What Causes Lumps On The Tip Of Penis After Circumcision?

Posted on Sat, 18 Jul 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 18 Jul 2015 Answered on

Fri, 7 Aug 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : My newborn had a circumcision 4 days ago at age 7 days.
2 days post procedure we noticed white looking lumps on the tip of the penis. The family doctor had a look and didnt think it was a cyst. Gave us bactoroban ointment to apply if needed. We are still applying vaseline after each nalpy change.
The baby is fine with normal temp. Eating well.what could be causing these white looking lumps ?

Answered by Dr. Archana Verma (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Infection

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Welcome to the HCM

I have gone through your question and the picture attached. Don't worry, it looks like an infection. Bactoban application as advised by your doctor will be good to treat it. Clean it with antiseptic solution such as betadine before each application.

There is no need for any other treatment.
Maintain a very good hygiene at the local site.

Hopefully this will help.
I would be happy to help you out in any further questions.

Take care and enjoy parenthood.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E

Follow up: Dr. Archana Verma (1 hour later)

What are signs i need to track for these lumps? Increasing size? How are these showing in my son's pictures any different from an abscess or cyst? Or fungal?

Answered by Dr. Archana Verma (23 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
In case it doesn't resolve or worsen, then go for a culture

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Most likely it should respond to the treatment suggested earlier. In rare cases, if you find that even after 2-3 days of proper treatment, the lesions are not showing any clearing up or worsening then take the following measures:

1. Go for swab culture and sensitivity test.
2. KOH preparation of the local site discharge to check for fungal infection
3. A complete blood count to rule out systemic infection.
4. A repeat clinical examination by pediatrician.

Signs of worsening are: Increased redness, spreading of lesions, lethargy, fever and refusal to feeds by newborn.

Any other possibilities apart from infection is unlikely. Fungal infection is also very rare after a sterile circumcision at hospitals.
Don't worry, he will be fine.

You may upload the reports for my reference.

Take care

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E