What to do if inflammation occurs after foreskin

Inflammation after circumcision can be treated by keeping clean, topical medication, oral antibiotics, physical therapy, and timely medical treatment. Postoperative inflammation may be related to wound contamination, improper care, bacterial infection, low immunity, allergic reactions and other factors.

1. Keep it clean

Gently rinse the perineal area with warm water every day after surgery and avoid using irritating lotions. After cleaning, use sterile gauze to gently moisten the wound to keep it dry. No bathing or swimming is allowed within 1 week after surgery to prevent sewage from soaking the wound. When urinating, be careful to avoid contaminating the dressing with urine. You can appropriately elevate the penis to reduce contact.

2. Topical application

Apply topical antibiotics such as erythromycin ointment or mupirocin ointment to the wound as directed by your doctor, twice a day. If obvious redness and swelling occur, compound polymyxin B ointment can be used together. Clean your hands before applying the medication and cover them with sterile gauze after applying the ointment. People with allergies should inform their doctor in advance and avoid using preparations containing neomycin.

3. Oral antibiotics

When the infection is severe, oral administration of broad-spectrum antibiotics such as cefaclor dispersible tablets or amoxicillin-clavulanate potassium tablets is required. Metronidazole tablets can be used for combined anaerobic infections. It is forbidden to drink alcohol while taking the medicine, and a complete course of treatment must be completed to prevent the development of drug resistance. People with gastrointestinal tract sensitivity are advised to take it after meals. If allergic reactions such as rash occur, the drug must be discontinued immediately.

4. Physical therapy

Within 48 hours after surgery, ice can be applied intermittently to reduce swelling, with intervals of 10 minutes and 2 hours. In the later stage, take a sitz bath with 40°C warm water twice a day to promote blood circulation. Keep a distance of 20 cm when irradiating the infrared therapy lamp for 15 minutes each time. Physical therapy must be carried out under the guidance of a doctor to avoid burns or excessive stimulation of the wound.

5. Seek medical treatment promptly

If persistent fever, purulent discharge, severe pain or wound dehiscence occurs, you need to return to the hospital immediately for treatment. The doctor may drain the wound, culture bacteria, or give intravenous antibiotics. Complications such as severe allergies or necrotizing fasciitis require hospitalization for observation. Check regularly within 2 weeks after surgery to ensure normal healing progress.

After surgery, you should wear loose cotton underwear to reduce friction and avoid strenuous exercise that may cause wound tearing. The diet should be light and rich in high-quality protein, and an appropriate amount of vitamin C should be supplemented to promote tissue repair. Sexual intercourse is prohibited within 1 month after surgery, and cold compresses are required if priapism occurs during the recovery period. Maintain a regular schedule to improve immunity, and quit smoking and alcohol to prevent damage to wound healing. If the dressing exudes too much or has an abnormal odor, you should contact the attending doctor in time.