Phimosis in babies1 is a very common issue of the male genitals. It is a small piece of skin that covers the tip of the penis, making it difficult to expose the glans and often making it impossible to properly clean the area. This small adhesion typically remains until about three years of age, disappearing naturally without any need for surgical intervention. The male genitals are basically made up of four parts: the glans, also called the head, the shaft, the base, and the foreskin, which is the skin that protects the glans2.

The foreskin is a small, movable and retractable piece of skin, and when it is pushed towards the base, the head becomes fully exposed. Phimosis is precisely the difficulty in exposing the glans because the skin covers it completely and prevents it from being moved, possibly causing discomfort or even infections.

The care recommended by pediatricians for taking care of the male genitals and preventing phimosis in babies from worsening or even occurring are:

  • Proper hygiene of the area – carefully wash and dry it daily
  • Do not force the foreskin to expose the glans, as this can cause fissures, bleeding and may even worsen the condition by causing the skin to tighten.
  • Do not apply creams or ointments without medical advice

Care should be taken only when advised and when the responsible pediatrician deems it appropriate; otherwise, no initiative should be taken to try to prevent the problem in advance. Certain actions can not only worsen the situation but also create another problem, such as paraphimosis, which is when the skin gets stuck and does not return to cover the glans. If any unusual signs are noticed on the genitals, such as redness, any discharge or bad odor, it is recommended to see a pediatrician for a consultation.

When it truly exists, phimosis in babies can cause difficulty urinating, local infections, minor bleeding and the presence of foul-smelling secretions. In such cases, it is extremely important to have proper treatment so future problems do not arise, including discomfort during intimacy later on.

Care and How to Treat Phimosis in Babies

We cannot stress enough that in 90% of boys up to three years old the issue resolves naturally, without the need for any special intervention. In cases where it does not naturally disappear, a pediatrician should evaluate the situation and determine the appropriate treatment and care3.

Treatment for phimosis can be done with corticosteroid-based creams and with surgery, which is recommended in more advanced cases where the ointment is no longer effective. Surgery is usually indicated for boys between 7 and 10 years of age who suffer from local infections, and urinary infection involves the removal of the foreskin, making it easier for the glans to be exposed and improving hygiene of the area.

Another procedure for this issue is the placement of a plastic ring, which is inserted around the glans under the foreskin. This ring naturally cuts the inner skin, causing it to detach by itself within 10 days, with the help of lubricating and anesthetic ointments. Both surgeries are considered simple procedures and take about 40 minutes on average. They are performed with the help of local anesthesia, and the child does not need to be hospitalized, being released the same day. Of course, some recommendations and care are given since the area remains sensitive for a few days.

Healing time is around 10 days, which is when the stitches will naturally fall out and the swelling goes down. However, it is advised to resume sporting activities, for example, only after 3 to 4 weeks for the region to fully recover, thus avoiding any blows, friction, or injury.

See also: Vaginal Synechiae – How to Tell if My Daughter Has It?

Photo: M&R Glasgow, Eric Lewis