The penis is covered by a sheath of loose skin which slides over the head of the penis called the foreskin.
Phimosis is a medical condition where the foreskin of the penis becomes too tight and cannot be pulled back causing a lot of pain. 95% of male babies are born with phimosis that usually disappears by 3 to 4 years as the skin adapts to the child’s growth.
In milder forms, the foreskin retracts partially, whereas in severe forms, it completely closes the penis.
Signs and Symptoms of Phimosis
The symptoms of phimosis become noticeable around three years of age.
Phimosis does not always show any symptoms. When it does, symptoms may include;
- Pain upon urination
- Bulging of the foreskin during urination
- Difficulty with urination
- Blood in urine
- Pain in the penis
- Inability to retract the foreskin completely by age 10
If your little one shows similar symptoms, immediately consult a pediatric surgeon.
How is phimosis diagnosed?
Your doctor will ah about your child’s symptoms and health history. He will also examine your child’s penis for the diagnosis.
How is phimosis treated?
Treatment depends on the child and the severity of phimosis.
Treatment options include:
- Slow, gentle retraction of the foreskin. The doctor will provide instructions on how to do this at home.
- Topical steroid ointments are recommended for children with phimosis. The cream helps to promote skin loosening.
- Circumcision (removal of the foreskin) is recommended in severe cases.
How Can You Prevent Phimosis?
Preventive measures are needed to prevent penile infections in children. Some preventive measures are as follows:
- Parents or caregivers should be given directions on how to clean a penis
- Gently pull on the foreskin to clean the skin under the foreskin, but don’t pull the foreskin hard, as this can cause pain and sores.
- Parents need to teach their children to always clean and dry the penis regularly
- Use soap that does not contain perfume and avoid using deodorant on the penis to reduce the risk of irritation.
What Are the Complications of Phimosis?
- There can be significant pain
- Phimosis can impact the child’s voiding (problems with urination)
- Phimosis increases the chances of developing infections
- Boys can also become self-conscious about the condition as they grow older, which could cause issues such as anxiety
When to visit your doctor?
- Your child’s foreskin is swollen or painful
- Bleeding around your child’s foreskin when peeing
- A thick discharge from under the foreskin
- An unpleasant smell
Treatment is necessary when there is discomfort while urinating, accumulation of smegma (thick, whitish discharge with a strong odor), or urinary or local infections.
