Normal Coloration of a 6-Month-Old Circumcised Penis
The normal appearance of a 6-month-old circumcised penis includes pink to light brown coloration of the glans (head), with the color varying based on the child's skin tone, and the healing should be complete by this age with no redness, swelling, or discharge present.
Expected Normal Appearance
The glans penis in a healed circumcised infant typically appears pink to light brown, with coloration matching or slightly lighter than the child's overall skin tone 1, 2
By 6 months post-circumcision, complete healing should have occurred, with the glans appearing smooth and without signs of inflammation 2, 3
The circumcision scar line (where the foreskin was removed) may appear as a slightly lighter or darker ring around the shaft, which is a normal finding 4
What is NOT Normal at 6 Months
Persistent redness beyond the immediate post-operative period (first few weeks) suggests ongoing inflammation or infection and requires evaluation 3
Swelling, discharge, or pus at 6 months post-circumcision is abnormal and warrants medical attention 3
Excessive paleness or white patches on the glans could indicate lichen sclerosus, though this is rare in infants and more common in older children and adults 5
Dark red, purple, or dusky coloration may indicate vascular compromise or other complications requiring urgent evaluation 2, 3
Common Pitfalls in Assessment
Parents often present to emergency departments concerned about normal post-circumcision healing appearance, with 29.9% of ED presentations after circumcision being diagnosed as normal healing 3
Better parental education about the expected appearance of the healing circumcised penis would prevent unnecessary anxiety and ED visits 3
Any persistent abnormal findings (redness, swelling, discharge) beyond the initial healing period of 2-3 weeks should prompt referral to pediatric urology rather than prolonged observation 2, 4