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An uncircumcised penis requires a slightly different cleansing regimen than a circumcised penis. If your child is uncircumcised, you will need to take special care to cleanse the area and to avoid damaging the foreskin. If your child is older and can wash alone, you may still need to teach them how to properly cleanse their penis.

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Cleaning an Infant's Uncircumcised Penis

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  1. Do not try to retract the foreskin on a baby's penis! It can take anywhere from 2 to 6 years for the foreskin to separate from the glans (head of the penis).[1] Forcing the foreskin back before it has separated from your child's penis may cause tearing, bleeding, pain, and scarring.[2]
    • Even if pulling back the foreskin does not seem to cause a problem now, forcing it back may cause pain or other problems for the child later in life.[3]
  2. For the first few years, you don't need to do anything special to clean your child's penis.[4] Use warm water and some non-irritating soap, such as baby bath gel. Lather up the soap by rubbing it together in your hands with a bit of water. Then, gently use your fingertips to clean the surface of your baby's penis from the tip to the base.[5]
    • You may also use a gentle washcloth, such as a soft cotton cloth or microfiber washcloth, to gently cleanse your baby's penis.
    • Do not use cotton swabs to clean the crevices of your baby's penis!
  3. If your child develops certain symptoms, it is important to take them to a doctor right away for treatment. These symptoms may include:[6]
    • Swelling or ballooning around the foreskin, especially during urination.
    • Redness around the foreskin or surrounding areas.
    • Itching, as indicated by your child scratching around their penis.[7]
    • Signs that your baby may be in pain, such as high pitched crying or flinching when you clean their penis.
Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Teaching a Child to Clean Their Own Penis

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  1. Once your child's foreskin has separated, they will need to pull back the foreskin to expose the glans (head) of the penis. Teach them to do this gently to avoid injury.[8]
  2. Soap and warm water is needed to cleanse the area under the foreskin that is now exposed. Have your child lather up a bit of body wash or a non-irritating soap in their hands, and then use gently rub the glans.[11]
  3. After they have finished cleansing the glans, rinse the glans off with warm running water to remove all of the soap. Teach your child to check to ensure that the soap is all gone.[14]
    • Your child can also rewash his glans if it still seems dirty after rinsing it off, such as if there is still visible smegma.
  4. Before returning the foreskin to its original position, the glans needs to be dry. A clean, dry towel can be used to dry off the glans. Pat the penis dry rather than rubbing it to reduce irritation.[15]
    • It is important to completely dry the glans before covering it with the foreskin again. This will help to prevent infections.
  5. After your child has washed, rinsed, and dried their penis, they will need to return the foreskin to its original position. This is very important since leaving the skin retracted can cause pain and possible damage by cutting off circulation to the glans.[16]
    • If your child's foreskin ever gets stuck in the retracted position, they should let you know because this will require a visit to the doctor.

Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    How can I safely clean my child's uncircumcised penis?
    Andrea Rudominer, MD, MPH
    Andrea Rudominer, MD, MPH
    Board Certified Pediatrician
    Dr. Andrea Rudominer is a board certified Pediatrician and board certified Integrative Medicine Doctor based in the San Francisco Bay Area. Dr. Rudominer has over 15 years of medical care experience and specializes in preventive health care, obesity, adolescent care, ADHD, and culturally competent care. Dr. Rudominer received her MD from the University of California, Davis, and completed a residency at the Lucile Packard Children's Hospital at Stanford University. Dr. Rudominer also has an MPH in Maternal Child Health from the University of California, Berkeley. She is a Member of the American Board of Pediatrics, a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics, a Member and Delegate of the California Medical Association, and a Member of the Santa Clara County Medical Association.
    Andrea Rudominer, MD, MPH
    Board Certified Pediatrician
    Expert Answer
    For the first several years, there's no special care needed for an uncircumcised penis. With time, the skin will slowly start to separate from the head of the penis. By 4 or 5 years, you should be able to easily push the foreskin down over the head of the penis. Once this occurs, teach your child how to do it and how to clean under the skin every time he bathes. However, never force the skin down—only use gentle pressure.
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Warnings

  • Be careful when cleaning an uncircumcised child's penis since the foreskin might not have separated yet. Never try to force it back!
  • Call your child's doctor immediately if you suspect an infection, which may present with swelling, redness, drainage, and pain.

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About This Article

Andrea Rudominer, MD, MPH
Co-authored by:
Board Certified Pediatrician
This article was co-authored by Andrea Rudominer, MD, MPH. Dr. Andrea Rudominer is a board certified Pediatrician and board certified Integrative Medicine Doctor based in the San Francisco Bay Area. Dr. Rudominer has over 15 years of medical care experience and specializes in preventive health care, obesity, adolescent care, ADHD, and culturally competent care. Dr. Rudominer received her MD from the University of California, Davis, and completed a residency at the Lucile Packard Children's Hospital at Stanford University. Dr. Rudominer also has an MPH in Maternal Child Health from the University of California, Berkeley. She is a Member of the American Board of Pediatrics, a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics, a Member and Delegate of the California Medical Association, and a Member of the Santa Clara County Medical Association. This article has been viewed 109,644 times.
121 votes - 69%
Co-authors: 15
Updated: September 25, 2021
Views: 109,644
Categories: Babies and Infants

Medical Disclaimer

The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. You should always contact your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional before starting, changing, or stopping any kind of health treatment.

Article SummaryX

Cleaning your child’s uncircumcised penis is relatively easy but it’s important that you do it properly to avoid hurting him. Only wash the visible parts of your child’s penis. Don’t try to retract his foreskin, since this doesn’t usually separate for a few years and you don’t want to tear it. Wipe his penis with warm soapy water and your fingertips or a soft wash cloth. If you notice any swelling or redness around his penis, contact your doctor. For more tips, including how to teach your son to clean his own penis, read on!

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