If the foreskin becomes too tight, it cannot retract over the penis. It usually occurs in the first few years of life in infants and toddlers.



It's not a major issue unless you have symptoms such as difficulty urinating. If your child has these symptoms, take them to the GP.


Causes


Phimosis is a disorder in which the foreskin isn't able to be retracted (pulled back) properly over the penis. It is a common occurrence in children, and generally disappears when they grow older.



In boys who are young, phimosis is usually cured without treatment. However, in a few men or boys, phimosis could cause problems with hygiene or urinary tract infections.



A medical professional can diagnose phimosis through an examination of the foreskin and penis and also by asking about symptoms. They will also look for scarring or other damage that could be responsible for causing the phimosis.



The most frequent cause of phimosis, balanitisxeroticaobliterans(BXO), is an underlying skin condition that blocks foreskin retracting. If BXO is diagnosed, daily gentle retractions can be employed to loosen the foreskin. If the foreskin is inflexible the foreskin, circumcision may be suggested by a doctor. Circumcision is a simple outpatient procedure that offers permanent relief from phimosis. It is performed under a local anaesthetic for infants and under general anaesthetics for older children and adults.


Signs and symptoms


Phimosis is a condition that stops your foreskin (prepuce) from fully retracting around the head of your penis, or glans. It may appear as a rubber band or a tight ring around the edge of the foreskin.



Physiologic phimosis occurs naturally in males who are not circumcised and typically is resolved as we age. It is not usually a cause of problems unless it interferes with urinary tract function or causes other symptoms.

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A doctor can identify phimosis by taking your child's medical records and conducting a physical exam. He may also request an swab or urine sample to test for infection.



The healthcare provider for your child may also order tests to see whether your child is suffering from an illness known as balanitis or obliterans. It can be found in boys suffering from phimosis. This condition can cause a painful swelling of the glans. It may also cause the blood flow to the penis from the head to cease. This can be dangerous. The doctor treating your child can treat it with medicine that can decrease the swelling and inflammation.


Diagnosis


A physical examination is commonly used to detect phimosis. The doctor will ask your child and you about any phimosis-related symptoms that they have observed, and then examine the penis.



The doctor may also test the foreskin for indications types of phimosis infection, such as balanitis, xerotica, obliterans (BXO). If there is an infection test, a swab or urine test may be required to analyze it in a lab.



In most cases, the phimosis will disappear naturally as your child becomes older. If your son is older, and has problems with urinating or erections or in his genital area, he should consult an urologist for the best treatment.



Phimosis can be treated using an cream containing steroids. If this does nothing is working, a circumcision may be suggested. It is typically performed in a clinic under local anesthesia.


Treatment


Most babies and young boys who suffer from phimosis will improve on their own as they get older. If the problem affects your with erections, or urination is affected, you should consult a doctor.



The treatment for phimosis typically involves a combination of keeping your penis clean, and applying creams or ointments that stretch the foreskin. If this isn't enough, surgery to partially or completely remove the foreskin (circumcision) may be needed.



It is essential to conduct a physical examination of both the penis as well as the foreskin in order to determine if phimosis is present. You should also check for skin conditions such as balanitis, which can prevent the foreskin retraction.



Steroid creams can be applied to treat phimosis. They are also able to be applied multiple times. They can be applied to the foreskin every day, either once or twice for up to four weeks. They can help the foreskin stretch and may also be effective at preventing other conditions from developing, such as syphilis or genital warts.