Do you know what phimosis is? The problem is not exclusive to moms of boys, did you know that? Childhood phimosis can be surprising when the baby is born, even in girls.
What is Phimosis?
Phimosis1 is a skin that covers the tip of the baby’s penis or vagina. This skin can “stick,” narrowing the tip of the penis and preventing the upper part of the organ from being exposed and, in girls, create a film covering the vaginal opening—this is detected by a clinical exam with the pediatrician.
Usually, phimosis can be resolved easily in children up to three years old, so the best thing to do is consult a doctor about the subject as soon as possible.
But don’t panic! This condition is perfectly reversible, in some cases even without surgery, especially in boys. Moms can visually detect phimosis, but you will know if the baby also shows pain while urinating, cries when the penis stiffens, and also if there is a bad odor or discharge from the penis or vagina. There are ways to solve childhood phimosis; the doctor will recommend the most appropriate one, but let’s look at them below.
Home Solutions for Childhood Phimosis
Massage for childhood phimosis:
Done in boys, this massage can solve phimosis in a short time. Even doctors instruct parents to gently pull the skin of the penis downward during bath time. This process should be done every day until the phimosis is released and the head of the penis appears without much effort. It should be done while the baby is still small because the skin is much more flexible, and always with great, great care.
Creams for phimosis:
There are creams based on betamethasone that allow the reduction and even elimination of phimosis. They help the natural separation of the skin, making the glans visible2. The cream is called Postec but should always be prescribed by a pediatrician and is indicated to help reduce childhood phimosis in boys.
Doctor’s Solution for Childhood Phimosis
In the Doctor’s Office: Some doctors may also pull back the foreskin in the office; depending on the degree of phimosis in the boy and the experience of the doctor, a single pull can solve it. If nothing else works or if the childhood phimosis is in girls, surgery for phimosis will be necessary, but it is a very simple procedure. Considered outpatient, it is a quick-release procedure: the baby or child is admitted in the morning and, after recovering from the procedure, can go home the same day.
Surgical: The surgery consists in cutting the excess foreskin or opening the passage in the female vagina. Another excellent surgical option is the placement of a penile ring; still performed surgically, it can help release the glans and will fall off on its own in about 10 days without major concerns3.
Post-Surgical Recovery
Post-surgical recovery takes about 30 days and requires special care of the genital area. Healing and anesthetic ointments are applied to help with recovery and reduce post-surgery pain. Moms should also be aware that the area will be swollen and reddish.
If the child who underwent surgery is a bit older, care should be maintained even during exercise. Impact to the area can hinder the child’s recovery, so staying alert is a good idea for moms and dads.
If your son or daughter needs surgery to remove phimosis, don’t worry—it will be a simple procedure performed by a specialist doctor.
