Parents can relax, knowing they can care for their natural son using this basic information, and that he will be healthy, safe, and happy. Physicians now agree that you should not retract his foreskin. Because you don’t have to deal with a circumcision wound, caring for an intact (not circumcised) boy is easier.
Bathing and Hygiene
Use warm, clear water to bathe him. Soaps and bubble baths can cause irritation of sensitive genital skin in intact boys (and girls and circumcised boys). When he’s ready, he can be taught to keep himself clean. As his foreskin begins to loosen naturally, he should be encouraged to gently pull his foreskin as far back as is comfortable, rinse himself, and return it to its forward position. Talk with him about germs and proper hygiene, and caution him about touching his bottom—his fingers might transfer germs to his penis.
Normal Growth
Before birth, the foreskin and penis grow as a single structure. After birth, the foreskin slowly begins to loosen over a period of years. As the inner layer dissolves during childhood, excess skin cells slough off and appear as small white lumps (smegma) collecting in the space between his foreskin and glans, which are easily washed away. Few foreskins retract in the first year, most take many years, while some never retract—this is all normal.
Foreskin Retraction Danger
Forced foreskin retraction by an uninformed adult is the greatest penile risk boys face. It causes severe pain, bleeding, scarring, and may lead to infection and adhesions. The foreskin should be retracted only by the boy himself, and only when he is ready to do so.
CAUTION: Stay with your boy during all medical examinations. Some healthcare professionals might forcibly retract his foreskin. Before every examination say, “Please, do not retract his foreskin.”
Diaper Changing
Clean only what is seen. Change his diapers often. Make sure that the whole diaper area is clean before putting a new diaper on. Do not retract his foreskin.
Health Hints:
Soreness and Infection – Stop bathing with soaps and bubble baths if the foreskin becomes red and itching. A common cause of irritation is fungus, easily treated with an anti-fungal cream. Or, use liquid acidophilus culture (available in health food stores) applied 6 times daily for 6 days. If he is diagnosed with a urinary tract infection, use the prescribed antibiotic. Seek medical help any time there is pain, oozing, fever, change in coloration, or bleeding.
Ballooning While Peeing – This is normal, though it can be alarming to parents seeing it for the first time. If the boy is not in pain and his urine is free-flowing, don’t worry.
Foreskin Won’t Go Back Down – Squeeze the glans firmly to reduce swelling. Then, put your first and second fingers on either side of the retracted foreskin (like holding a syringe) and push the glans back into it with the thumb (like depressing the plunger on a syringe). If unsuccessful, seek medical assistance immediately.
