How Do I Clean Under My Foreskin?

Published: June 19, 2017
Dear TeenHealthFX,
I am fifteen years of age and have not cleaned underneath my foreskin. What advice do you recommend?
Signed: How So I Clean Under My Foreskin?

Dear How So I Clean Under My Foreskin?,

It is important to clean underneath the foreskin daily. Johns Hopkins Medicine provides the following information on how to properly do this:

How to care for the uncircumcised penis

As an adolescent, the uncircumcised male should retract, or pull back, the foreskin and clean underneath it daily. It should be a part of his daily hygiene routine. The American Academy of Pediatrics states that the foreskin should be cleansed by following the steps below:

  • Gently, not forcefully, pull the foreskin away from the tip of the penis.
  • Rinse the tip of the penis and the inside part of the foreskin with soap and water.
  • Return the foreskin back over the tip of the penis.

 

If you have any other questions about hygiene or anything related to sexual health, talk to your primary care physician on an adolescent medicine specialist about it. If you don't have a doctor and live in northern New Jersey, you can call the Adolescent/Young Adult Center for Health at 973-971-5199 for an appointment with an adolescent medicine specialist or contact your local teen health center or Planned Parenthood. A Planned Parenthood health center is a good option if you have concerns about cost or confidentiality issues. You can also contact your insurance company for a list of in-network providers.

Signed: TeenHealthFX

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