Clinical Reference Systems: Pediatric Advisor 10.0
Spanish version
Foreskin Care and Problems
DESCRIPTION
At birth the foreskin is normally attached to the head of
the penis (glans) by a layer of cells. Over the next 5 or
10 years the foreskin will naturally separate from the head
of the penis without any help from us. It gradually loosens
up (retracts) a little at a time. Normal erections during
childhood probably cause most of the change by stretching
the foreskin.
The foreskin generally causes no problems. However,
overzealous retraction before the foreskin has fully
loosened can cause it to get stuck behind the head of the
penis, resulting in severe pain and swelling. If retraction
causes bleeding, scar tissue may form and interfere with
natural retraction. Occasionally, the space under the
foreskin becomes infected. Most of these problems can be
prevented.
NORMAL FORESKIN RETRACTION
Some physicians feel that parents should not engage in any
attempts at retraction, but this runs the risk of smegma
collection and infection. In general, the foreskin requires
minimal care. The following suggestions will help maintain
good hygiene.
During the first year of life, clean only the outside of the
foreskin. Don't try to retract the foreskin. Don't put any
cotton swabs in the opening.
Gentle, partial retraction can begin when your son is 1 or 2
years old. It can be done once a week during bathing.
Perform retraction by gently pulling the skin on the shaft
of the penis downward toward the abdomen. This will make
the foreskin open up, revealing the end of the glans.
During retraction, the exposed part of the glans should be
cleansed with water. Wipe away any whitish material
(smegma) that you find there. Smegma is simply the
accumulation of dead skin cells that are normally shed from
the glans and lining of the foreskin throughout life. Do
not use soap or leave soapy water under the foreskin because
this can cause irritation and swelling. After cleansing,
always pull the foreskin forward to its normal position.
(Note: A collection of smegma that is seen or felt through
the foreskin, but which lies beyond the point to which the
foreskin is retractable, should be left alone until normal
separation exposes it.)
Avoid vigorous retraction because this can cause the
foreskin to become stuck behind the head of the penis (this
is called paraphimosis). Retraction is excessive if it
causes any discomfort or crying.
By the time your son is 5 or 6 years old, teach him to
retract his own foreskin and clean beneath it once a week
during baths to prevent poor hygiene and infection. Gentle
reminders are necessary in the early years.
In summary, foreskin retraction is overdone in our society.
Keep in mind that any degree of foreskin movement is normal
as long as your boy has a normal urine stream. There should
be no rush to achieve full retraction. Full retraction
always occurs naturally by puberty. As the foreskin becomes
retractable on its own, your son should cleanse beneath it
to prevent infections.
CALL YOUR CHILD'S PHYSICIAN IMMEDIATELY IF:
- The foreskin is pulled back and stuck behind the head of
the penis.
- Your child can't pass any urine.
- Your child starts acting very sick.
CALL YOUR CHILD'S PHYSICIAN WITHIN 24 HOURS IF:
- The foreskin looks infected (yellow pus, spreading
redness or streaks).
- You have other concerns or questions.
|