What to do if the wound is itchy after circumcision surgery

Itching of the wound after circumcision surgery can be treated by keeping it clean, avoiding scratching, using cold compresses, topical medications, or oral medications. Wound itching is usually related to factors such as tissue repair, suture irritation, and local infection.

1. Keep it clean

Gently rinse the perineum with warm water every day after surgery and avoid using irritating lotions. After cleaning, sterile gauze can be used to moisten the wound to keep it dry. Cleaning helps reduce the growth of bacteria and reduces the chance of infection, thereby relieving the itching symptoms caused by infection. If there is an increase in secretions or a peculiar smell, seek medical attention promptly.

2. Avoid scratching

During the wound healing period, new nerve endings are sensitive, and scratching may aggravate itching or cause sutures to fall off. It is recommended to wear loose cotton underwear to reduce friction and cotton gloves at night to prevent unintentional scratching. If the itching is severe, tap the surrounding skin gently instead of scratching.

3. Cold compress relief

Wrap an ice pack in a clean towel and apply cold compress around the wound for 5-10 minutes, 2-3 times a day. Low temperature can temporarily paralyze nerve endings and reduce itching. Be careful to avoid direct contact with the wound to prevent frostbite or contamination. Keep the dressing dry after applying cold compresses.

4. External use drugs

Use calamine lotion, compound dexamethasone acetate cream, mupirocin ointment and other drugs as directed by your doctor. Calamine lotion can astringe and relieve itching, hormone cream is suitable for non-infectious inflammatory itching, and antibiotic ointment is used for cases with minor infections. Clean and dry the affected area before use.

5. Oral drugs

Doctors may prescribe loratadine tablets, cetirizine capsules, amoxicillin capsules and other drugs. Antihistamines block itch signaling, and antibiotics are used to identify an infection. It is necessary to take the prescribed dosage strictly and avoid adjusting the medication plan on your own.

You should avoid strenuous exercise or standing for long periods of time after surgery to reduce local congestion. You should eat a light diet and consume more foods such as broccoli and kiwi fruit that are rich in vitamin C to promote healing. Sexual intercourse is prohibited for 1 month after surgery, and healing is reviewed regularly to evaluate the condition. If itching is accompanied by redness, swelling, drainage, or fever, seek medical attention immediately to check for infection or allergic reaction.