Instructions on how to clean the foreskin for boys

This is an automatically translated article.

The article was professionally consulted by resident Doctor Duong Van Sy - Neonatologist - Pediatrics - Neonatology - Vinmec Hai Phong International General Hospital

During the first few years, your son's foreskin will separate from the tip of the penis. Some foreskin detaches shortly after birth or even before birth but this is rare. Do not attempt to reverse the foreskin in young children because in most cases the foreskin has not yet separated on its own. This article provides practical information to help healthcare professionals and parents understand the proper care of a natural, complete, intact penis.

1. What is the foreskin?

The foreskin is a flap of skin that covers the head of the penis and is attached at the base of the head. Boys are born with the foreskin fully attached to their penis. By the time boys reach puberty, the foreskin can usually be easily retracted below the base of the penis (head of the penis).

2. Common foreskin problems if not cleaned properly

Conditions that can affect the foreskin include:
Inflammation - pain and redness of the foreskin. Common causes include forced retraction, irritants such as baths, bubbles, or dirty diapers. Chronic infection. Phimosis - the foreskin is abnormally tight, preventing it from retracting. Paraphimosis - permanent removal of the foreskin. Tumor - rare, in some cases cancerous (extremely rare). Traction zipper - foreskin.

3. Instructions on how to properly clean the foreskin for boys

3.1 Cleaning the foreskin Cleaning the foreskin is generally uncomplicated, but requires basic care. You need to clean under the foreskin in the shower, gently retract the foreskin and rinse with warm water. Do not attempt to wash the tip of the penis with a cotton swab, flush it with water, or use disinfectants. Just using clean water and soap to wash the outside is enough.
3.2 Circumcision The foreskin will separate in some one-year-olds and 90% of boys will separate by the age of four. However, for some children, separation of the foreskin may not occur until puberty, which is normal. In a rare condition called Phimosis, the foreskin will never retract.
Since the penis and foreskin separate naturally, there is often redness or pain when urinating (a little). This is normal and usually gets better after one to two days. While cleavage occurs, small aggregates of white/yellow clumps (smegma) may accumulate. Smegma is normal and nothing to worry about.
3.3 Cleaning a fully inverted foreskin When your son begins puberty, cleaning underneath the foreskin should be part of his daily routine, like washing his hair and brushing his teeth.
Teach your son to clean the foreskin in the following way:
Step 1: Gently pull the foreskin away from the tip of the penis. Step 2: Wash under the foreskin with soap and warm water. Step 3: Pull the foreskin back to the penis In addition, keeping underwear clean is also a way to properly clean the foreskin. Leaving your sweaty clothes and underwear after a workout is unhygienic. Even if your sweaty clothes are dry, they still pose a risk because bacteria, yeasts thrive in sweat, and the risk of yeast infections isn't far off. Do not wear tight underwear or tight jeans for a long time because they trap sweat and attract the breeding of bacteria. Opt for natural fabrics, such as cotton instead of synthetics, for your innerwear.
In short, the right care and hygiene for the foreskin will help your son avoid injury or infection that shouldn't be, safe and clean. If the foreskin appears strange, you should take your baby to a medical facility for early examination and treatment.
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