Phimosis treatment for boys

phimosis in children · tight foreskin · circumcision for medical reasons · preputioplasty

The doctor frees a tight foreskin so the head of the penis can show. Sometimes a cream is enough, sometimes a small surgery is needed.

When the foreskin will not open and causes problems: infections, ballooning when peeing, or scarring. In little boys, a tight foreskin is often normal.

⏱ Duration: a consultation takes 15 to 20 minutes; surgery usually takes 15 to 40 minutes, and you go home the same day

Be sure to tell your doctor

Any infections, and how often
How your child pees: does the skin balloon, is the stream thin
Allergies to medicines
A cold in the past 2 weeks, if anesthesia is planned
Any blood disorders or bleeding problems in the family

How to prepare

No force. Do not pull the foreskin back by force at home. It causes harm and scarring.
Numbing. In children, surgery is usually done under general anesthesia, sometimes with local numbing. Check with the clinic.
Food and water. If there will be anesthesia, the clinic will set the times for no food and water.

What to bring

Your child's documents and yours
Loose underwear and trousers
A favorite toy

How it goes

The doctor examines your child and decides: cream or surgery
If surgery, your child falls asleep under anesthesia
The doctor cuts open or removes the tight part of the foreskin
Fine dissolving stitches are placed
Ointment and a light dressing are applied

What you'll feel

For the first 2 to 3 days, it hurts and stings when peeing
Swelling and redness are normal and pass
Your child may be afraid to pee. A warm bath helps

Afterwards

Loose underwear for the first days
Care and baths as the doctor says
Stitches usually dissolve on their own in 1 to 3 weeks
Active play when the doctor allows

Contact a doctor straight away if

Your child cannot pee for several hours
Bleeding that does not stop with pressure
A fever over 38°C (100.4°F), pus, or strong swelling

Common questions

Is it normal that my baby's foreskin does not pull back?

Yes, in little boys it is often normal. Many cases resolve on their own with age.

Can we avoid surgery?

A course of cream often helps. Surgery is needed if the cream does not work or there is scarring.