Phimosis
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 6, 2024.
Phimosis is tight foreskin around the glans (tip) of the penis. The foreskin is so tight that it cannot be pulled back from the tip. Phimosis is most common in boys 4 years or younger.
DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:
Return to the emergency department if:
- Your child cannot urinate.
Call your child's doctor if:
- You are not able to move the foreskin back to the correct position.
- Your child has a fever.
- You see redness, swelling, or blisters on your child's penis.
- You see drainage from your child's foreskin.
- Your child has pain when he urinates.
- You have questions or concerns about your child's condition or care.
Medicines:
- Medicines may be needed to decrease swelling and pain or to treat a bacterial infection.
- Give your child's medicine as directed. Contact your child's healthcare provider if you think the medicine is not working as expected. Tell the provider if your child is allergic to any medicine. Keep a current list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs your child takes. Include the amounts, and when, how, and why they are taken. Bring the list or the medicines in their containers to follow-up visits. Carry your child's medicine list with you in case of an emergency.
Treatment options
The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.
Manage your child's phimosis:
- Do not force the foreskin to pull back. Your child may have pain, cracking, and bleeding. A scar may form and cause the foreskin to stick to the tip of the penis.
- Keep your child's penis clean. Use gentle soap to remove smegma from around the tip. After the foreskin has separated from the tip, gently pull it back and wash this area with soap and water. Rinse the soap off. Then gently push your child's foreskin back to cover the tip of his penis. When your child is old enough, teach him how to clean the area.
- Gently move the foreskin back to the normal position. Every time the foreskin is pulled back, make sure it returns to its original position. The foreskin must always cover the tip. Do not force the foreskin away from or back over the tip. Force may cause more pain, or cause scars to form on the penis.
Follow up with your child's doctor as directed:
Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your child's visits.
© Copyright Merative 2024 Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.
The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
Learn more about Phimosis
Treatment options
Care guides
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.