Phimosis

Over time, you may have heard of the word from the doctor concerning the male child. This condition is common and in many hospitals set up it can be an indication of circumcision.
Phimosis per se is the constriction of the foreskin leading to the failure to retract the foreskin over the glans. In most cases, the male child is born with it. As the child grows, by four years, the skin is retractile. However, not all male children by this age have their foreskin retractile.
Possible causes of phimosis
Trauma- any injury to the foreskin can lead to healing by fibrosis or scarring.
Infections-any bacterial or viral infection around the male genitalia causing the tight foreskin
Poor Hygiene-if the baby’s genitalia is not cleaned well can lead to infections hence tightening the foreskin around the glans penis.
Clinical Features
The doctor can diagnose the condition clinically.
History of foreskin unretract able can suggest the condition.
Management
It is important to note as a parent that Phimosis is age related. As the baby grows the skin might retract.
It is good to maintain good hygiene and ensure the baby is passing urine with ease.
If there are symptoms of infections, take the baby to the doctor.
In failure, visit a urologist who may administer the appropriate management including;
Circumcision, Preputial plasty and Balloon dilatation. However, use of Betamethasone valerate 0.6% twice daily for two weeks has shown successful treatment of true Phimosis.
If the patient is able to urinate and no signs of infections, the urologist can buy time and enroll the patient on follow up till the foreskin retracts.