Phimosis is the inability to fully retract the foreskin behind the glans.
In newborns and young children, it is common for the foreskin not to be fully retractable. This is called physiologic phimosis and it usually resolves gradually with growth.
Foreskin retraction should not be forced.
Traumatic retractions can cause:
When there is a scarring ring associated with:
When indicated, initial treatment can be done with topical corticosteroids combined with gentle, progressive retraction.
Circumcision is reserved for certain situations, such as symptomatic pathologic phimosis or failure of conservative treatment.
It occurs when a retracted foreskin becomes trapped behind the glans and cannot return to its normal position.
Progressive edema of the glans and distal foreskin develops.
Yes.
Early reduction must be performed to avoid vascular compromise.
⚠️ Alert
Physiologic phimosis → usually observation.
Paraphimosis → urologic emergency.
In Pediatric Urology, the primary care physician does not need to resolve every condition: they need to distinguish the physiological from the pathological, and recognize when to observe, when to investigate, when to refer and, above all, when to act urgently.
Want us to let you know when this lesson is complete?
All set, we'll let you know! 🎉