What are the main treatments? A doctor can manually retract the foreskin under local or general anaesthesia. You may also be shown how to gradually retract the foreskin after a bath, using petroleum jelly (Vaseline) or some other form of lubrication. But if the problem persists, circumcision may be necessary.
Cover the raw area with a layer of antibiotic ointment (such as Polysporin). If you don't have one, use petroleum jelly (such as Vaseline).
Steroid creams or ointments (topical corticosteroids) are commonly used to treat mild to moderate psoriasis in most areas of the body. The treatment works by reducing inflammation. This slows the production of skin cells and reduces itching. Topical corticosteroids range in strength from mild to very strong.
Phimosis usually goes away on its own within the first few years of a child's life. If it causes problems – for instance, when urinating (peeing) – it may need to be treated. Using a special cream is often enough. Surgery is only rarely needed.
Phimosis (Foreskin Problems) symptoms
Try not to force the foreskin back yourself, as this can lead to painful cracks on the inside of the foreskin. As these cracks heal, they will form scars, which could make your condition worse.
One of the best home remedies for phimosis to cure phimosis without surgery is to gently stretch and retract the foreskin with the help of warm water and coconut oil. All you need to do is pour some lukewarm water over the penis, lubricate it with coconut oil and then try to retract the foreskin gently and gradually.
Start stretching exercises on the foreskin, usually best by pulling the foreskin back until it feels tight (but not painful), and holding it back under tension for 10 minutes – usually after a bath or shower twice a day.
Maintaining good hygiene of the penis is very important if you are suffering from phimosis. Good hygiene practices help wash off the dirt and sweat and help in preventing the growth of microbes. The glans and the foreskin should be washed and dried gently. Cotton wipes and swabs can also be used for the purpose.
Avoid petroleum jelly (for example, Vaseline) as a lubricant. It increases the risk of vaginal irritation and infection. Use a vaginal moisturizer. Moisturizers such as Replens can be used on a regular basis.
Risks. If you have phimosis, you are more likely to get penile cancer. If left untreated, it can lead to increased swelling, and in extreme cases, gangrene, and eventually the loss of your penis.
What could have caused my tight foreskin? In children, a tight foreskin is usually congenital but, in adults, it is often due to a scarring disease known as balanitis xerotica obliterans (BXO, sometimes called lichen sclerosus).
Phimosis is normal for the uncircumcised infant/child and usually resolves around 5-7 years of age, however the child may be older.
You can use your fingers to stretch the foreskin, that is if your fingers can fit inside the foreskin. Place your fingers back to back on either side of the foreskin, gently stretch the skin by pulling in opposite directions, then relax and repeat. Your fingers must be clean while doing these stretching exercises.
Phimosis is where the foreskin is too tight to be pulled back over the head of the penis (glans). Phimosis is normal in babies and toddlers. It isn't usually a problem unless it causes the symptoms described. Take your child to your GP if they have these symptoms.
As boys age, their foreskin becomes progressively easier to retract over the glans. By adulthood, physiological phimosis affects between 1 in 200 and just over 1 in 8 men1.
Swelling of the tip of the penis when the foreskin is pulled back. Pain. Not able to pull the foreskin back over the tip of the penis. Tip of the penis is dark red or blue in color.
Based on state of the foreskin, phimosis is categorised in order of increasing severity as normal, “cracking,” scarred, and balanitis xerotica obliterans [33, 34].
Phimosis of the prepuce can be treated without performing a circumcision. The most common and most effective treatment option is the local application ofcorticosteroid ointment.
When Should You Not Use Petroleum Jelly? Dermatologists suggest avoiding the use of vaseline or petroleum jelly when you have acne-prone, oily or combination skin. This is because it can clog the pores and leave your skin heavy and greasy.