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Phimosis

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

If the foreskin of the penis is so tight that it can't be pulled back, the condition is known as phimosis (fim-O-sis). It is seen most frequently in children.

Causes

The problem may be present from birth. It also can be caused by an infection or scar tissue from an injury.

Care

If the boy is unable to urinate, seek medical attention at once. The doctor may need to thread a tube (catheter) into the tip of the penis, through the urinary canal (urethra), and into the bladder to drain the urine. If the boy can urinate, he may not need treatment right away. The usual remedy is circumcision to remove the foreskin.

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO

  • Do NOT use force to pull the foreskin back. This can cause scarring and make the condition worse. Clean under the foreskin regularly if possible.
  • In uncircumcised babies, the foreskin is normally tight. It usually doesn't start to loosen enough to be pulled back until the baby is at least 18 months old. Until then, leave the foreskin alone. Later, you may gently pull back the foreskin during bathing.

Call Your Doctor If...

  • There is redness, swelling, or drainage from the foreskin. These are signs of infection.
  • The boy has pain when urinating.
  • The boy gets a high temperature.

Seek Care Immediately If...

  • The boy has not urinated in 24 hours.


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