Phimosis is a condition in which the foreskin cannot be pulled back over the top of the penis, called the glans. It is most prevalent in uncircumcised males.



Most toddlers and infants outgrow phimosis by the age of 3. Some boys may not have problems until later in life, but.



Causes



Phimosis is caused by infection, injury or inflammation, or skin conditions such as psoriasis or lichen planus. It may also be a result of poor hygiene during sex like using dirty towels or not washing the skin of the foreskin.



Physiological phimosis can be normal and generally disappears by age 3. Pathological phimosis can result from repeated infections or tears that tear or stretch the skin or glans of the foreskin.



A doctor can diagnose phimosis by examining the penis and foreskin. He will examine the penis and foreskin to examine for bacteria.



Your doctor might prescribe a topical cream containing hormones steroid. It is applied three to four times per day to the foreskin for about one week.



Retraction exercises can be suggested by your physician. This involves pulling the foreskin on top of the glans at least once a day. This exercise can help loosen the foreskin, reducing the chance of developing phimosis.



Symptoms



The most commonly reported sign of phimosis is the inability to retract (pull back) the foreskin dry and cracked (Twitter.com). It usually occurs between the ages of 2 and 6.



The issue is most prevalent for males who haven't undergone circumcision, however it can occur to men of all ages too. The tightness of the foreskin can cause pain and discomfort when you urinate and during sexual activities.



It can also make it difficult for a man to keep the skin underneath the foreskin clean. This could increase the chance of contracting an infection. A doctor can check for signs of phimosis, such as bleeding, redness and swelling at the tip of the genital area.



The condition can be treated using the use of a medical steroid cream or it may require surgery. This is typically only required in cases where the steroid cream doesn't work or the symptoms are severe. It is also possible to treat a cicatrizing condition called balanitis-xerotic-obliterans (BXO), which is histologically similar to lichen sclerosis.



Diagnosis



A doctor can diagnose the presence of phimosis based on a physical examination and medical history. He or she might also order some tests in the lab to identify an infection.



If the issue is due to an infection caused by fungal growth, antifungal ointments and antibiotics could be required. Your doctor may also suggest removing the foreskin surgically.



The signs of phimosis generally go away on their own as your son ages. However, it is recommended that he see a doctor if he has symptoms such as difficulty with urination or having a poor erection.



If the foreskin can't be diminished distally, it is called paraphimosis. It can result in an area of pain and may impede lymphatic or venous drainage.



It can lead to an urgent medical emergency. It could lead to gangrene or loss of penis in the event of not being treated. A doctor can treat this condition using a the combination of good hygiene creams or ointments and avoiding substances that irritate the penis.



Treatment



Phimosis is a very common condition that is quite common. It can happen to any child, and usually disappears on its own as your son grows older.



Treatment involves pulling back the foreskin in the course of daily bathing and urination, or in some instances surgical intervention. The phimosis is mostly due to cosmetic reasons. However, it may be recur after removal.



Balanitis is another condition that can trigger the condition. In these cases, antibiotics or antifungal ointments are usually utilized.



A doctor will examine your child and look over their symptoms to determine the problem. They might also conduct the swab test, or urine test to look for an infection.