What is foreskin?

Foreskin hyperplasia refers to a physiological phenomenon in which the foreskin of the male penis completely covers the glans penis and urethral opening but can evert out to expose the urethral opening and glans penis. Excessive foreskin may be related to congenital developmental abnormalities, local inflammatory stimulation and other factors. It usually presents with symptoms such as foreskin covering the glans penis, difficulty in cleaning, and accumulation of smegma.

1. Congenital developmental abnormalities

Excessive foreskin is mostly related to congenital developmental abnormalities. This kind of situation is more common in children and teenagers. As they age, the foreskin of some people will gradually recede, and the head of the penis can be exposed naturally. If there are no symptoms such as redness, swelling, pain, or difficulty urinating, no special treatment is usually required. Parents should help their children clean the area, wash and dry the area gently every day, and avoid using irritating lotions. If recurrent infections occur, circumcision after puberty may be considered.

2. Local inflammation stimulation

Repeated inflammatory stimulation such as balanoposthitis may lead to scarring stenosis of the foreskin orifice, resulting in secondary foreskin elongation. Such patients are often accompanied by local redness, itching or abnormal secretions. In the acute stage, they need to be treated with erythromycin ointment, clotrimazole cream or potassium permanganate diluent soaking as directed by the doctor. After the inflammation is controlled, if there is still difficulty in foreskin eversion, the indications for surgery can be evaluated. Avoid scratching the affected area in daily life and choose breathable cotton underwear.

3. Accumulation of smegma

Excessive foreskin can easily lead to retention of sebaceous gland secretions, causing white smegma to accumulate in the coronal sulcus. Long-term irritation may induce odor, urinary tract infection or partner's gynecological inflammation. It is recommended to completely evert the foreskin and rinse the coronal sulcus with warm water during daily cleaning. If stubborn smegma has formed, compound cork liquid liniment can be used for a short period of time to soften it by local wet application. If you have a bacterial infection, you need to seek medical advice and avoid blind use of antibiotic lotions.

4. Urination disorders

Severe foreskin may cause stenosis of the foreskin opening, resulting in symptoms such as thin urine lines, difficulty urinating, or urinary retention. In such cases, timely medical treatment is required to rule out urethral malformation. The doctor may recommend using dexamethasone ointment to relieve edema, or using foreskin dilation to improve symptoms. Adult patients who experience recurring dysuria often require circumcision. The wound needs to be kept dry after surgery and the healing status should be reviewed regularly.

5. Risk of sexual dysfunction

Excessive foreskin may affect the quality of sexual life due to abnormal sensitivity, and some patients may experience premature ejaculation or painful intercourse. It can be clinically evaluated through a foreskin sensitivity test. After diagnosis, behavioral training or foreskin plasty can be selected according to the situation. Those who suffer from psychological stress can be combined with psychological counseling. In daily life, care should be taken to avoid overstimulating the head of the penis and to clean it before and after sexual intercourse.

People with excessive foreskin should insist on cleaning their vulva every day and use gentle movements to avoid violent eversion. Wear loose, breathable underwear to avoid friction from sitting for long periods of time. Parents of child patients must check the condition of foreskin ectropion regularly. Adolescents should seek medical attention as soon as possible if they experience repeated redness, swelling or abnormal urination. If adult patients plan to have surgery, they need to choose a regular medical institution and avoid strenuous exercise and sexual life within two weeks after surgery. Pay attention to reducing the intake of spicy and irritating foods, and moderately supplement vitamin C to promote mucosal repair.