When the parts are unduly bruised, the local resistance is considerably lowered; hence the paramount necessity of the operation being performed neatly and dexterously.
If these micro-cocci have already found access to the body in other parts, as evidenced by purulent ophthalmia (i.e. matter discharging from the eye lids) or suppuration about the navel, it is important that these conditions be cured before the circumcision is undertaken, because experience shows that in their presence the risks of a general blood infection are increased.
4) There is a special liability for the skin of an infant, particularly in the region of the scrotum, to become irritated by its excretions and to present the eruption known as eczema. The folds of the groin occasionally suffer in the same way, the skin becoming reddened and peeling. These cases demand medical attention before operation, owing to special risks of infection. No infant presenting a rash of any kind should be circumcised without previous examination by a doctor, because it may indicate constitutional disease.
5) Cold always indicates that the bodily processes are deficient in activity. Infants are especially liable to cold, and hence the necessity to supply them with abundant artificial warmth. This is especially required during the exposure which a circumcision involves, and therefore due attention must be paid to the temperature of the room where the operation takes place, draughts must be avoided, and adequate protection of the infant when carried from and to the bedroom, must be ensured.
CHAPTER II.
Results of the Infection of Wounds.
The name usually given to the conditions which result from wound infection is Septic Disease. This includes both the mild and the grave troubles which may ensue.
The mild forms of infection usually appear as interference with the rapid healing of the circumcision wound. The principal of these are:—