Foreskin Care
The foreskin is the skin covering the head of the penis. In most infants, the foreskin cannot be pulled back (retracted). This is due to the narrow opening at the tip of the foreskin and its attachment to the head of the penis. The inability to retract the foreskin at birth is a normal condition.
As your child gets older, the opening of the foreskin widens. The foreskin also separates from the head of the penis and it is possible to pull the foreskin back. In some children this occurs by age 3 to 5. In others it may not occur until adolescence. This is normal.
It is important that you don't try to force your child's foreskin back. This can lead to injury and scarring.
Home care
Before the foreskin can be retracted:
- Wash the foreskin and penis when giving your child a bath.
- Change your child's diapers often
At the appropriate age:
- Teach your child to clean the foreskin with soap and water with each bath or shower. If the foreskin can be retraced, then gently retract and clean during bath or shower.
- Return the foreskin to the covered position after each cleaning.
When the foreskin can be partially retracted, you may notice white, pearl-like lumps under it. These are called smegma. They are made up of skin cells that are shed as the foreskin separates from the head of the penis. Smegma is normal and nothing to worry about.
Follow-up care
Follow up with your child's healthcare provider, or as advised.
When to seek medical advice
Call your child's healthcare provider right away if any of these occur:
- Pain or swelling in the foreskin or penis
- Pain or burning when passing urine
- Partial or complete blockage in the flow of urine
- Urine shooting off to one side
- Blood, which can look pink or red, coming from the foreskin or seen in the urine
- You can't return a retracted foreskin to the normal position. This needs immediate care.