Phimosis and Paraphimosis in Children
Phimosis and paraphimosis are two different conditions that affect the foreskin on the penis of children and men. If your child has phimosis, then the foreskin cannot be drawn back freely as it is tightly stretched around the penis head.
Paraphimosis is a different condition where the foreskin is pulled back behind the penis head and cannot be drawn back. Paraphimosis is an emergency medical condition. Phimosis is normal in newborn boys and it becomes better as the child ages. However, in older boys, phimosis can occur due to an infection under the foreskin.
Common Symptoms of Phimosis and Paraphimosis
The following are the common signs of phimosis in children:
- Bulging or ballooning of the foreskin while urinating
- Urinary tract infection
- Balanitis, an infection that causes inflammation and redness of the penis head
- Straining for urination
The symptoms of paraphimosis include the following:
- Unable to pull the foreskin back over the penis tip
- Discoloration of the penis tip, either to dark red or bluish colour
- Reduced urine stream
- Pain at the penis
- Reduced urine stream
The signs of paraphimosis and phimosis may look similar. Hence, if your child experiences any of these signs, consider visiting a pediatric doctor for a proper diagnosis.
What Causes Phimosis and Paraphimosis in Children?
In babies, phimosis is common and can clear without any treatment. During birth, the foreskin is not fully retracted, but by the time the child reaches adolescence, the foreskin gets fully retracted. In some cases, phimosis can occur in children when the foreskin is forced to retract before it is naturally ready to occur. This can lead to scar tissue and can prevent future retracting of the foreskin. Infections can also lead to phimosis in some children.
On the other hand, paraphimosis occurs when the foreskin gets swelled while pulling it over the head of the penis. This can also occur when the foreskin is pulled back for any medical procedure or for cleaning the penis of the child.
Diagnosis of Phimosis and Paraphimosis in Children
The doctor will ask you about your child’s signs, general health, medical history, and age. The doctor also conducts a physical examination to examine your child’s foreskin and penis. Based on your child’s signs and physical examination, the doctor may use other tests for a proper diagnosis.
How are Phimosis and Paraphimosis Treated in Children?
The treatment for phimosis is based on your child’s age, severity of the condition, and the signs. The treatment begins with a steroid cream that needs to be applied locally. The cream should be applied three to four times a day to loosen the area that connects the foreskin to the tip of the penis. In most cases, phimosis gets cured with a steroid cream. If the steroid cream does not help, then the doctor may perform circumcision.
The treatment for paraphimosis involves squeezing the tip of the penis so that the foreskin can move back and forward. To reduce swelling and pain, the doctor may prescribe oral medications and an anesthetic cream. In some cases, a small slit is made in the foreskin to allow it to move backwards. If the condition is severe, emergency circumcision is performed.
Meet Dr Mallikarjuna Reddy – A Qualified and Experienced Pediatric Urologist in Hyderabad for Phimosis or Paraphimosis Treatment
If your child is experiencing any of the signs of phimosis or paraphimosis, it is important to consider visiting a pediatric urologist for an early diagnosis. Dr Mallikarjuna Reddy has over 30 years of experience working as a pediatric urologist in Hyderabad. He can handle a wide range of urological issues in children ranging from simple to complex. He has treated several children with phimosis and paraphimosis with a huge success rate. He is also a skilled robotic surgeon who has experience conducting adult and pediatric surgeries. If you want to discuss your child’s condition with Dr Mallikarjuna Reddy, you can give us a call or fill out the online form.