Uncircumcised penis care
Disease Information
In-Depth
The uncircumcised penis
In an uncircumcised boy, the foreskin will begin to separate from the glans while the boy is an infant. This is called foreskin retraction. Foreskin retraction may happen immediately after birth, but it may take several years to complete.
Most foreskins can be fully retracted by the time boy is 18 years old.
Forced retraction — don’t do it
Retraction of the foreskin, or pulling the foreskin back from the tip of the penis, should not be forced. If the foreskin is forced to retract, it may result in bleeding and discomfort. 
Caring for the uncircumcised penis
As an adolescent, the uncircumcised boy should pull back the foreskin and clean underneath it as part of his daily hygiene routine.
The American Academy of Pediatrics states that the foreskin should be cleansed by following the steps below:
- Gently, not forcefully, pull the foreskin away from the tip of the penis.
- Rinse the tip of the penis and the inside part of the foreskin with soap and water.
- Return the foreskin back over the tip of the penis.
Your son’s physician will be able to provide more information, should you need it.
