Ice for a swollen penis?

[finn'smama]

My 3yo ds has a swollen, red penis and it's really sore. It doesn't appear to be an infection, and a search in this forum tells me it may be caused by the foreskin separating, so I'm just keeping my eye on it and trying to keep him comfy. He's had a soak in the tub with baking soda, and I've given him some ibuprofin, but I'm wondering if an ice pack would be alright? Any other suggestions?

TIA!

[Fellow Traveler]

Originally Posted by finn'smama

My 3yo ds has a swollen, red penis and it's really sore. It doesn't appear to be an infection, and a search in this forum tells me it may be caused by the foreskin separating, so I'm just keeping my eye on it and trying to keep him comfy. He's had a soak in the tub with baking soda, and I've given him some ibuprofin, but I'm wondering if an ice pack would be alright? Any other suggestions?

TIA!

I don't know how it could hurt, I also don't know how long he'll want to keep ice there. But it sounds like separation and just keep an eye on it for the next day or two. You're doing about all you can for now.

[finn'smama]

Thanks...he's tolerating it for now. Poor kid, I hate seeing him in pain and his poor penis looks, uh, alarming!

[eepster]

Isn't frostbite on our list of actual legitamit reasons to circ?:

I think I'd avoid ice packs. Hope he feels better.

[PlayaMama]

i'd vote for an epsom salt bath instead. poor little guy i wasn't a fun process for my son, especially since i took him to the er and they diagnosed him with an infection needing antibiotics

[MCatLvrMom2A&X]

Bacatracin has a analgesic if I remember right so that might be helpful. Hope he gets better fast.

[finn'smama]

Well, it doesn't seem to be as sore today, but it's still swollen (although, slightly less) and I noticed a bit of staining in his underwear...blood/pus?? No fever and no painful urination, so i'm just not sure what to do....

Oh and eepster, i put ice in a bag and wrapped it in a towel, so it was cold, but not frostbite cold!:

[eepster]

Originally Posted by finn'smama

...blood/pus??

Smegma?

[Fellow Traveler]

Originally Posted by finn'smama

Well, it doesn't seem to be as sore today, but it's still swollen (although, slightly less) and I noticed a bit of staining in his underwear...blood/pus?? No fever and no painful urination, so i'm just not sure what to do....

Oh and eepster, i put ice in a bag and wrapped it in a towel, so it was cold, but not frostbite cold!:

It is proabably smegma making it's way out as the foresking separates. If it were pus, as in an infection, it would most likely smell very nauseating. Hang in there, I think he'll be fine. If you feel the need for the Dr. and he wants to diagnose an infection be sure that they culture it to verify the diagnosis.

[finn'smama]

Okay, thanks for all the advice. I just checked it again and it's looking better still. I'll give him another soak in the tub before bed and keep my eye out for any more discharge.
Would smegma have any colour? There is definitely no smell...

Thanks again everyone!

eta-I'm not feeling like a trip to the doc is necessary at this point.

[MCatLvrMom2A&X]

Smegma can be white, yellow, greenish or any variation of those 3. Have you read this thread Possible Seperation Issues/sore/red/irritated/ballooning/normal Development, etc. there is some things there that you might find helpful.

[finn'smama]

Well, ds's penis looks back to normal today! Thank goodness.

I have to wonder how many kids end up "needing" to be circ'd because of this? I'm sure if I'd brought him in, it would have been dx as an infection, it looked pretty crazy. And if his foreskin is in the process of separating then it could happen again right?

Anyway, I'm just glad he's not in pain...although it was rather funny because he was telling everyone who would listen how he had hurt his penis

Thanks for getting me through it without panicking!

A

[Fellow Traveler]

Originally Posted by finn'smama

Well, ds's penis looks back to normal today! Thank goodness.

I have to wonder how many kids end up "needing" to be circ'd because of this? I'm sure if I'd brought him in, it would have been dx as an infection, it looked pretty crazy. And if his foreskin is in the process of separating then it could happen again right?

Anyway, I'm just glad he's not in pain...although it was rather funny because he was telling everyone who would listen how he had hurt his penis

Thanks for getting me through it without panicking!

A

I think this is one of the main reasons it happens. The doctor's practices aren't up to date and their ignorance can cause problems. It might or might happen again. Separation does usually occur in stages but there is no guarantee that he will have any noticeable problem as it continues. Some boys do and that is the 'multiple infection myth'. I am glad to know your son came through it. And no problem hopefully you'll be able to give the same information to someone else you needs it.

[finn'smama]

Originally Posted by jwhispers

I think this is one of the main reasons it happens. The doctor's practices aren't up to date and their ignorance can cause problems. It might or might happen again. Separation does usually occur in stages but there is no guarantee that he will have any noticeable problem as it continues. Some boys do and that is the 'multiple infection myth'. I am glad to know your son came through it. And no problem hopefully you'll be able to give the same information to someone else you needs it.

definitely...i'm actually going to talk with my doctor about it as i'd like to know how he deals with that type of situation. he is young and not pro-circ, so i know we can have a positive discussion about it and hopefully he can pass on the information too.

[Fellow Traveler]

Originally Posted by finn'smama

definitely...i'm actually going to talk with my doctor about it as i'd like to know how he deals with that type of situation. he is young and not pro-circ, so i know we can have a positive discussion about it and hopefully he can pass on the information too.

Oh please do that. Do you have the literature you need? It might be good to leave some with him (and perhaps some NOCIRC pamphlets too). If you don't have them and you want them let us know we'll point you to the right places.