Prepuce Care for Better Health – Recognizing and Dealing with Common Problems

The prepuce is more than just an extra flap of skin at the end of the male organ. This bit of tissue, also known as the prepuce, plays an important role in male organ health. From birth, it protects the head male organ (or head) from the outside world, helping to prevent injury and preserving sensitivity.

While surgical ablation of the prepuce is common practice in a number of cultures, most males retain their sheath. In order to prevent problems from developing and keep the skin clean and healthy, recognizing potential problems and carrying out adequate prepuce care is an important part of every man’s personal hygiene regimen.

General prepuce care

In babies, there is no need to wash under the prepuce; the area should simply be cleaned like any other part of the body. Changing wet or soiled diapers right away is important to prevent these materials from irritating sensitive skin.

As the prepuce begins to separate from the head, younger boys can be taught to clean underneath to remove any built-up body fluids and dead skin cells that may accumulate. The prepuce should never be retracted forcefully, as this can result in tearing and the formation of scar tissue.

For most children, the prepuce retracts by age 2, although it is not uncommon for parts of it to stick; this is usually resolved by the time the child reaches puberty.

Older teens and adults should retract the prepuce fully and clean away any smegma each time they shower. The skin underneath should be allowed to dry thoroughly before replacing the sheath, as damp skin is more prone to bacterial and fungal infections.

Common problems that can affect the prepuce

Some of the most common issues that can affect the prepuce are as follows:

·        Phimosis – the prepuce cannot be retracted fully. This can result in chronic infections, tearing and pain during intimacy, and impaired urination. Men can often resolve the problem by gently retracting the skin a little bit at a time – in the shower is a good idea – until the sheath can be pulled back normally. In some cases, surgical treatment may be the best option. 

·        Paraphimosis – the prepuce becomes stuck behind the crown of the male organ. This is generally treated as an emergency condition, as the trapped skin may cut off circulation to the head.

·        Zipper injury – nearly every male will experience this painful problem at least once. Catching the prepuce or any other part of the male organ in a zipper can be excruciatingly painful, but rarely causes serious problems. Men who catch a bit of skin in their jeans should never try to pull it out forcefully; oiling the zipper and skin and waiting for it to slip out on its own is the best option.

·        Balanitis – Irritation and prepuce infection can occur when the area under the sheath is not kept clean and dry.

·        Inflammation – Rough handling, lack of lubrication during intimacy, or forcing the skin back can result in a red, swollen, painful prepuce. Certain chemicals, such as those found in some soaps or detergents, may also cause inflammation. Using a personal lube, moisturizing the male organ, and using natural detergents and personal hygiene products can help to reduce recurrences of this problem.

Boosting overall male organ health

In addition to normal care of the prepuce, men can take steps to keep the prepuce especially supple and maintain its elasticity, as well as preventing the cracking and drying that are common among uncut men. Investing in a high-quality male organ vitamin cream  (most health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil) can provide the skin of the male organ with the vital nutrients and soothing emollients it needs to stay healthy, resilient and responsive.