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Post Circumcision. One or two areas between stitches look as if wound has opened.

PenisCare profile image
15 Replies

Hope someone can help,

I had a circumcision 7 days ago, unfortunately by day 5 the wound got infected and extremely swollen. When the swelling subsided I have noticed that between the stitches in 2 areas it looks as if the wound has opened (gap in skin on the surface). Obviously all I can see is the surface and I’m concerned that I will need to get further stitches to close these areas up. They are probably no more than 5mm in length.

I’m just worried that I need to go get more stitches, has anyone had any experience like this and possibly help with what happened to them,

Cheers.

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15 Replies
Qwerty1000 profile image
Qwerty1000

Hey mate, I had my procedure 2 weeks ago and had the same thing happen yesterday. I have no pain, no bleeding or oozing. Doctor told me it's normal and not to worry. I am using a gel called solosite on the and wrapping it lightly. I do this twice a day. Judging by other posts I have read, this is quite common.

Timthemoth profile image
Timthemoth in reply toQwerty1000

Qwery1000 is on the money!Excessive bleeding, increasingly painful swelling, and a bad odour from the wound are all warning signs in the pre-op info I have read. They are red flags and need prompt medical attention.Am yet to face procedure, but as well as antiseptic gel & vaseline for head sensitivity, surgeon has told me to bathe the sutured wound in salt water a couple of times a day from day 3 post op.

Apparently it soothes and promotes healing. If your surgeon didn't mention salt baths in pre op info, you should check whether it's relevant in your case.

The online advice suggests adding 1 teaspoon to a mug or cup of boiling water, waiting for it to go lukewarm, gently bathing for 10-15 mins, and gently dabbing it dry with a soft towel. It helps reduce infection. Sounds old school but is effective, despite the stinging sensation from the salty brine!

Best of luck for the rest of your revovery Mate.

Devon-uk profile image
Devon-uk

Hey bro. I had similar (although I didn't get an infection). My surgeon said it was stitch reactions and it wouldn't affect healing. He was right and it's healed nicely (10 weeks) I bathed it daily in salt water to help prevent infection. 4 spoons of salt in a glass of water, dip penis in and slosh around for 5 minutes. Don't rinse salt off. It will help healing and prevent infection.

Qwerty1000 profile image
Qwerty1000 in reply toDevon-uk

Hey Devon, did the open wound affect healing time?I was hoping to slowly start using it again after 6 weeks. The salt water's a good tip too.

Devon-uk profile image
Devon-uk

I don't think so. My doc said nothing to worry about as the healing happens from the inside to the surface. You do have to be patient regarding using it though. I'm 10 weeks and just masturbating gently using the shaft and avoiding handling the cut area. It's still sensitive from the op.

Qwerty1000 profile image
Qwerty1000 in reply toDevon-uk

Thanks for the info.. my doc said I could have protected sex after 6 weeks but I'm not so confident right now

Devon-uk profile image
Devon-uk in reply toQwerty1000

Hold off for as long as you can. It will be worth it in the long run.

Carrerjet profile image
Carrerjet

If there is smell, it usually states infection.

Are you using neosporin or tbact regularly on wound? If not, consult your doc and use them.

For swelling, use slight tight bandage or gauze and keep the penis upright. Don't let it hang.

Conventional circumcision has disadvantage of swelling, in some case it can last for 3-6 months.

You can use ice pack on shaft, avoid Erections.

If infected, doc will prescribe antibiotics for 5 days. Do not skip the dose and take it timely.

Try to avoid any sexual activity before 6-8 weeks to be safe.

Circumkim profile image
Circumkim

I have open wound as well, after 12 days. Is it safe to masturbate with open wounds?

Timthemoth profile image
Timthemoth in reply toCircumkim

No. You risk splitting the wound, major complications, and delaying the healing process.All the surgeons/doctors/urologists advise the same: nothing for 6 to 8 weeks (or longer if you experience any pain).

The night time involuntary erections are more than enough for your recovering penis to handle so early after surgery.

It may be time to take up a new hobby or learn a new skill/language, start watching a boxset or getting into gaming, something to take your mind off the usual.

That's going to be my approach: productive distraction.

Best of luck with it all!

Circumkim profile image
Circumkim in reply toTimthemoth

Thanks for advice! How long is normal healing for open wounds?

Timthemoth profile image
Timthemoth in reply toCircumkim

It depends on the individual and how fast they heal: age, general health, diet, can all be factors.Did your doctor/surgeon give you a timeline? Do you have a follow up appointment soon?You could check these details with your medical professional at the appointment and ask how you can help the healing process along.

Circumkim profile image
Circumkim in reply toTimthemoth

No follow up appointment but can call them if necessary. The standard timeline, 4 weeks without sex and total heal in 3 months. I can see its not an infection, no pain, redness or bloode and no fever. The wounds are healing good to, so I just have to wait and see. Cant wait to the stitch to release.

Timthemoth profile image
Timthemoth in reply toCircumkim

You're on to it! Both replies from the knowledgeable Devon-uk and Qwerty1000 indicate what you're going through is similar to their experiences. And if you still have concerns, your expert opinion is only a phone call away.Am getting non-dissolvable stitches that get taken out after 2 weeks...that will be an interesting process. Each type of "suture" would have its pros and cons I assume.

By end of week 2 some feedback from surg on my progress will be helpful.

PenisCare profile image
PenisCare

thanks for all the info and advice. The infection has pretty much cleared away now, no real pain just the odd twinge. I’m now 11 days post op. Everywhere on the incision line that hasn’t opened up looks as if it’s healing nicely. Just the gaps between where skin is not touching, I’ll keep you updated for future queries!

I think it’s called secondary healing , but where there is small gaps in the wound between the stitches, it should heal from beneath the skin make the top layer of skin touching one of the final stages.

Biggest concern was where the skin hasn’t fused together, would that mean open wounds? Or is this just the top layers of skin that haven’t fused together

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