Should the foreskin be removed if it is too long?

Whether the foreskin needs to be removed depends on the specific situation. If there are no symptoms such as recurrent infection or difficulty urinating, surgery is usually not required. If there are problems such as phimosis and recurrent inflammation, surgical intervention is recommended.

Excessive foreskin refers to the foreskin that completely covers the glans but can be turned up manually when the penis is flaccid or erect. In most cases, it is a physiological variation. If daily cleaning is in place and there are no complications, you can maintain local hygiene through regular cleaning, avoid using harsh lotions, and choose breathable cotton underwear to reduce friction. When slight redness and swelling occur, you can try a warm sitz bath for 5-10 minutes each time, 1-2 times a day to help relieve symptoms. Observe whether there are signs of urethral compression such as bifurcated urination and thinning of the urine line, and record the abnormal conditions for the doctor's reference when seeking medical treatment.

Surgical treatment should be considered when foreskin is excessively long and combined with pathological changes. Phimosis means that the foreskin cannot be turned up to expose the glans, which can easily lead to the accumulation of smegma and lead to chronic inflammation, which may be accompanied by symptoms such as burning pain on the glans and increased white discharge. When recurrent balanitis occurs more than three times a year, or causes urinary tract infection or scarring stenosis, doctors often recommend circumcision. Developmental abnormalities such as concealed penis combined with foreskin need to be corrected through plastic surgery. After the operation, you need to keep the wound dry, avoid strenuous exercise, use erythromycin ointment as directed by the doctor to prevent infection, and refrain from sexual intercourse within 1 month after the operation.

In daily care, you should pay attention to gently cleaning the inside of the foreskin every day, and reposition it in time after it is turned up to prevent incarceration. Parents of teenage patients should instruct them on correct cleaning methods and seek medical attention promptly if any abnormalities are found. During the postoperative recovery period, wear loose clothing, avoid straddling movements, and eat a light, less spicy diet. Regardless of whether there is surgery or not, urinary system examinations should be performed every year. In particular, patients with chronic diseases such as diabetes need to pay more attention to local hygiene management.