Phimosis
The foreskin is the skin covering the head of the penis (glans). In most babies, the foreskin can't be pulled back (retracted). This is because of the narrow opening at the tip of the foreskin and its attachment to the head of the penis. The inability to retract the foreskin at birth is called congenital phimosis. It's a normal condition.
As your child gets older, the opening of the foreskin gets wider. The foreskin also separates from the glans, and it's possible to pull the foreskin back. In some children, this occurs by age 3 to 5 years. In others, it may not occur until the teen years. This is normal. It's important that parents don't try to force the foreskin back. This can cause injury and scarring.
Once the foreskin slides back and forth easily, chronic infections or injury to the foreskin may cause it to get stuck in the forward position. This is due to swelling or the forming of a tight ring of scar tissue over the glans. Then it can't be retracted. This is called acquired phimosis. This condition needs to be treated.
Circumcision will treat and prevent acquired phimosis from happening again.
Nonsurgical treatments are also available. Treatment depends on the cause of phimosis. Your child may need to see a urologist to discuss treatment choices.
Home care
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If there are no symptoms, your child doesn't need any special treatment. Just wash the foreskin and penis daily when bathing. Don't try to force the foreskin back. Change diapers regularly.
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If you were given a steroid cream, apply it as directed.
Follow-up care
Follow up with your child's health care provider or the urologist you've been referred to as advised.
When to get medical advice
Contact your child's health care provider right away if your child has:
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Pain or swelling in the foreskin or penis.
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Pain or burning when passing urine.
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Partial (dribbling) or complete blockage in the flow of urine.
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Blood (pink or red) coming from the foreskin or seen in the urine.
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Inability to return a retracted foreskin to the normal position. This needs to be treated right away.
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You're worried about your child's penis or are unsure of the correct care.