Men who are uncircumcised must take special care of the foreskin, the loose skin that covers the tip of the penis.

A man should wash his penis with warm water every day. While washing, he should gently pull back the foreskin and rinse the glans (head) of the penis and inside the foreskin. When finished, he can pull the foreskin back to its original position. He should also wash the base the penis and the testicles.

Soap, talcum powder, and deodorant should be avoided, as these products can cause irritation and inflammation.

Men should also be aware of smegma, a substance composed of skin oils and shed cells that lubricates the area under the foreskin. Smegma is natural, but if too much develops, it can emit an unpleasant odor and can be a sign of irritation. Excess smegma also encourages the growth of microorganisms, which can lead to infections. Good hygiene can prevent smegma from accumulating too much.

Keep in mind that these instructions apply to adolescent and adult males. The foreskins of babies and young children may still be attached to the penis and should not be forcibly retracted. For more information on caring for a child’s penis, talk to your pediatrician.