The occurrence of phimosis happens when the foreskin fails to be pulled over the top of the penis (glans). It can be the result of scarring, infection, or other health issues.



Little boys' and infants' foreskins usually loosen up over time. Treatment is not usually needed unless it makes urination difficult or triggers other symptoms.



Causes



Phimosis is common in males who are not circumcised (normally around 1 percent). It usually goes away by itself, without treatment.



This can happen for several reasons, like scar tissue or an infection that causes the skin to become less elastic. As you age your skin loses elasticity due to changes in your body.



This can cause the foreskin to become tight and tangled behind the head. This is known as paraphimosis and it can cause pain and swelling in the glans.



In children, it can be treated with a regimen of topical steroid cream and daily gentle manual retractions. In severe cases, a partial or complete circumcision is required. Circumcision involves the removal of the entire foreskin. It is effective in treating phimosis and other conditions. Consult your physician about the best treatment option for you.



Symptoms



The condition of phimosis develops when the foreskin can't be pulled back to cover the penis. The majority of uncircumcised toddlers and infants have phimosis.



This happens because the foreskin gets fused to the glans in the beginning, and then gradually separates following. It's a normal process of development, but it can cause problems when it becomes too tight or has scarring due to an skin condition or infection like lichen sclerosis.



Phimosis is characterized by a ballooning of the skin during urination or a failure to retract the skin fully. It can also be discoloured or swollen, and cause pain when it is retracted.



If you suspect your son may have phimosis visit your doctor or nurse for a visit. The doctor will take a detailed history and perform an examination of the foreskin as well as the head of the penis. They can also order urine tests to determine urinary tract infections or an swab of the foreskin to look for bacterial.



Diagnosis



The diagnosis of phimosis is typically determined by a physical examination of the penis and foreskin. It can also be made using a swab, or urine test to determine if there are any infections that may be causing the symptoms.



The treatment for phimosis generally includes applying steroid cream on the foreskin three to four times per day to loosen the adhesive area which connects the foreskin and the penis point. If this doesn't improve the situation, a circumcision might be suggested.



Another alternative is that a first-of-its-kind clinical trial is investigating an alternative treatment for phimosis. It involves using a balloon to slowly and gently stretch the foreskin. This method is believed by experts to aid in relaxing the foreskin and decrease the need for surgery.



In most instances, phimosis will disappear on its own by time a boy is about three years old. Some boys will never be able fully retract their foreskin and they may require surgery later.



Treatment



It is normal for babies and toddlers to have a tight circumcision foreskin. It shields the head of the genital organ (glans) from germs that may be able to pass through.



Phimosis usually disappears on its own within the first few years of life. But if it causes problems like making urination (peeing) difficult, it may require treatment.



It is often enough to apply a specific cream that encourages the foreskin to loosen. However, a tiny percentage of boys will require surgery.



Your GP will diagnose phimosis by conducting a physical exam and looking over your medical history and looking at your penis and anterior skin. They may also order urine tests to test for infection or an swab.



It is essential to be treated for phimosis, as it could cause urinary tract issues as well as penile carcinoma in the most severe cases. Circumcision is a possible solution however there are other options being explored.