Phimosis

Phimosis is the inability to retract the skin (foreskin or prepuce) covering the head (glans) of the penis. The foreskin at the tip of the penis loses its elasticity and appears like a tight rubber band. It can be a severe and painful condition. However, it is treatable, and the outcomes are usually excellent. The treatment could be even conservative initially. But in most cases, we fix it with minor surgery.

Symptoms

Phimosis and its symptoms are more common in boys than men.

The inability to retract the foreskin is the main symptom. The patient cannot expose the glans, and hygiene is impossible. However, recurrent pain, itching and little bleedings at the tip of the penis are possible due to over-infection (balanoposthitis). Swelling of the foreskin while urinating is another common symptom. In advanced cases, this ring is too tight and may obstruct urination.

Risk factors

Phimosis is normal in not circumcised babies and toddlers. It happens because the foreskin is still attached to the glans (adhesions). It starts detaching without any trauma while growing up, and after ten years of age, most boys can retract their foreskin quickly.

Boys with the following conditions are more at risk of developing phimosis:

• repeated urinary tract infections;
• foreskin infection (balanoposthitis);
• repeated rough handling of the foreskin;
• foreskin trauma.

In adults, risk factors for phimosis include:

• sexually transmitted infections;
• Eczema: A long-term condition that causes the skin to become itchy, red, dry, and cracked;
• Psoriasis: This skin condition leads to patches of skin becoming red, flaky, and crusty;
• Lichen planus: An itchy rash that can affect different body areas. It is not contagious;
• Lichen sclerosus: This condition causes scarring on the foreskin, leading to phimosis. A urinary irritation may cause it;
• Diabetes and metabolic syndrome.

Treatment