Not all parents will want their young baby boys circumcised. So, for those parents who make this decision based on their own personal reasons, it is important to know how to properly care for the area. During the first several years your son’s foreskin will separate from the tip of the penis.

There have been cases where the foreskins separate soon after birth or even before birth, but this is highly rare. When it does happen, the foreskin will be able to slide back from the tip of the penis, which is referred to as foreskin retraction.

Caring for Foreskin in Infants

The foreskin in infants is quite easy to care for; there are no special regimens that have to take place. The little one should be bathed or sponged frequently, this includes washing all parts of the genital area. There is no need for special cleansing just bathe as normal, soap and water will suffice.

By the age of 5 years old, most boys will be able to retract the foreskin, but there might be some who will not be able to do it until they are in their teen years. As boys mature, and become aware

of their body; they will learn how to retract their own foreskin. It is important that the retraction is not forced. Forcing the foreskin to retract is severely painful and could tear the skin and cause it to bleed.

Smegma

You will notice that when the foreskin separates from the head of the penis, skin cells are shed. These skin cells may look like white, pearl-like lumps under the foreskin; these are called smegma. It is quite common and nothing to worry about.

Once your son reaches puberty, he should be sure to clean beneath the foreskin as part of his daily and cleaning routine. It should be just like washing or brushing his teeth.

Teach your son the proper way clean his foreskin in the following way:

Step 1: Gently pull the foreskin back away from the end of the penis.

Step 2: Rinse underneath the foreskin with soap and warm water.

Step 3: Return the foreskin back over the penis

In care for the young uncircumcised boy is really simple, just leave it alone. Only do normal external washing and rinsing. After puberty, the adult male learns to retract the foreskin and clean on a daily basis.