Foreskin Support

Ok  Dumb question here.  my son is 4 1/2 yrs old and a couple of montsh ago  when he was taking off his clothes for bathtime.  his foreskin was completely pulled back and the head of the penis was purplish in color.  He said it didn't hurt and he hasn't had any problems.   He has since pulled it back a couple of times on his own when he's in teh bathtub and it still looks purplish.  But he says it doesn't hurt..Is that normal?

Thanks.

Sara

Hey Sara,

I am normally a lurker, but I thought I would answer this question. :) I am a 26 year old gay male and can tell you that the color is completely normal. The color of the head can range from purple to pink to brown. A huge factor in color is the ethnicity of the person and genetic traits that are passed on. :)

Hope this helps. If you have any more questions, we are all here for you. :0)

Hi Sara!  What you describe is a totally normal penis.  Most Americans are used to the keratinized skin of a circumcised penis - which is the usual flesh color.  This is because a circ'd penis exposes the normal, healthy mucosa surface of the glans, causing it to dry out and the skin to thicken.  Look in your mouth, nose and eye lids, and you will see other mucosa surfaces, and their varying color.

The foreskin is there for a reason, to protect the glans and keep it moist and sensitive. 

I hope that answers your question.  Please let us know if you have more!

Kristi

" Belief is not required.  Once you know this story, you'll hear it everywhere in your culture, and you'll be astonished that the people around you don't hear it as well but merely take it in."  Daniel Quinn, Ishmael.