Pat,
A newly circumcised penis will often have some swelling, I would be
concerned that blood flow would be restricted if an occlusive dressing were
applied. Also, what would occur to the dressing when the baby voided? I'm
assuming the dressing wouldn't cover the urethral opening (logic would
preclude that), but the dressing would eventually loosen, possibly
dislodge, and may cause trauma to an already traumatized area. The healing
time for a circumcision is only a few days, vaseline to prevent the penis
from sticking to the diaper is quite effective; I see more problems than
solutions with the use of a hydrogel dressing in this situation. Just MHO.
Mary A. Banaszewski, RN, Lactation Specialist