Phimosis in Children: Understanding and Managing It

Hermina's friends, have you ever paid attention to the foreskin of your child's penis? Is it hard to pull back? If yes, maybe your little one has phimosis. This condition is quite common in babies and young children, but parents often don't realize it.

What is phimosis?

Phimosis is a condition where the foreskin of the penis is too tight and cannot be pulled back completely to expose the head of the penis. The foreskin is a fold of skin that covers the head of the penis. In newborn babies, the foreskin is usually tightly attached to the head of the penis, but as it grows, the foreskin generally loosens and can be pulled back.

Causes of Phimosis in Children

The exact cause of phimosis is not fully understood, but there are several factors that may play a role, including:

• Natural development: In newborns, the foreskin is usually still very tight and will loosen gradually as the child grows.
• Inflammation: Infection or irritation of the foreskin can cause inflammation and scar tissue that makes the foreskin tighter.
• Congenital abnormalities: In some children they are born with a foreskin that is naturally tighter than in other children.

Symptoms of Phimosis in Children

Symptoms of phimosis in children can vary, but the most common symptom is difficulty pulling the foreskin back. Apart from that, other symptoms that may appear include:

• Pain during urination: Especially if there is an infection.
• Swelling of the foreskin: Looks red and feels warm.
• Pus discharge: Sign of infection.
• Difficulty cleaning the penile area: Difficulty retracting the foreskin can hinder the cleanliness of the penile area and increase the risk of infection.

Prevention of Phimosis in Children

Although not all cases of phimosis can be prevented, the following steps may help reduce the risk:

• Maintain cleanliness: Wash your child's genital area regularly with mild soap and warm water.
• Avoid forcefully pulling back the foreskin: Forcefully pulling back the foreskin can cause tearing and bleeding.
• Treat infections immediately: If an infection occurs, treat it immediately with appropriate antibiotics.

Treatment of Phimosis in Children

Treatment of phimosis in children depends on the severity of symptoms, the child's age, and the underlying cause. Some common treatment options include:

• Monitoring: In most cases, phimosis will improve on its own as the child grows. The doctor may recommend regular monitoring.
• Steroid cream: Topical steroid cream can help reduce inflammation and loosen the foreskin.
• Surgical treatment (circumcision): If conservative treatment is unsuccessful or if complications occur, circumcision may be necessary. Circumcision is a surgical procedure to remove part or all of the foreskin.

Complications of Phimosis in Children

If not treated properly, phimosis in children can cause complications, such as:

• Paraphimosis: A medical emergency in which the foreskin that has been pulled back cannot return to its original position.
• Urinary tract infections: Bacteria can become trapped under the tight foreskin and cause urinary tract infections.
• Psychological: Children with phimosis may experience psychological problems such as low self-esteem or anxiety.

When Should You See a Doctor?

If Hermina Friends are worried that your child has phimosis, you should immediately consult a pediatrician at Hermina Sukabumi Hospital. The doctor will perform a physical examination and may perform additional tests to determine the appropriate diagnosis and treatment options. If Hermina Friends find that your child has phimosis, immediately consult a pediatric surgeon at Hermina Sukabumi Hospital.

 

 

Referensi:

1. Phimosis: What Is It, Causes, Symptoms & Treatment. (2021). Cleveland Clinic. Retrieved November 20, 2023, from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22065-phimosis
2. Tight foreskin (phimosis). (2017). NHS UK. Retrieved November 20, 2023, from https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/phimosis/
3. Phimosis. (n.d.). Nationwide Children’s Hospital. Retrieved November 20, 2023, from https://www.nationwidechildrens.org/conditions/phimosis