much to give your child and how often to give it. Follow directions. Read the labels of all other medicines your child uses to see if they also contain acetaminophen, or ask your child's doctor or pharmacist. Acetaminophen can cause liver damage if not taken correctly.
- Do not give aspirin to children younger than 18 years. Your child could develop Reye syndrome if he or she has the flu or a fever and takes aspirin. Reye syndrome can cause life-threatening brain and liver damage. Check your child's medicine labels for aspirin or salicylates.
- Give your child's medicine as directed. Contact your child's healthcare provider if you think the medicine is not working as expected. Tell the provider if your child is allergic to any medicine. Keep a current list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs your child takes. Include the amounts, and when, how, and why they are taken. Bring the list or the medicines in their containers to follow-up visits. Carry your child's medicine list with you in case of an emergency.
Care for your child after the circumcision:
- Have your child rest. He will not be able to run or do sports until his provider says it is okay.
- Apply ice on the area for 15 to 20 minutes every hour or as directed. Use an ice pack, or put crushed ice in a plastic bag. Cover it with a towel. Ice helps prevent tissue damage and decreases swelling and pain.
- Have your child wear loose fitting clothes. This will help decrease irritation and keep the area from bleeding.
Care for the circumcision area:
- Clean the area as directed. Do not wipe or scrub the area. Rinse the area with clean, warm water. Let the area air dry. Your older child may bathe or shower himself. He will need to follow the same directions to clean and rinse the area. He may pat the area dry gently with a clean towel.
- Check your child's penis every day for signs of infection. Look for pus, or increased redness or swelling.
- Put petroleum jelly and a clean bandage on the area if directed. This will help decrease irritation and keep it from bleeding. Change the dressing daily or if the dressing gets wet.
Follow up with your child's doctor as directed:
Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your child's visits.
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
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