A baby who is uncircumcised (not circumcised) still has the skin that covers the penis (called the foreskin). At birth, the foreskin is attached to the end of the penis. Over time, the foreskin will separate from the end of the penis and be able to be pulled back (called foreskin retraction). What age this happens can vary, but it almost always happens by puberty. 

It's important to never force the foreskin back, since that can cause pain and bleeding from tears in the skin and may lead to scarring.

Here's how to care for your child.

If your child's foreskin does not retract yet (is attached to the end of the penis):

• Clean the penis every day with warm water and a gentle soap that is not irritating. Rinse the penis if using soap.
• Dry the penis with a clean towel.
• Don't use alcohol or any other antiseptic.
• As your child grows, the foreskin will start to separate from the end of the penis. As long as your health care provider says it's OK, you can gently move the foreskin back to clean the penis, but don't force the foreskin to pull back. When finished, always pull the foreskin back down over the penis.

If your child's foreskin retracts (pulls back from the end of the penis), clean under the foreskin every day:

1. Gently pull back the foreskin.
2. Clean the penis with warm water and a gentle soap that is not irritating. Rinse the penis if using soap.
3. Dry the penis with a clean towel.
4. Pull the foreskin back to its original place over the penis.

Once your child is old enough, teach them how to clean under the foreskin on their own. Be sure they know to pull the foreskin back to its original place over the penis when finished.

• Your child's urine (pee) stream is crooked or dribbles out.
• The foreskin balloons out during peeing. This sometimes happens just before the foreskin retracts fully, but check with your health care provider just in case it is a sign of a problem.
• Your child strains to pee.
• The foreskin looks red or swollen.
• There is bleeding from the penis or foreskin.
• Your older child has pain during erections.
• Your child can't retract the foreskin by the time they go through puberty.
• Your child has signs of a urinary tract infection (UTI) such as:
  • Peeing more often than usual
  • Pain when peeing 
  • Foul-smelling, bloody, or cloudy pee
  • Belly or back pain
  • Fever; if your baby is younger than 3 months old and has a rectal temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, take them to the ER
  • Increased fussiness, poor feeding, or vomiting in babies

• Your child's foreskin retracts, then can't be pulled back down over the penis.
• Your child is younger than 3 months old and has a rectal temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher.
• Your child can't pee.

What is smegma? It's a yellowish-white substance that forms under the foreskin. It is normal and helps with separating the foreskin from the penis. It can lead to white lumps under the foreskin, which are also normal. Both smegma and the lumps usually go away as the child gets older and is able to retract the foreskin fully.

What problems can happen to uncircumcised males?

• Their penis and foreskin can become irritated and swollen. 
• They have a higher risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs).
• They are at risk for the foreskin getting trapped in a retracted position. This is a medical emergency since the penis can swell and block the blood supply to the area.
• They may have a higher risk of certain sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and penile cancer as adults.