ABSTRACT

Introduction: The prepuce or foreskin represents the skin that covers the glans of the penis. The current study sought to show the histological architecture of preputial skin during the first six years of human aging. Histological characterization is important in identifying the rate of distribution of phimosis and balanitis. Methods: Specimens were collected from volunteer boys, and circumcisions were done at the traditional clinic during the period between April to June 2023. All circumcisions were done under local anesthesia. Specimens were microscopically diagnosed. Results: The microscopical examination of group G1(six months of age), showed an outer layer composed of epidermis epithelium (basal row, squamous cells, and granular cells) that are coated by strands of keratins. The second group G2 (12- 24 months of age), showed an increase in several epidermal layers which increased with age, represents as basal layer resting on the basement membrane. Third group G3 (24- 36 months of age), the dermis contained a condense of collagen bundles, beneath the epidermis papillae. The fourth group G4 (36- 48 months of age), showed hyperplasia of epidermal epithelial cells with dark basophilic stain outer surface of these layers covered by multiple strands of keratin. The fifth group G5 (48-60 months of age), showed well-differentiated dermal nerve fibers in the hypodermal region. The sixth group G6 (60- 72 months of age) demonstrates epidermis was formed by multiple rows of epidermis, present in a hyperplastic phase with dark chromatin stain, with thick strands of keratin that appear desquamated strands. Conclusion: The outer layer of the prepuce is made up of epidermal epithelium with well-differentiated epidermal papillae. The dermis is extensively vascularized and innervated, containing large collagen bundles. Future studies are required to further enhance histological differentiation and the skin layers of the prepuce or foreskin.