What is Phimosis?

Phimosis is a problem where the foreskin cannot be pulled back over the penis's head (the glans). This occurs in almost all newborns.

This could be caused by a tight foreskin or scarring that makes the skin less elastic. Infections, aging, or other issues can cause the condition known as phimosis.

Causes

Phimosis is a condition in which the foreskin can't be pulled back over the head of the penis (glans). This occurs naturally in babies and young toddlers. In older boys, it can be a result of scarring that is caused by a skin disorder or injuries.

A tight foreskin may hinder urination or cause an effective erection. It can also lead to inflammation of the penis, called balanitis, and inflammation of the glans aswell as the foreskin (called balanoposthitis).

Phimosis is more prevalent in males who aren't circumcised. The condition could be a sign that another medical ailments are present, such as diabetes or lichen the sclerosis.

Certain risk factors include scarring, redundant prepuce sexually transmitted infections and poor hygiene in the infant years and early childhood. Your child's doctor can identify the condition by looking at your child's penis and foreskin. The doctor may prescribe steroids or manual retraction or suggest surgery to correct the problem. Circumcision can be a treatment however it is an invasive procedure that can cause bleeding and infections.

Symptoms

Phimosis is a disorder that prevents the foreskin from retracting properly from the head (glans) of the penis. It can occur in early childhood or later in life.

Phimosis is characterized by the swelling of the foreskin or the ballooning of it in urination. This can make it harder to pass urine and could cause other urinary issues like balanitis.

Some boys are born with phimosis and it generally goes disappears as they get older. If symptoms persist, you should bring your son to the doctor.

Phimosis can be diagnosed with physical examination or review of symptoms, and an examination that examines the penis discharge or urine. Depending on how serious the phimosis is, your son might require antifungal creams or antibiotics.

Phimosis is characterised by the appearance of a balloon or bulge in the foreskin after urinating. This is painful and causes males to have trouble urinating.

Treatment

A child with phimosis will typically be able to treat the condition on their own, by regularly pulling back their foreskin, so that they can wash and urinate normally. If steroid creams fail to work, your doctor may recommend surgery to remove the foreskin in order to liberate the penis.

In the majority of instances, treatment for phimosis is not medically recommended especially for children under the age of. The risk of getting ill and complications is very low. Your healthcare provider may suggest an alternative treatment, such as gentle manual retraction each day or application of corticosteroid cream to the skin.

Phimosis that causes discomfort or pain and does not improve after treatment with steroid creams may require more invasive and expensive treatments, such as circumcision. There are several surgical options, such as full or partial circumcision preputialplasty, and an emergency circumcision.

Prevention

Fortunately, there are steps you can take to avoid phimosis. These include gently cleaning the penis on a daily basis by using mild soap, and utilizing safe sexual activity.

Most babies and boys have a tight foreskin covering their penis. This is normal and not cause for concern.

As the foreskin grows a bit older, it will usually begin to loosen and retract. This process can take some time however, it's something you should expect.

If your son's foreskin becomes too tight or causes problems it is recommended to talk to his doctor about treatment options. In some instances, a special cream may suffice to improve the condition.

In some cases there is a need for surgery. Most often, this is referred to as circumcision.