Phimosis is a condition that affects males. It is a condition where the foreskin (the skin covering the head of the penis) cannot be retracted down. The skin becomes very tight around the head of the penis and can cause pain when tried to be pulled down.
Phimosis is very common in male children under the age of 3 who are uncircumcised (the foreskin not removed). It can occur naturally and makes it difficult to urinate. Phimosis can present its symptoms after the age of 16-17 years in males.
The foreskin of the penis is attached to the head of the penis in children till the age of 3 but it naturally starts to detach. However, if it does not detach, then it can cause problems with urination and also cause pain. This is what is known as phimosis. The easiest method to treat phimosis is through a circumcision procedure. The procedures are very safe and ensure that the person is not affected by phimosis again.
In this type of Phimosis, the male infant is born with a tight foreskin. Congenital Phimosis as it is popularly known is due to the adhesions between the penis and the inner layer of the foreskin. This makes the retraction of the penis difficult. This condition is very common among male babies and as they grow older, the adhesions weaken and the foreskin begins to loosen. By the age of 5-7, complete retraction is possible. According to studies, the problem does not resolve itself in just 2% of cases. This indicates that a very small percentage of teenagers and adults suffer from congenital phimosis.
This type of Phimosis develops due to injuries, scarring, inflammation, infection and underlying medical issues. Skin conditions such as Psoriasis, Eczema, Lichen sclerosus and Lichen Planus can also cause Pathological Phimosis. Inability to maintain proper penile hygiene causes sweat, dirt and pathogens to accumulate under the foreskin, thereby leading to pathological phimosis. Pathological Phimosis requires timely and proper treatment, so if phimosis disrupts healthy urination or erection, or is accompanied by other symptoms, you should see a doctor immediately.
This is normal for male infants to have tightness in the foreskin of their penis, this usually starts to get loose after 2 years and is still attached to the head of the penis till the age of 3. The foreskin detaches naturally between the ages of 3 to 6 but if it does not happen, it can cause discomfort and other symptoms of phimosis.
Repeated urinary tract infections in boys or men can lead to the development of this disorder.
Infections in the foreskin can lead to phimosis.
If the foreskin is handled roughly and causes irritation, then it might lead to infections that cause phimosis.
Trauma like injuries to the foreskin can lead to the development of this disorder.
Skin conditions like eczema (skin becomes itchy and dry) or lichen planus (an itchy rash that spreads across the body) can also be a cause of phimosis.
The foreskin is very tight around the head of the penis and is wound up very tightly near the tip like a rubberband. This is the most telltale sign of phimosis.
Phimosis may cause a lot of itchiness in the affected area, especially where the skin tightens the most around the head of the penis.
The condition often causes redness and swelling in the affected area.
Phimosis can also lead to the buildup of white and thick fluid in the affected area.
Another major sign of phimosis is a sensation of pain and burning during urination.
A person can experience pain during the erection of the penis.