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Phimosis is the inability to retract the skin of the penis to expose the glans, which creates the feeling that there is a ring at the tip of the penis that prevents the skin from sliding normally. After birth, it is common for babies to have this type of problem, but until the age of 3, the skin on the penis usually loosens spontaneously, starting to function normally.
There are several forms of treatment, which should be evaluated and guided by the pediatrician, according to the degree of phimosis. Thus, for the mildest cases, only small exercises or ointments can be used, while for the more severe cases, surgery may be necessary, for example.
Treatment options for childhood phimosis
Treatment for phimosis is done according to the severity of the symptoms, which may include:
1. Application of ointment
To treat childhood phimosis, an ointment with corticosteroids can be applied, such as Postec and Betnovate, which works by softening the foreskin tissue and thinning the skin, facilitating the movement and cleaning of the penis.
Generally, this ointment is applied 2 times a day for about 6 weeks to months, as directed by the pediatrician. Learn how to correctly put the ointment for phimosis.
2. Exercises in the foreskin
Exercises on the foreskin should always be indicated by the pediatrician and consists of trying to move the skin of the penis slowly, stretching and shrinking the foreskin without forcing or causing pain. These exercises should be done for about 1 minute, 4 times a day, for a period of at least 1 month to obtain improvements.
3. Surgery
Phimosis surgery, also known as circumcision or postectomy, consists of removing excess skin to facilitate the cleaning of the penis and reduce the risk of infections.
The surgery is performed by a pediatric urologist, lasts about 1 hour, includes the use of general anesthesia and in children it is recommended between 7 and 10 years of age. The hospital stay lasts about 2 days, but the child can return to the normal routine 3 or 4 days after the surgery, taking care to avoid sports or games that impact the region for about 2 to 3 weeks.
4. Placement of plastic ring
The placement of the plastic ring is done through a quick surgery, which lasts about 10 to 30 minutes and does not require anesthesia. The ring is inserted around the glans and under the foreskin, but without squeezing the tip of the penis. Over time, the ring will cut through the skin and release its movement, falling off after about 10 days.
During the period of use of the ring, it is normal for the penis to become red and swollen, but it does not hinder peeing. In addition, this treatment does not require dressings, using only an anesthetic ointment and lubricant to facilitate recovery.
Main symptoms
The signs and symptoms of phimosis in children can be noticed in the first years of life, when excess skin is observed on the tip of the baby's penis. As the child develops, other signs and symptoms may appear, such as:
- Difficulty urinating, with pain or burning;
- Pain during erection;
- Secretions on the penis, with a bad smell;
- Difficulty in controlling the urge to urinate at night;
- Bleeding, especially when forcing the skin.
It is important to remember that phimosis does not impede the normal growth and development of the penis, but it must be treated to avoid complications, such as serious infections at the site, due to the difficulty in washing the region.
When phimosis occurs at birth, it is not possible to prevent it, but throughout life it is very important to do the correct hygiene of the penis every day with water and mild soap, cleaning the entire region under the skin so that it does not accumulate dirt and secretions, becoming an infection. To avoid aggravating the problem, it is also important to increase the frequency of cleaning the place and go to the doctor to start the treatment.
Possible complications of phimosis
When left untreated, phimosis can cause complications such as frequent urinary tract infections, infections of the penis, increased chances of contagion with sexually transmitted diseases, pain and bleeding during intimate contact and increased risk of cancer of the penis.