When a boy’s skin cannot retract, it’s called phimosis. This is a common condition that can affect uncircumcised males at birth or later.
There are two types of phimosis: physiological and pathologic. Physiological phimosis usually will resolve on its own and without treatment in the first 3-4 year of life.
What is the phimosis?
When a penis which has not been circumcised is unable to retract its foreskin, it is called phimosis. It affects the majority of babies, and typically goes disappears as boys grow older.
Most children can overcome physiologic phimosis before the age of three, but it can persist into puberty in some. The tightening of the muscles is a normal part growing to. It is not caused by an infection or any other disease.
In the majority of cases, daily gentle manual retraction using an ointment that contains steroid is enough to relieve the tightness of the foreskin. If necessary it is necessary to undergo surgery to loosen the areas where the foreskin gets stuck to the glans can also be done.
Consult your physician for an assessment if you suffer from a tight, non-retractable or swollen foreskin after intercourse foreskin. If it’s caused by an infection, or another problem, you may require treatment. A swab or urine test may be needed to confirm the diagnosis. Then, a doctor will prescribe a remedy to reduce irritation and inflammation.
Symptoms
A tightened foreskin can make it difficult to pull back over the penis’s head (called the glans). This can result in issues with sexual function.
Usually, the skin loosens naturally in early childhood. Typically this process should occur between the ages of two and three, but it can take longer for some boys.
If the foreskin is not able to retract or be pulled back over the glans it is called phimosis. This condition is more prevalent in males who are not circumcised, and is most common in the first few months of life.
Phimosis can be diagnosed by a physician. The doctor will inspect your child’s foreskin, penis, and ask if they’ve noticed any symptoms. They will also examine for skin conditions that might cause a retraction of the foreskin like xerotica or balanitis.
Treatment
Phimosis is not usually a problem unless it affects normal erections or urination and it is treatable. Treatment may involve steroids or surgery.
Physiological Phimosis is a common occurrence among children aged between two and four. It is a self-limiting condition that resolves when the foreskin is more retractile. In the pathological form it is usually caused by balanitis xerotica obsliterans (BXO), the skin condition that causes cicatrization and is that is histologically similar to lichen sclerosis.
The physiologic form of phimosis usually improves with repeated applications of a topical steroid cream or gentle manual retraction of the foreskin. If the steroid does not work, circumcision may be required.
Circumcision is surgical procedure that removes the foreskin. It is often the best option for men with phimosis. It’s not without risk. It is essential to weigh the risks and benefits. The procedure can also be painful and create scarring that may affect the subsequent retractions of the foreskin.
The following are some ways to prevent this:
Penile hygiene is among the best ways to prevent phimosis. This includes cleaning the skin underneath by soaking it in warm water each day.
In the same way, if your foreskin isn’t able to retract, try lubricating it using castor oil. This treatment aids the skin in retracting more easily and prevents the formation of scars and pain.
It’s a good idea, also, to gently stretch your foreskin daily so that it becomes more flexible. This is particularly beneficial for children who haven’t ever retracted their foreskin.
Phimosis in men can be a sign of a serious infection. In this case, your doctor will prescribe antifungal or antibiotic medication.
In very severe cases of phimosis, your doctor might suggest circumcision. This procedure isn’t recommended by most doctors, but it can help prevent the development of phimosis. It carries the risk of bleeding and infection, therefore it is essential to speak with your doctor regarding this possibility.
