Foreskin adhesions (2120)
Key points below
What is a foreskin adhesion?
An adhesion is scar tissue that causes tissue to stick together. Foreskin adhesions are very common. After circumcision, the protected inner skin of the penis can stick to the head (glans) of the penis. These adhesions normally get better on their own without treatment. Sometimes they do not go away or can cause infection and pain. If that happens, they will need to be separated. A steroid cream may be used, or a minor procedure may need to be done to separate the adhesions.How do I care for my child after the procedure?
For a couple days
- Tylenol® may be used for pain.
- You may see swelling of the foreskin and a little redness.
- A few drops of blood are normal.
For the first 3 to 5 days
- Give your son a warm bath twice a day. The warm water is soothing and will help the area heal.
- When you take your son out of the tub, pull the foreskin back. Pat his penis dry, and then put a dab of Neosporin® on for the first 24 hours. Switch to Vaseline® after 24 hours. Put it on the groove around the head of his penis to keep the foreskin from re-attaching. If you do not pull the skin back, it will re-attach. If your child is not circumcised, put the foreskin back over the head of the penis after you put the ointment on. If you do not put the skin back, this area may get very swollen.
- Little white/yellowish spots are a normal secretion. Most of the time they will come off on their own during the bathtub soaks. You do not need to wipe them off.
- Too much Vaseline® may cause a diaper rash and pain.
Pediatric Urology:
Monday – Friday 8:00am – 4:30 pm - (414) 266-3794
Monday – Friday And weekends 9:30pm – 8:00am - (414) 266-2000 ask for the Urology Resident on call