Phimosis is a disorder where the foreskin cannot be pulled back over the penis's head (the glans). This happens to almost all newborn babies.



This can be caused by a tight foreskin or by scarring that causes the skin to become less elastic. Phimosis can be caused by infections and aging as well as other issues.



Causes



Phimosis occurs when the foreskin is not pulled over the head (glans) of the penis. This occurs naturally in babies and young toddlers. In older boys, it could be the result of scarring caused by a skin condition or injuries.



A tight foreskin may interfere with urination and an erection that is healthy. It could also cause inflammation of the penis called balanitis, and also inflammation of the foreskin and glans known as balanoposthitis.



In males who are not circumcised, phimosis is most common. The condition could be a sign of other medical conditions such as diabetes or lichen Sclerosis (balanitis xerotica Obliterans).



Scarring, sexually transmitted illnesses and poor hygiene during early the child's life are all risk factors. The condition can be diagnosed by your child's physician who will check the foreskin and penis of your child. Your doctor might suggest steroids, manual retraction or surgery to fix the problem. Circumcision can be a treatment however it is a invasive procedure that can cause bleeding and infections.



Symptoms



Phimosis occurs when the foreskin does not retract properly from the penis' head (glans). It can develop in the early years of childhood or later in life.



The signs of phimosis can include the swelling or ballooning of the prepuce skin around the foreskin when the process of urinating. This may make it difficult to pass urine and could cause urinary problems, such as balanitis.



Some boys are born with phimosis and it typically goes away by itself as they age. However, if symptoms continue to persist and your child is not getting relief, he should consult a doctor.



A physical exam, an examination of your son's symptoms, and the test to examine the urine or penis discharge can help determine if phimosis is present. Depending on how severe the phimosis is, your son might need to use antifungal creams or antibiotics.



Phimosis is characterized by an increase in size or ballooning of the foreskin after urinating. This causes discomfort and makes it difficult for boys to urinate.



Treatment



A child with phimosis will usually be able to manage the condition on their own by regularly pulling back their foreskin to wash and urinate properly. If steroid creams don't help your healthcare professional, they might suggest surgery (circumcision) to remove the foreskin and free the penis.



Treatment for phimosis isn't a medically recommended procedure in all cases, especially in young children, as the risk of infection and complications is relatively low. Depending on the severity of phimosis, your doctor may suggest an alternative option such as gentle manual removal or topical corticosteroid ointment application.



Phimosis causing discomfort or pain and is not improving after treatment with steroid creams could require more extensive and costly treatments, such as circumcision. There are several surgical options, such as complete or partial circumcision, preputialplasty and an emergency circumcision.



The following is a list with preventions.



There are methods to avoid the occurrence of phimosis. This includes gently cleaning the penis on a daily basis by using mild soap, and utilizing safe sexual sex.



Most boys and babies are born with a tight foreskin over the head of their penis (glans). This is normal and not a cause for concern.



When the foreskin becomes a little bit older, it tends to loosen up and retract. This process can take a bit of time but you should be prepared for it.



If your son's skin becomes too tight or causes problems it is best to consult your doctor about options for treatment. In some instances an appropriate cream could suffice to make it better.



In other instances it is possible to have surgery. This is commonly referred to as circumcision.