What is Phimosis? Know more about it

Phimosis is an abnormality associated with the foreskin retraction of the penis. It is usually diagnosed among the male babies up to 3yrs of age. Generally, it is self curable and mostly gets cured by the age of 17yrs in most of the men. In case it does not get cured by its own, circumcision or OTC drugs.
It is necessary to consult the doctor in case there is severe pain, issues or infections.

1. What is Phimosis ? Know more about it

2. Overview Phimosis is an abnormality associated with the foreskin retraction of the penis. It is usually diagnosed among the male babies up to 3yrs of age. Generally, it is self curable and mostly gets cured by the age of 17yrs in most of the men. In case it does not get cured by its own, circumcision or OTC drugs. It is necessary to consult the doctor in case there is severe pain, issues or infections.

3. Phimosis Phimosis is an abnormality where the foreskin of the penis is too tight for the retraction over the head or the glans. The problem is mostly found among uncircumcised babies or adults. It usually detaches on its own at the age of 2-6yrs or may happen up to teens for some as well. Approximately 1% of teenagers suffer from phimosis .   

4. Types of Phimosis Phimosis is of two types, physiologic & Pathologic Phimosis . Physiologic Phimosis : This type of phimosis is common among children where the foreskin is tight. The foreskin usually loosens and retracts back by the age of 7yrs. However, the symptoms would show off while bathing or while inflating while urinating. This is most common among uncircumcised males. Pathologic Phimosis : Pathologic Phimosis usually occurs among the males who have hit puberty. Forcibly retracting the foreskin or due to distal scarring of foreskin. Swelling of the foreskin and glans, scarring and lack of hygiene are some of the main reasons for this kind of phimosis .       

5. Causes of Phimosis Naturally, the foreskin can be pulled back behind the glans among 50% of 1yr boys and by the age of 3yrs almost more than 90% of toddler’s foreskin can be pulled back. The cause of phimosis could be various skin conditions such as : Eczema : It is a condition where the skin becomes red, dry and itchy. Lichen Planus : This causes itchiness and rashes, it can affect any part of the body. However, this skin condition is not contagious. Lichen Sclerous : The skin forms scars, white patches or spots on the foreskin which may lead to phimosis and causes urinary irritation. Lichen Sclerous may cause due to hormonal imbalance or abnormal immune response. 

6. Psoriasis: It is a chronic condition that makes skin crusty, patchy and flaky. Balanitis : This is caused because of unhygienic personal care or too much cleansing. If left untreated it may lead to phimosis .   If the skin is forcibly retracted before is it ready could lead to scarring and later becomes difficult for the skin to retract.  Urinary tract infection over and over again  Injury to the foreskin Repeated urinary infection, rough handling of the foreskin, trauma or injury are some of the major reasons for phimosis .

7. Symptoms of Phimosis As this is a natural phenomenon where the foreskin retracts back naturally over the glans there is no such problem initially. However, when the skin is unable to retract back the following symptoms could be taken into consideration: Redness and swelling Pain while urinating Soreness, itchiness, and odour Traces of blood in the urine Pain or numbness during sexual intercourse Unable to empty the bladder

8. Risk factors of Phimosis If phimosis is not diagnosed and treated in time it may lead to other risk factors like: Posthitis Autoamputation Recurrent infection  Necrosis and gangrene of the glans

9. Diagnosis of Phimosis The doctor may examine the foreskin and penis properly and may ask the medical history or if there has been any trauma related to the penis. The doctor may also ask about the impacts of sexual activity. The doctor may also ask for a urine test to check if there is an infection.

10. Treatments of Phimosis In case, the foreskin does not retract on its own. Circumcision could be one way of treating phimosis if the circumstances of such arises.  If the condition of the foreskin and glans if manageable, the doctor may prescribe some steroid creams and may ask to take a few of hygienic steps like washing the penis in lukewarm water and avoid using soap, bubble bath or shampoo.  The doctor may also ask to manually retract gently daily.

11. Preventive measures of Phimosis A good hygienic regime could help in avoiding phimosis . Cleaning the foreskin and penis with warm water and mild or unperfumed soap which prevents the accumulation of dirt, urine or bacteria causing infection.  Excessive pubic hair may lead to infection, so it is advised to remove the pubic hair in order to prevent infections. 

12. Reach out to Campbell Hospital for regular check-up and treatment, call us at 6366733565.  We are located at 186/165. Ground Floor, 9th Main Rd, Sector 6, HSR Layout, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560102 Visit us at https://campbellhospital.in/