Phimosis

Phimosis is a normal phenomenon that occurs in boys age 3 to 5. It is known as physiologic phimosis. Unless the boy has a UTI, an infection, or problems urinating there is no need to pull the foreskin back.

However if the child has any issues as noted above, after the infection is treated, a steroid cream will be applied to the penis at the tight skin twice per day for one month. This will soften the area of tightness to allow the foreskin to be pulled back without trauma. This is successful in 90 percent of patients. 10 percent usually will require circumcision.

After age 3-5 than the skin should naturally be able to be pulled back. If it can’t be pulled back at that time than steroid cream will be started and used on the penis for 1 month. Most will be able to be pulled back. If the steroid does not work than circumcision is an option.

Call my office if there are any penile concerns or if your child has had a urinary tract infection.