Cleaning your penis

At birth a child’s foreskin is fused to their penis. Over time the foreskin will begin to separate from the head of the penis. Your child will then be able to retract their foreskin and clean underneath it.

Foreskin separation happens at different ages. It is therefore important that you are very gentle when trying to retract the foreskin. If the foreskin does not retract easily do not force it. Just continue to clean the outside and tip of the penis. Most foreskins will have loosened by around age 12, but it is different for everyone. If you are concerned about your child’s foreskin you should speak to a doctor.

When children start puberty they sweat more. This can cause a thick whitish substance to build up under skin folds and creases on the penis and scrotum. This is called smegma. This is normal, and can happen at all ages. While smegma is normal, if left uncleaned it can build up and can cause the penis to become sore and irritated. For this reason it is important to clean underneath the foreskin and around the head of the penis regularly once puberty starts.

For children with an intact penis it is important that they learn to retract their foreskin to clean underneath. Children who have not yet reached puberty should clean under their foreskin only once or twice a week. Children who have reached puberty should clean under their foreskin more regularly.

Encourage your child to clean the outside of the penis gently with warm water and their hand or wash cloth. Hold the foreskin between the thumb and forefinger and gently slide it back to show the head of the penis.

Clean the head of the penis with warm water. Your child can use a wash cloth to gently remove any smegma or sticky stuff. They can also use a gentle or natural soap to clean the penis. Be careful not to use too much soap as it can make the skin dry.

Encourage your child to clean the outside of the penis gently with warm water and their hand or wash cloth. If smegma is sticky or difficult to remove you can use a wash cloth to gently wipe it away.