What is Phimosis in Children? What is the Treatment?

Phimosis is a condition that can occur in boys and rarely in girls and refers to a condition in which the genitals do not open as they should naturally. In men, it occurs when the tip of the penis (glans) cannot fully open because the foreskin (prepuce) is narrow.

Normally, the foreskin slides backwards during an erection, opening the glans and allowing for proper cleansing. However, in phimosis, this backward movement becomes limited or impossible.

This can cause pain and discomfort when urinating or during sexual intercourse. Phimosis is usually congenital, but in some cases it can develop with age. It can be a condition that requires treatment, and the treatment usually involves surgery or medication.

Phimosis can usually get better on its own over time, but in some cases treatment may be needed. Treatment options include the use of steroid cream, circumcision surgery and careful penis care. Steroid cream is used to stretch and open the foreskin. When applied regularly, this cream can help the foreskin to stretch.

However, if steroid creams are not effective or cause other complications, surgery may be needed. Circumcision surgery is the complete or partial removal of the foreskin.

This procedure is usually done under local anesthesia in children and is usually a safe procedure. However, surgery should always be considered as a last resort and a doctor should be consulted. Regular penis care is also important in the treatment of phimosis. Following cleanliness and hygiene rules can reduce the risk of infection and support the healing process.

Phimosis usually occurs in children during infancy and can often be recognized soon after birth. Phimosis is a condition in boys where the skin at the tip of the penis becomes tightly closed or narrowed.

This can cause the urethra not to open completely and the head of the penis not to be fully visible. Phimosis, which is considered a natural condition in infancy, usually resolves spontaneously between the ages of 3 and 5. However, if problems persist or do not go away during this time, medical intervention may be needed.

• Compression or constriction of the penis: In the case of phimosis, the foreskin narrows, completely or partially covering the head of the penis. This can cause difficulty urinating or during sexual intercourse.
• Pain or Discomfort: The child may experience pain or discomfort due to the pinched foreskin. This may be more pronounced, especially when urinating or cleaning the genitals.
• Urinary Tract Infections: Phimosis can lead to incomplete cleansing of the foreskin and accumulation of urine. This can increase susceptibility to urinary tract infections and symptoms of infection may occur.
• Redness and Swelling: Redness or swelling may be observed in the area of the pinched foreskin. This can be a sign of infection or inflammation.
• Discharge from the Head of the Penis: In case of phimosis, there may be discharge around the glans penis. This discharge may be a sign of infection or inflammation and may require treatment.