Immunological and protective function of the foreskin: Difference between revisions
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== The protective and hygienic function of the foreskin == | == The protective and hygienic function of the foreskin == | ||
The [[foreskin]], like the eyelid, also serves an important protective and hygienic function. The [[foreskin]] protects the delicate [[glans]] of the [[penis]] and puts the [[urethra]] at a distance from its environment, protecting it from foreign contaminants | The [[foreskin]], like the eyelid, also serves an important protective and hygienic function. The [[foreskin]] protects the delicate [[glans]] of the [[penis]] and puts the [[urethra]] at a distance from its environment, protecting it from foreign pathogens and contaminants of all kinds while simultaneously shielding the [[penis]] from injury. 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 attached to the [[glans]] (head) of the [[penis]] by a [[synechia]], akin to how a fingernail is attached to a finger.<ref>{{REFjournal | At birth, the [[foreskin]] is usually attached to the [[glans]] (head) of the [[penis]] by a [[synechia]], akin to how a fingernail is attached to a finger.<ref>{{REFjournal | ||
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|pages=243-249 | |pages=243-249 | ||
}}</ref> | }}</ref> | ||
Together, these properties prevent the entry of contaminants.<ref name="fleiss-hodges-vanhowe1998">{{FleissP HodgesF VanHoweRS 1998}}</ref> The [[foreskin]] protects the infant [[glans penis]] from ammonia in diapers (nappies) and prevents meatal ulcer and [[meatal stenosis]].<ref>{{GairdnerDM 1949}}</ref> <ref name="vanhowe2006">{{REFjournal | Together, these properties prevent the entry of pathogens and contaminants.<ref name="fleiss-hodges-vanhowe1998">{{FleissP HodgesF VanHoweRS 1998}}</ref> The [[foreskin]] protects the infant [[glans penis]] from ammonia in diapers (nappies) and prevents meatal ulcer and [[meatal stenosis]].<ref>{{GairdnerDM 1949}}</ref> <ref name="vanhowe2006">{{REFjournal | ||
|last=Van Howe | |last=Van Howe | ||
|init=RS | |init=RS | ||
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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 a [[penis]] that has been altered by [[circumcision]].<ref name="fleiss-hodges-vanhowe1998" /> | 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 a [[penis]] that has been altered by [[circumcision]].<ref name="fleiss-hodges-vanhowe1998" /> | ||
In comparison, due to the open wounds and raw [[bleeding]] flesh, 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 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 | ||
|last=Van Howe | |last=Van Howe | ||
|init=RS | |init=RS | ||
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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]], 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"/> | ||
After retraction commences, excessive washing and the use of soap inside the [[foreskin]] should be avoided.<ref name="birley1993">{{REFjournal | |||
|last=Birley | |last=Birley | ||
|init=HDL | |init=HDL | ||