Penile skin bridge (2121)

Key points below

What is a penile skin bridge?

A skin bridge is a skin attachment. A piece of skin on the penis attaches to the head of the penis (glans). It may happen after circumcision. It happens because part of the skin did not heal like it should.

How is it treated?

Skin bridges will not get better on their own. They need to be treated in a doctor’s office. A health care provider will carefully cut the skin that needs to be removed.

What will happen in the office?

Numbing cream is put on the penis 30 to 60 minutes before the procedure. Plastic wrap or Tegaderm® will be put over the penis to keep the cream from soaking into the diaper or underwear.
It is recommended that you give a dose of acetaminophen (Tylenol®) about 30 minutes before the procedure.
If your child is 16 months or older, bring a book from home or help pick out one of the big books in our waiting room. This will be used to distract your child. It will also help cover the area so they don’t watch the procedure. Parents can stay in the room for the procedure. The parent can help hold the book and the child's hands.
Your child needs to be watched for bleeding for about 15 minutes after the procedure.

How do I care for my child after the procedure?

Tylenol® or Ibuprofen will help pain. Often only 2 to 4 doses are needed.
Keep activity light for the next 2 to 3 days. A bump to the area could restart bleeding.
Use Neosporin® for 24 hours and then Vaseline® for the next several days. This will help keep the area from sticking back.
Kleenex with Aloe® can be put over the area as a non-stick surface. It will also help with padding and comfort.
A small scab or a yellowish film at the wound site is common. Do not pick or pull off the scab.

Pediatric Urology:

Monday – Friday 8:00am – 4:30 pm - (414) 266-3794
Monday – Friday 9:30pm – 8:00am and weekends - (414) 266-2000 ask for the Urology Resident on call

For other health and wellness information, check out this resource: https://kidshealth.org/ChildrensWi/en/parents

ALERT

Call your child’s doctor, nurse, or clinic if you have any questions or concerns or if your child has special health care needs that were not covered by this information.