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Re: Need Advice: 5yo with Phimosis

Written by Jim at 29 Apr 2002 04:40:23:

As an answer to: Need Advice: 5yo with Phimosis written by rob at 29 Apr 2002 02:34:49:

>My 5 y.o. son can't retract his foreskin at all. I am cut, so I have no personal experience with this. He also has his first infection now, right at the tip. My reading indicates he has Phimosis. The foreskin can be pulled forward quite a bit past the head of his penis without rolling. But, the ring at the tip of the penis won't stretch to allow his glans to come through. There seems to be a 1mm distinct ring of tissue right around the opening of the foreskin.
>In my ignorance, I was forcing his foreskin back when he was two, for about 4 months, a couple of times a week. Stupid. The healing process probably led to a worsening of this condition.
>Anyway, I would like to know if the following course of treatment would be reasonable. 1- follow the advice on having Jeffrey manipulate his penis, pulling it forward and rolling it side to side 2- See about using the betamethasone cream.
>Also, any other advice on diagnosing what is going on?
>Rob

Many times, the skin may not be fully retractable until the teen years. Now you said that you did have it retractable at age two, is that correct? What happened during the last three years?

Your suggestion of pulling the skin forward will certainly keep things supple, but may not be the best method of enlarging the opening, which is the goal. Pulling back on the skin is what will eventually cause the opening to get bigger. Have him try retracting each time he pees. If he'll pull it to the maximum without causing pain each time, it will begin to stretch.

One of the problems I suspect is that you are possibly overly concerned. Just act as a coach and not let it become your own problem or little pet project. In five years, approach the subject again and make sure he is pulling the skin back regularly. If at that time, it is still too tight, you can start the regimen of stretching with the cream. At that age, spontaneous erections will be commonplace and also be stretching the skin.

Have patience. It's several years before he'll be needing his tool for anything other than peeing, so you have time on your side.

Regarding the infection, you need to examine what is being done to cause it. Is he being too careful with hygiene by soaping too much in that area, or is his diet too heavy in sugars? Get the kid to eat more fresh raw vegetables and dring more good clean water.


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