We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is Involved in the Circumcision Healing Process?

Lainie Petersen
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 14,881
Share

The circumcision healing process typically takes about five to seven days in infants, though older boys and men may find that the process takes much longer, up to three weeks in length. Parents and caretakers of infant boys should apply petroleum jelly to the side of the circumcision in order to protect the wound from irritation from urination and being in a diaper. Older boys and men who undergo circumcision should change their dressings on a daily basis and keep the site clean using mild and unscented soap. Although the risks of complications during circumcision healing are relatively low, it is important for patients or their caretakers to keep an eye on the wound so as to ensure that it is healing properly and that infection does not set in.

Circumcision is a procedure in which the foreskin of the penis is removed through surgical means. While modern medicine generally considers circumcision to be unnecessary to the protection of a man's overall health, many religions require it of male adherents. In some rare cases, the procedure may be required to address a physical problem or defect. In some countries, particularly the United States, circumcision is often performed on infant boys for nonreligious reasons but at parental request. It is more rarely performed on older boys or adult men; when it is, it is typically because of a medical issue.

When parents bring home their newly circumcised infant, they are usually told by health care professionals to cover the circumcision area and head of their son's penis with petroleum jelly whenever they change his diaper. Eventually, a yellowish scab will develop and drop off after a few days. Older boys and men may be encouraged to refrain from extensive physical activity and to change dressings on a daily basis. Immediately after the procedure, many men and older boys may find that applying ice packs to the affected area for a day or so afterward can ease the pain during the healing process.

While infection or complications due to the procedure are rare, it is important that parents, caretakers, as well as older circumcision patients be aware of signs of infection or complication and look for them during healing. These signs could include the discharge of pus, excessive pain, or inflammation of the entire penis. In such cases, parents or circumcision patients should secure medical assistance and advice immediately.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Lainie Petersen
By Lainie Petersen
Lainie Petersen, a talented writer, copywriter, and content creator, brings her diverse skill set to her role as an editor. With a unique educational background, she crafts engaging content and hosts podcasts and radio shows, showcasing her versatility as a media and communication professional. Her ability to understand and connect with audiences makes her a valuable asset to any media organization.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
By anon163027 — On Mar 25, 2011

In infant circumcisions, the tearing off the foreskin from the glans is trauma enough to swell up the whole penis because the foreskin is adhered to the glans just like the nail to the finger. The yellowish scab covers the glans which develops thickened scar tissue. Penile ring block anesthetic doesn't work, according to the latest finding and sucrose just immobilizes the face.

Lainie Petersen
Lainie Petersen
Lainie Petersen, a talented writer, copywriter, and content creator, brings her diverse skill set to her role as an...
Learn more
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-involved-in-the-circumcision-healing-process.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.