If the foreskin that surrounds the tip of penis (called the glans) is too tight, it is unable to be retracted. This is a frequent problem in boys who aren't circumcised and the majority of them will get rid of it by the age of 3.
A tight foreskin may hinder your ability to properly pass urine and can cause infection. It can also make it difficult to get sexual contact. The treatment for phimosis is daily hygiene practices like cleaning and drying your penis after you urinate and using topical creams and ointments.
Symptoms
Phimosis can be a congenital or physiological condition. It could also be caused by the scarring of inflammation or infection.
Symptoms of phimosis may not be apparent, but you should seek medical attention in the event that your child's skin is swelling or red or if there's blood, a thick, clear discharge or a sour smell under the foreskin. If phimosis isn't treated it can cause other issues like paraphimosis (when the foreskin becomes stuck behind the head of the penis and causes circulation to be cut off) or infection.
Physiologic Phimosis is a self-limiting disorder. It disappears when the short foreskin becomes retractile. It is most often seen in boys aged between 2 and 4 years old and is most often caused by balanitis, xerotica, and obliterans or BXO, an inflammatory skin condition that is histologically identical to lichen sclerosis. The treatment usually involves steroid creams and gentle manual retraction.
Diagnosis
Phimosis, or a narrowing in the foreskin that stops it from being pulled back above the tip of your penis (glans), is called a phimosis. This narrowing is caused by normal adhesions, which eventually dissolve themselves, but scarring could cause phimosis.
Your healthcare provider will diagnose the presence of phimosis in a physical exam. They may also order tests, such as urine swabs and a swab or penis-discharge test, to determine the root of the problem.
In toddlers and infants Phimosis is usually harmless and usually improves naturally as your child ages. If it produces symptoms, it's best to bring your child to see their GP. They may be able to recommend treatment. Phimosis could be caused by a skin condition, infection or other factors. If this is the case, you could have to bring your child to hospital to receive treatment. You may be referred to an urologist who is a specialist in treating sexually transmitted diseases.
Treatment
The condition is usually treated with an application of a topical steroid cream. If this isn't working an operation to remove the foreskin may be needed.
The foreskin should loosen naturally between the ages of two and six and it should cover the tip of the penis to prevent germs from getting into. If it isn't loosening or becomes too tight then phimosis may be required.
Phimosis usually disappears by itself. However, if it causes problems like pain or discomfort in urination (peeing) A doctor might suggest treating it.
Paraphimosis occurs when the foreskin is pulled back behind the penis' head and is unable to be pushed back to its normal position, covering the tip of the penis. This can result in swelling, pain, and a loss of blood supply to the tip of the penis.
Prevention
Phimosis is a very common condition that affects infants and toddlers. It usually reduces over time as the penile expands. By age three or four, a majority of boys are able to retract their foreskin.
Nevertheless the tightness of foreskin may hinder normal penile function and hygiene, causing irritated skin as well as inflammation and scarring. In severe cases of phimosis, infections can occur in both the glans and the foreskin. This is known as balanitis.
In extreme instances surgery might be required. In less severe instances nonsurgical treatment options such as topical steroids and gentle daily retraction can be effective.
The best method to avoid phimosis is to practice good personal hygiene. When bathing or urinating you can gently pull back the foreskin after cleaning the genital region. This will help keep the foreskin free and loose. This can in preventing the formation of scar tissue and other issues.