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The foreskin is a small skin fold. It is part of the body of mammals. It partially or completely covers the glans and provides protection against damage, as well as adequate moisture of the glans and frenulum.
The foreskin can be slid and slid over the penis. When a man gets an erection, the fold comes off by itself. The foreskin of a young child works a bit differently.
First of all, it is attached to the acorn and practically immobile. Before, or during puberty, comes to the foreskin comes loose. However, in most boys, it is partially recoverable after the age of 3. Before this process takes place, the foreskin must not be pulled down by force. The consequence of such a procedure may be painful skin cracks and scars – for example, a paraple is formed.
The damage to the foreskin is very painful and difficult to heal. In a child who develops properly, the skin fold tightly covers the glans. Only when slightly pulled back can you see the opening of the urethra. Good hygiene is also important. In the youngest, it is enough to wash the foreskin from the outside. Hygiene in an adult male is about regular slipping of the foreskin. Thanks to this, you can rinse the mastic from under it (exfoliated epidermis and impurities). If a man neglects this activity, fungal or other infections may develop.
- Also read: Frenulum of the foreskin
Removal of the foreskin – habits
Circumcision is one of the most important rituals according to many nations and tribes. Removal of the foreskin it is the definition of tribal affiliation, an increase in fertility and the development of a boy into a man. Circumcision is performed by Jews on the 8th day after birth. On the Arabian Peninsula it is the 7th, 14th or 21st day. However, on the island of Flores – only when the man reaches the age of 20-30. A severed foreskin is sometimes treated like a magic item. In various parts of the world, this fold of skin is burnt, buried in the ground, placed in water, even given to a cow to eat, or dried and then worn around the neck by the circumcised sister.
The foreskin is removed primarily to maintain intimate hygiene. This is the oldest reason circumcision was performed. Modern medicine has confirmed that men with a foreskin removed they are less likely to have syphilis or gonorrhea.
Interestingly, the partners of these men occasionally suffer from cervical cancer. HIV infection is twice as rare among circumcised men. Additionally, it is a fact that boys who have not had their foreskin removed often experience phimosis. This is a situation where the foreskin is too tight so it cannot slide off the glans. This results in frequent infections and pain.
Flushed and slightly red swollen foreskin is an uncommon condition that occurs in boys. This condition suggests inflammation that causes pain in the penis, particularly when urinating. Pus may also ooze from under the fold of the skin, but these are more severe cases.
What are the causes of this infection? First, it occurs as a result of poor hygiene. For toddlers wearing diapers reddened foreskin may be the result of too tight, wet diapers. It can also be an allergic reaction to soap or wet wipes, among others. Wet swimming trunks can also be a threat. If the boy wears them for a long time, the foreskin may become red.
The cause may also be dirty hands that the child touches the foreskin with, for example while urinating outside. In a situation where we notice a red foreskin in a child, we should go to a doctor who will determine the method of treatment. It is possible that rivanol soaps or washing with octenisept are enough. In more difficult cases, if the ailment is fungal or bacterial, the doctor may prescribe an antifungal medication or some antibiotic ointment.
The most important thing is to maintain strict hygiene, change diapers frequently and wash your genitals with soap and water. If you develop vomiting, diarrhea or a fever, your specialist may order a urine test as these may be signs of a urinary tract infection. In adolescents and adult men, if there is redness, pain in and around the skin of the penis, and have difficulty urinating and tightening the foreskin, this is a sign of inflammation of the foreskin. Untreated ailment can result in a rose in the scrotum and penis. A visit to the doctor is necessary.
Inflammation of the foreskin is most often the result of a bacterial, fungal or viral infection. Foreskin injuries can also contribute.
Read also:
- What is a scrotal hernia?
- Prostatic hypertrophy – causes, symptoms
- General examinations for men – health prophylaxis
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