Understanding a Healthy Foreskin: Appearance & Potential Issues

In a healthy uncircumcised penis:

- The foreskin easily retracts to reveal the full glans penis.

- The glans may have a few tiny white bumps (pearls) or white spots (papules).

- There may be some smegma, a mixture of dead skin cells and oil that accumulates beneath the foreskin.

Signs of a potential problem:

- Redness or swelling of the penis or foreskin

- Pain or burning when urinating or having sex

- Difficulty retracting the foreskin (phimosis)

- A rash on the penis or foreskin

- Unusual discharge from the penis

- A lump or thickening in the penis or foreskin

If you have any of these signs or symptoms, see a doctor right away. They could be a sign of an underlying medical condition that needs treatment.