It is important to take care of your child's penis and foreskin to keep it healthy and prevent redness, pain, and infection.
The foreskin is the loose skin that covers the tip of the penis. In most newborns, the foreskin does not retract (pulling back from the tip of the penis), but over time the foreskin separates and may retract.
Most little boys touch and play with their penis frequently. This is a normal part of their development and getting to know their bodies. When the foreskin reaches a point where it can be pulled back, your child will discover this for himself.
The foreskin of circumcised children has been removed by a surgical method.
Separation of the Foreskin
The foreskin will have separated in most one-year-old children and 90 percent of 4-year-old boys. In some children, separation may not occur until they reach adolescence. This is a normal situation. Phimosis, a rare condition, is when the foreskin never retracts.
As the penis and foreskin naturally separate, there is often redness or pain when urinating. This is a normal situation and will pass within a day or two. As separation occurs, small white/yellow lumps (smegma) may accumulate. Smegma is normal and nothing to worry about.
Home Care
Do not forcefully pull back your child's foreskin to clean it. There is no need to clean under the foreskin in young children. Forcing the foreskin can cause scar tissue to form and cause problems in the future.
When the foreskin can be easily retracted, your child should make it a habit to clean that area when he takes a bath or shower. The penis should be washed in the same way as other parts of the body. Have your child rinse the foreskin so that it is not soapy, and then return it to its usual position covering the glans.
After your child urinates, the foreskin should always be returned to its usual position covering the glans.
Do not apply antiseptic creams or lotions to the penis or foreskin (see a doctor). Unless recommended by or).
Diaperma can cause redness and pain on your child's penis. Change wet and dirty diapers immediately to prevent diaper rash.
Try not to diaper your child for short periods of time. Fresh air helps both prevent and cure diaper rash.
Keeping red and injured skin in warm bath water soothes it. Dry thoroughly after bathing.
Apply protector or diaper rash cream, including the tip of the penis, at each diaper change. Avoid using wet wipes on the penis.
When to See a Doctor?
Take your child to the doctor if:
• the penis is red and if it is swollen
• if your child has trouble urinating
• if your child has a fever with other symptoms
• if there is discharge or inflammation from the penis
• If your child's foreskin swells like a balloon when urinating.
If the foreskin remains stuck after being retracted, seek emergency medical help from your doctor or a hospital. This is called paraphimosis and needs to be reviewed urgently.
Important Points to Remember
Your child's foreskin should never be cleaned by force. It should not be withdrawn.
Wash the penis in the same way as the other parts of the body and rinse thoroughly to avoid soapy residue. Teach your child to make this a habit.
• Do not forget to change wet and dirty diapers immediately.
• If the foreskin remains stuck after being retracted, seek emergency medical help.
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