Phimosis is a disorder in which the foreskin cannot be retracted from the tip of the penis. This is a very common condition that affects infants and toddlers aged between two and six. If it persists the treatment may be necessary.



Phimosis usually goes away by itself in children after 3 years. If it doesn't, treat it with a steroid lotion.



Symptoms



Phimosis is a disorder in which the foreskin isn't able to be pulled back over the head of the penis (glans). It's not uncommon for non-circumcised toddlers and infants to have difficulty with this.



The symptoms of phimosis improve as you get older. The majority of baby boys are able to retract their foreskin at the age of 3.



In older children or adults, phimosis may be linked to scarring or a skin condition like eczema or psoriasis. It can also be linked to sexually transmitted diseases.



The most common phimosis symptom is the appearance of a balloon on the foreskin after urinating (peeing). This can make it hard to pass urine, and increase your child's risk of developing other urinary problems.



If your child is suffering from phimosis, and it's not getting better, they may need to see their GP for treatment. Going to the doctor may also help in identifying other conditions that may be causing these symptoms. This could include balanitis or paraphimosis. These conditions can cause pain, swelling, and loss of blood flow to the penis.



Diagnosis



Diagnosis typically involves a physical examination and review of symptoms. The doctor may recommend urine tests and swabs in order to look for signs of infection.



If a bacterial or fungal infection is present your doctor will have to treat the infection with antifungal ointments and antibiotics. In some cases, your doctor will suggest surgery.



The majority of children who suffer from phimosis do not have any other symptoms. It's a normal part of growing older.



In some children, phimosis can cause problems. It can make it difficult for them to completely empty their bowels or prevent them from urinating.



The signs and symptoms can differ based on age and may differ from child to child. Children suffering from mild phimosis (twitter.com) typically experience an increase in the size of their foreskin after urinating.



If this occurs, they may not be able to pull back the foreskin fully by the age of 3 (in certain boys it could take longer). This can cause swelling of the foreskin as well as the tip (glans) of the penis. It could also cause a loss in blood flow at the head of the genital organ, which could be a medical emergency.



Treatment



Treatments for phimosis vary depending on the degree of the disease and whether it is natural or acquired. Gentle manual retraction every day and topical corticosteroid cream application or circumcision are just a few of the options your medical provider may suggest.



In children who have good hygiene during the first three years, phimosis is often able to disappear by itself. However, in some boys it isn't able completely disappear until age three.



Additional treatment may be needed for a pathologic phimosis, if it is not improving after daily manual retraction and an ointment of steroid. It can cause: painful urination, recurrent urinary infections, or paraphimosis.



The following is a list of preventatives.



Phimosis is typically a harmless condition that goes away on its own with proper hygiene. If it does not disappear, you should visit a doctor to treat it.



In certain instances, phimosis is treated by non-surgical treatment and home remedies. If phimosis is severe or causes a disruption to the daily activities of a person surgical intervention may be necessary to cure it.



Fortunately, phimosis can be avoided with good hygiene and some care for the foreskin. Cleaning the penis gently with warm water daily is a great way to prevent phimosis from forming in the first place.



The foreskin is retracted when you are urinating. This is another preventive measure. This will prevent the foreskin becoming irritated and swelling. This could lead to infection and scarring.