DISCLAIMER: This material is for educational purposes only. You, the reader, assume full responsibility for how you choose to use it. It is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, nor does it replace the advice or counsel of a doctor or health care professional. Reference to a specific commercial product, service, or external web site does not imply endorsement or recommendation of that product, service, or external web site content by CPCMG. We attempt to keep lists of resources and referrals as up to date as possible; however, this information is constantly changing. Please check with the service provider and your insurance company to verify coverage.
What is a foreskin infection?
This is an infection of the foreskin usually caused by yeast or bacteria.
This can happen if your son is not circumcised.
Posthitis is the medical term used when the foreskin is irritated like it is when infected.
What are the symptoms of a foreskin infection?
The foreskin looks, red, pink or irritated.
The foreskin may be swollen.
Your child may be tender when the area is touched, or it may hurt when they urinate.
Pus or cloudy discharge may drain from the opening of the foreskin.
This does not usually cause a fever.
What causes foreskin infections?
Diapers can cause it by irritating the foreskin.
Bubble baths can be irritating to the foreskin.
Using a soap with only a few ingredients or for sensitive skin, are the best options for baths.
For children who are old enough to stand for urination, if your child’s foreskin is tight and hard to pull back, it may be hard to clean. Note that a tight foreskin is normal in the first few years of life, and you do not need to try to pull back the foreskin.
If dirty hands are used to change diapers it may cause infection in the foreskin.
Bacteria and yeast are the most common causes of foreskin infections.
What is the treatment for a foreskin infection?
Your child’s primary care provider will prescribe a medication when your child is seen.
Make sure to follow the directions and complete the full course of medication as advised.
Continue to gently pull back on the foreskin to apply the medication.
Continue to keep the area clean.
Allow as much air exposure and diaper free time as possible.
Continue using scent free diapers and wipes.
If your child has continued to have multiple infections, sometimes a circumcision is recommended. This is an uncommon scenario; please speak with your child’s health care provider if you have concerns.
Your child’s primary care provider may recommend acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen to help with pain or swelling.
How do I prevent a foreskin infection?
Make sure to wash your hands before changing diapers.
Avoid any scented diapers or wipes.
Allow as much air exposure or diaper free time as possible.
Avoid bubble baths, as these can irritate the skin, including the foreskin.
Change diapers frequently.
How To Clean the Foreskin and Penis
This information comes from Care for an Uncircumcised Penis: What Parents Need to Know - HealthyChildren.org
At birth, the foreskin is attached to the head of the penis and cannot be pulled back. The age at which the foreskin separates differs for each child. Rarely, this process takes a few weeks, but more often it takes months or years.
When is it OK to pull back the foreskin & clean under it?
Once the foreskin separates, the foreskin can be pulled back away from the tip of the penis. This is called foreskin retraction.
Remember that foreskin retraction should never be forced. Until the foreskin fully separates, it shouldn't be pulled back. Forcing the foreskin to retract before it is ready can cause severe pain, bleeding and tears in the skin.
How to clean the foreskin and penis
Before the foreskin has separated:
In the first few months, clean your baby's foreskin and penis with warm water. Cotton swabs or antiseptics are not needed. Do not pull back the foreskin.
After the foreskin has separated:
Teach your child how to clean their foreskin. Before puberty, they should occasionally clean under the foreskin. During puberty, they should clean under the foreskin when showering or bathing.
Step 1: Gently pull the foreskin back away from the end of the penis.
Step 2: Rinse underneath the foreskin with warm water.
Step 3: Pull the foreskin back over the penis.
Step 4: Clean the penis with warm water, and, if needed, use mild soap. If you use soap, avoid contact with the opening of the penis and rinse the penis well.
When to call your child’s primary healthcare provider:
Your child’s symptoms are not improving after three days of treatment.
Your child symptoms are worsening.
You think your child needs to be seen.
Your child has a fever.
📚 References
This content was adapted from Cleveland Clinic, healthychildren.org. Images from https://www.sciencefocus.com/science/how-does-bubble-bath-work, https://uoflhealth.org/articles/hand-washing-101/
Reviewed by TT DO, JW MD, Patient Education Committee.