The glans (or foreskin) is not able to be pulled over the penis's head. This occurs in almost all newborns.



It could be due to scarring or a tighter foreskin which makes the skin less elastic. Infections, aging, and other issues can cause phimosis.



Causes



Phimosis is a condition in which the foreskin cannot be pulled back over the penis's head (glans). This occurs naturally in babies and young toddlers. For older boys, it could be the result of scarring caused by a skin condition or injury.



A tight foreskin could interfere with urination, or an effective erection. It can also cause inflammation of the penis called balanitis and inflammation of both the foreskin and glans known as balanoposthitis.



In men who aren't circumcised, phimosis can be most common. The condition could be a sign that other medical conditions are present, like diabetes or lichen sclerosis.



Scarring, sexually transmitted infections and poor hygiene in the early childhood are all risk factors. Your child's doctor can diagnose the condition by examining your child's foreskin and penis. Your doctor may prescribe the use of steroid creams or manual retractions or suggest surgery to fix the issue. Circumcision can be a treatment however it is an invasive procedure that could cause bleeding and infections.



Signs and symptoms



Phimosis happens when the foreskin doesn't retract properly from the penis' head (glans). It can occur in early childhood or later in life.



Phimosis is defined by the swelling of the skin around the foreskin or the ballooning of it in urination. This may make it difficult to pass urine and may cause urinary problems, such as balanitis.



Some boys are born with phimosis and it generally disappears on its own as they age. If symptoms persist, bring your son to the doctor.



Phimosis can be diagnosed with a physical exam as well as a review of symptoms and tests that look at penis discharge or urine. Based on the severity of the phimosis, your son may need antibiotics or antifungal ointments.



The most commonly reported symptom of phimosis is the swelling or bulging of the foreskin after urinating. This causes discomfort and makes it difficult for boys to urinate.



Treatment



A child suffering from phimosis will usually manage the condition by themselves. They will regularly pull back their foreskin so that they can wash and urinate correctly. If steroid creams aren't helping your healthcare professional, they might suggest surgery (circumcision) to remove the foreskin and release the penis.



In most cases, treatment for phimosis is not medically recommended particularly for children who are young. The risk of getting ill and complications is minimal. Based on the severity of phimosis treatment in home your doctor may suggest alternatives such as gentle manual retraction or topical corticosteroid ointment application.



Phimosis that is causing discomfort or pain and is not improving after treatment with steroid creams may require more invasive and expensive treatments, like circumcision. Options for surgery include partial or full circumcision, preputial plasty, and emergency circumcision.



Prevention



Fortunately, there are steps you can take to stop phimosis. These include gently cleaning the penis daily by using mild soap, and implementing safe sexual activity.



The majority of boys and infants are born with a tight, swollen foreskin on the head of their penis (glans). This is not abnormal and shouldn't be considered a cause for anxiety.



As the foreskin grows a bit older, it usually begins to relax and retract. This process could take a while, but you should be prepared for it.



If your son's foreskin becomes too tight or is causing issues it is recommended to talk to your doctor about options for treatment. In certain cases, a special cream can help.



In certain instances there is a need for surgery. In most cases, this is known as circumcision.