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Excessive After retraction commences, excessive washing and the use of soap inside the [[foreskin]] should be avoided.<ref name="birley1993">{{REFjournal
Add link in SEEALSO section.
== 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 pathogens and contaminants and pathogens 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
|pages=243-249
}}</ref>
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
|init=RS
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]] fleshin 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
|init=RS
|DOI=10.1046/j.1464-410X.1997.00467.x
|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"/>
|last=Birley
|init=HDL
|accessdate=2019-10-20
}}</ref> which is a very important non-antibody protein that generates immune response when in contact with specific agents. Plasma cells which increase in number in response to pathogens levels, secrete immunoglobulin.<ref name="flower1983"/>
It is also very important to note that [[Langerhans cells]] that are present in the [[foreskin]] produce ''Langerin'', a substance that has been proven to kill human immunodeficency immunodeficiency virus ([[HIV]]) on contact.<ref>{{DeWitte etal 2007}}</ref>
All of these function to sequester and “digest” foreign pathogens. All these substances play an important role in protecting the penis from viral and bacterial pathogens. The immunological functions of the human prepuce have been extensively documented by respected researchers for quite some time.<ref name="fleiss-hodges-vanhowe1998" />
[[Breastfeeding]] provides additional protection against [[urinary tract infection]].
{{SEEALSO}}
* [[Breastfeeding]]
* [[Care of intact, foreskinned boys]]
* [[Circumcision and STDs]]
* [[Circumcision and HIV]]
* [[Development of retractable foreskin]]
* [[Foreskin]]
* [[Foreskin sensitivity]]
* [[Immunological protection of breastfeeding]]
* [[Keratinization]]
* [[Penis]]
* [[Pheromone]]