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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.
Lack of cleaning the foreskin with diaper changes or during baths, can lead to infections.
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.
If your child’s foreskin is tight and hard to pull back, it may be hard to clean.
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.
Gently pull the foreskin back during diaper changes to clean it.
Gently clean the area during baths and make sure all of the soap is removed.
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.
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.