Foreskin Adhesion in Children: Care Instructions

Overview

As your child gets older, the skin (foreskin) that folds over the penis will get looser. It will be easier to pull it back from the tip. If your child's foreskin can't be pulled back by the time puberty starts, your child may have a problem called an adhesion, or phimosis (say "fi-MO-sis"). It needs to be treated.

Most children's foreskins are tight and don't pull back for the first few years of life. This is normal. But if there is scarring or inflammation under the foreskin, it may stay tight.

A steroid cream may help free the foreskin. Or your child may need a procedure called a lysis. This is a surgical procedure to loosen the foreskin without removing it.

In some cases, a doctor may recommend removing the foreskin (circumcision).

Follow-up care is a key part of your child's treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and contact your doctor if your child is having problems. It's also a good idea to know your child's test results and keep a list of the medicines your child takes.

How can you care for your child at home?

• If your doctor recommended a steroid cream, help your child put it on the foreskin. The doctor will show you how to put the medicine on. The doctor will also tell you how often to apply it and how long to use it.
• If your child had a lysis procedure, follow the doctor's instructions for cleaning the area. You will also get instructions on any medicine or cream to put on the penis.
• Be safe with medicines. If your child had a procedure to loosen or remove the foreskin, give pain medicines exactly as directed.
  • If your child is not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask your doctor if your child can take an over-the-counter medicine.
  • If the doctor gave your child a prescription medicine for pain, give it as prescribed.
  • Store your child’s prescription pain medicines where no one else can get to them. When you are done using them, dispose of them quickly and safely. Your local pharmacy or hospital may have a drop-off site.

When should you call for help?

Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:

• Your child has symptoms of infection, such as:
  • Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness.
  • Red streaks leading from the area.
  • Pus draining from the area.
  • A fever.
• Your child is passing little or no urine.

Watch closely for any changes in your child's health, and be sure to contact your doctor if your child has any problems.