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* [[Circumcision and HIV]]
formatting; author-link
}}</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 a [[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
|last=Hill
|author-link=George Hill
|url=httphttps://www.cirp.org/library/disease/HIV/hill1/
|title=Summary of evidence that the foreskin and lysozyme may protect against HIV infection
|date=2003-09-07
|accessdate=2019-10-20
}}</ref> <ref name="fleiss-hodges-vanhowe1998" />
Apocrine glands also produce cytokine,<ref>{{REFjournal
{{SEEALSO}}
* [[Balanitis]]
* [[Breastfeeding]]
* [[Care of intact, foreskinned boys]]
* [[Circumcision and HIV]]
* [[Circumcision and STDs]]
* [[Development of retractable foreskin]]
* [[Foreskin]]
|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==
Most 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}}
[[Category:Education]]
[[Category:Foreskin anatomy]]
[[Category:Foreskinned life]]
[[Category:Immunology]]
[[Category:Parental information]]