Phimosis occurs when the foreskin isn't able to be retracted. This is usually seen in infants and toddlers between the ages of approximately two and six years, however, it is possible that they require treatment if it does not disappear by itself.
In the majority of children the condition will go away on its own after they reach the age of three of age. If it doesn't, treat it with a steroid lotion.
Signs and symptoms
Phimosis happens when the foreskin is not able to be pulled over the head of penis (glans). It is normal for babies who aren't circumcised and toddlers to have some issues with this.
The symptoms of phimosis increase as you get older. By the age of 3 the majority of boys are able to retract their foreskin.
In older children or adults, phimosis can be associated with scarring or a skin condition like eczema or psoriasis. It may also be associated with sexually transmitted infections.
The most frequent symptom of phimosis is ballooning of the foreskin after urinating (peeing). This can make it difficult to pass urine, and increase your child's risk of developing other urinary issues.
If your child's phimosis is not improving, you may be required to see their GP. A visit to the GP could also help to identify other conditions that could be responsible for your child's symptoms. This can include paraphimosis and balanitis. These conditions can cause swelling as well as pain and loss of blood supply to the penis.
Diagnosis
A physical examination and a review of symptoms are typically required to determine the cause of. The doctor may recommend swabs and urine tests to look for signs of infection.
If a bacterial or fungal infection is present the doctor will need to treat the infection using antifungal ointments and antibiotics. In some cases your doctor may recommend surgery.
The majority of children with phimosis do not have any other symptoms. It's a normal aspect of growing older.
Phimosis is a problem for some children. It can cause them to be unable to completely empty their bowels or prevent them from having to urinate.
The symptoms may vary according to age and can be different from child to child. Children who suffer from phimosis are usually affected by an increase in the size of their foreskin after urinating.
If this happens the person may not be able to pull back the foreskin completely until they reach age 3 (in certain boys, it might take longer). This can lead to swelling of the foreskin as well as the tip (glans) of the penis. It may also result in the loss of blood flow to the penis's head, which can become a medical emergency.
Treatment
Treatment for phimosis varies depending on the severity and whether the condition is natural or acquired. Gentle daily manual retraction or topical application of corticosteroid ointment or circumcision are just a few of the options that your physician might suggest.
In children who have good hygiene during the first three years, phimosis is often able to resolve on its own. Some boys are not capable of fully reversing it until the age of 3.
A pathologic phimosis that fails to improve after a daily manual retraction or steroid application may require additional treatment. It may cause painful urination or recurrent urinary infections, or even paraphimosis.
Prevention
Phimosis typically goes away by itself if you maintain good hygiene. If it doesn't go away, you should consult a physician to treat it.
In certain cases, phimosis may be treated without surgery and with home remedies. If the condition is serious or affects the person's daily routine it may require surgery to treat it.
Fortunately it is possible to prevent phimosis by maintaining a healthy hygiene and taking an occasional care of the skin of the restoring foreskin. Cleansing the penis with warm water daily is a great way to stop phimosis from developing in the first place.
The foreskin is retracted when you are urinating. This is another preventive measure. This will prevent the skin from swelling and becoming irritated. This can lead to infections and scarring.
