Immunological and protective function of the foreskin: Difference between revisions
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}}</ref> It is a double fold of [[skin]] which offers two layers of protection to prevent [[keratinization]] and maintain sensitivity. | }}</ref> It is a double fold of [[skin]] which offers two layers of protection to prevent [[keratinization]] and maintain sensitivity. | ||
At birth, the [[foreskin]] is usually | At birth, the [[foreskin]] is usually fused with the [[glans]] (head) of the [[penis]] by a [[synechia]], akin to how a fingernail is attached to a finger.<ref>{{REFjournal | ||
|last=Deibert | |last=Deibert | ||
|init=GA | |init=GA | ||
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}}</ref> | }}</ref> | ||
The idea that the foreskin is "dirty" or "unclean" is a scientifically unfounded superstition. The [[intact]] [[penis]] is naturally clean and maintains a level of hygiene that is optimal when compared to | The idea that the foreskin is "dirty" or "unclean" is a scientifically unfounded superstition. The [[intact]] [[penis]] is naturally clean and maintains a level of hygiene that is optimal when compared to an uncovered, exposed [[penis]] that has been altered by [[circumcision]].<ref name="fleiss-hodges-vanhowe1998"/> | ||
In comparison, due to the open wounds and raw [[bleeding]] flesh in a diaper, the [[circumcised]] [[penis]] needs much more care after [[circumcision]]. The surgically externalized [[glans]] is dirty rather then clean because of constant exposure to dirt, abrasion, pathogens, and contaminants.<ref name="vanhowe1997">{{REFjournal | In comparison, due to the open wounds and raw [[bleeding]] flesh in a diaper, the [[circumcised]] [[penis]] needs much more care after [[circumcision]]. The surgically externalized [[glans]] is dirty rather then clean because of constant exposure to dirt, abrasion, pathogens, and contaminants.<ref name="vanhowe1997">{{REFjournal | ||
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|DOI=10.1046/j.1464-410X.1997.00467.x | |DOI=10.1046/j.1464-410X.1997.00467.x | ||
|accessdate=2019-10-20 | |accessdate=2019-10-20 | ||
}}</ref> [[Circumcised]] boys are also found to be more likely to develop [[balanitis]], [[meatitis]], [[Skin bridge| coronal adhesions]], and [[meatal stenosis]].<ref name="vanhowe1997"/> | }}</ref> [[Circumcised]] boys are also found to be more likely to develop [[balanitis]], [[meatitis]], [[Skin bridge| coronal adhesions]], and [[meatal stenosis]].<ref name="vanhowe1997"/> Fendereski et al. (2024) reported a massive study using data from a private insurance company database that found that [[circumcised]] boys have three times as many penile issues as compared with [[intact]] boys through age 5.<ref name=fendereski2024">{{REFjournal | ||
|last=Fendereski | |||
|first= | |||
|init=K | |||
|author-link= | |||
|last2=Horns | |||
|first2= | |||
|init2=JJ | |||
|author2-link= | |||
|last3=Driggs | |||
|first3= | |||
|init3=N | |||
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|last4=Lau | |||
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|last5=Shaeffer | |||
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|init5=AJ | |||
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|etal=no | |||
|title=Comparing Penile Problems in Circumcised vs. Uncircumcised Boys: Insights From a Large Commercial Claims Database With a Focus on Provider Type Performing Circumcision | |||
|trans-title= | |||
|language= | |||
|journal=J Pediatr Surg | |||
|date=2024-11 | |||
|volume=59 | |||
|issue=11 | |||
|article=161614 | |||
|url=https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S002234682400407X | |||
|archived= | |||
|quote= | |||
|pubmedID=39084960 | |||
|pubmedCID=11486584 | |||
|DOI=10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2024.06.022 | |||
|accessdate=2025-01-03 | |||
}}</ref> | |||
After retraction commences, excessive washing and the use of soap inside the [[foreskin]] should be avoided.<ref name="birley1993">{{REFjournal | After retraction commences, excessive washing and the use of soap inside the [[foreskin]] should be avoided.<ref name="birley1993">{{REFjournal | ||
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}}</ref> | }}</ref> | ||
There is also some research to suggest that lysozyme | There is also some research to suggest that lysozyme protects against [[HIV]] infection.<ref>{{REFweb | ||
|first=George | |first=George | ||
|last=Hill | |last=Hill | ||
|author-link=George Hill | |author-link=George Hill | ||
|url= | |url=https://www.cirp.org/library/disease/HIV/hill1/ | ||
|title=Summary of evidence that the foreskin and lysozyme may protect against HIV infection | |title=Summary of evidence that the foreskin and lysozyme may protect against HIV infection | ||
|date=2003-09-07 | |date=2003-09-07 | ||
|accessdate=2019-10-20 | |accessdate=2019-10-20 | ||
}}</ref> <ref name="fleiss-hodges-vanhowe1998" /> | }}</ref><ref name="fleiss-hodges-vanhowe1998"/> | ||
Apocrine glands also produce cytokine,<ref>{{REFjournal | Apocrine glands also produce cytokine,<ref>{{REFjournal | ||
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{{SEEALSO}} | {{SEEALSO}} | ||
* [[Balanitis]] | |||
* [[Breastfeeding]] | * [[Breastfeeding]] | ||
* [[Care of intact, foreskinned boys]] | * [[Care of intact, foreskinned boys]] | ||
* [[Circumcision and HIV]] | |||
* [[Circumcision and STDs]] | * [[Circumcision and STDs]] | ||
* [[Development of retractable foreskin]] | * [[Development of retractable foreskin]] | ||
* [[Foreskin]] | * [[Foreskin]] | ||
* [[Foreskin sensitivity]] | * [[Foreskin sensitivity]] | ||
* [[Immunological protection of breastfeeding]] | * [[Immunological protection of breastfeeding]] | ||
* [[Jojoba]] | |||
* [[Keratinization]] | * [[Keratinization]] | ||
* [[Penis]] | * [[Penis]] | ||
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|accessdate=2020-06-05 | |accessdate=2020-06-05 | ||
}} | }} | ||
* {{REFweb | |||
|url=https://www.cirp.org/library/hygiene/ | |||
|title=Penile hygiene in the intact non-circumcised male | |||
|last=Anonymous | |||
|first= | |||
|init= | |||
|author-link= | |||
|publisher=Circumcision Information Reference Library | |||
|date=2013 | |||
|accessdate=2025-03-01 | |||
}} | |||
* {{REFweb | |||
|url=https://intactamerica.org/science-of-skin-and-foreskin/ | |||
|title=The Science Behind Skin and Its Role in Protecting Our Bodies | |||
|last=Cartwright-Smith | |||
|first=Jeffrey | |||
|init= | |||
|author-link=Jeffrey Cartwright-Smith | |||
|publisher=[[Intact America]] | |||
|date=2025-09-18 | |||
|accessdate=2025-10-02 | |||
}} | |||
==Conclusion== | |||
Male mammals have a foreskin. The [[foreskin]] evolved over millions of years to provide protection in difficult environments against [[trauma]] and [[infection]]. The various protections described in this article work best when the foreskin is of sufficient length to securely cover and protect the [[penis]] with the tip of the foreskin puckered closed by the [[dartos]] fascia at all times to protect against entry of irritants and pathogens. Urine has a healthy microbiome<ref name="cold-taylor1999">{{ColdCJ TaylorJR 1999}}</ref> when it leaves the urethra and is helpful for flushing out the [[foreskin]] and keeping it clean. | |||
Many ill-informed sources will advise [[foreskinned]] men to retract their [[foreskin]] and wash their [[penis]] at least daily. This advice ignores the findings of medical science.<ref name="birley1993"/> Retraction of the foreskin provides an opportunity for pathogens to enter. Washing removes the protective substances found in the [[preputial sac]]. | |||
Washing with warm water is recommended before and after a sexual encounter and as necessary to remove accumulated [[smegma]]. The use of soap, body wash, and shampoo in the [[preputial sac]] should be avoided. | |||
{{REF}} | {{REF}} | ||
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[[Category:Education]] | [[Category:Education]] | ||
[[Category:Foreskin anatomy]] | [[Category:Foreskin anatomy]] | ||
[[Category:Foreskinned life]] | |||
[[Category:Immunology]] | [[Category:Immunology]] | ||
[[Category:Parental information]] | [[Category:Parental information]] | ||