Phimosis is when the foreskin becomes too tight and gets stuck over the head of the penis. It can be a concerning condition, especially when it causes discomfort and difficulty urinating. While gentle stretching exercises can help in many cases, if symptoms persist, addressing the underlying cause through appropriate treatment becomes crucial. But a question blows into everyone’s mind, which is the best remedy for Phimosis? Stay here; we have the solution for you. Let’s read and explore.
What is Phimosis?
A penile condition called phimosis causes the male foreskin to be tight and prevents pulling it back over the head of the penis. Both adults and uncircumcised children can experience it.
What are the causes of Phimosis?
You may experience Phimosis for different reasons; however, here is a list of major reasons.
Poor hygiene
Poor hygiene is a common cause of phimosis. Failure to clean the area under the foreskin can cause the collection of smegma, a substance composed of dead skin cells and oils. Over time, this build-up can cause inflammation and tightening of the foreskin, resulting in phimosis.
Skin conditions
Certain skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, lichen planus, and lichen sclerosis can contribute to the development of phimosis. These conditions can cause inflammation, scarring, and skin thickening, narrowing the foreskin opening.
Preputial adhesions
Preputial adhesions refer to scar tissue that keeps the foreskin attached to the glans (tip) of the penis. Sometimes, the foreskin fails to separate from the glans during childhood, leading to adhesions. This can restrict the ability of the foreskin to retract, resulting in phimosis.
Injuries
Injuries to the foreskin or the surrounding area can cause scarring and subsequent phimosis. Trauma from accidents, vigorous sexual activity, or improper handling of the foreskin can lead to tissue damage and scarring, impairing normal foreskin mobility.
Infections
Infections, including STIs, can cause inflammation and scarring, leading to phimosis. Balanitis is an inflammation of the glans and foreskin, is often associated with infections, and can contribute to the development of phimosis.
What are common symptoms of Phimosis?
Common symptoms of phimosis include:
- Redness or discoloration of the foreskin, particularly when infected or irritated.
- Swelling (inflammation) of the foreskin, especially during periods of infection or irritation.
- Soreness of the foreskin, which can range from mild discomfort to more severe pain.
- Pain while urinating (dysuria), often due to difficulty retracting the foreskin.
- Pain is experienced during erections or sexual activity, as the tight foreskin may cause discomfort or restrict movement.
What are the remedies for Phimosis?
You may hear about many remedies to treat Phimosis, but scientifically there are 3 top remedies.
Wait and see
For primary phimosis, which is present from birth or early childhood, doctors may suggest a “wait and see” approach, as sometimes the problem resolves on its own as the child grows. Alternatively, the doctor may prescribe a steroid cream to help loosen the foreskin. If the effectiveness of these methods is limited, the doctor may recommend surgery, such as circumcision.
Secondary phimosis occurs later in life due to injury, scar tissue, or inflammation. In such cases, surgery is typically required to correct the tightness of the foreskin.
If paraphimosis occurs, where the foreskin gets stuck behind the head of the penis, the doctor may attempt to manually return it to its original position using a local anesthetic to minimize pain. If this is unsuccessful, surgery is necessary to restore proper blood circulation to the affected area.
It is essential not to delay seeking medical attention, as waiting too long can worsen the condition.
Treating Phimosis with Steroid creams
One of the remedies for phimosis is the use of steroid creams. This non-surgical approach involves applying a steroid cream to the penis foreskin twice daily for four to eight weeks.
The cream helps to make the skin more flexible and easier to stretch. After two weeks, you can gradually stretch the foreskin once a day. You should do this gently to avoid causing any damage. Once the foreskin can be pulled back slightly, you can apply the cream to the exposed part of the glans.
Studies have shown that this treatment is often successful, with about 62 out of 100 children being able to properly retract their foreskin after using the steroid cream. It is important to note that surgery may be necessary while the treatment can be repeated if phimosis persists or complications arise.
Therefore, it is advisable to consult a doctor if relief is not obtained with steroid creams.
Circumcision
Among the various treatment options available, circumcision is often considered one of the best and most recommended remedies for phimosis. It involves the removal of the foreskin, providing a permanent solution to the problem.
A complete circumcision involves removing the entire foreskin, while a partial circumcision involves removing only the tight portion or widening the foreskin.
When the foreskin is not entirely removed, there is a possibility that it may become tight or re-adhere to the head of the penis over time. Removing the entire foreskin prevents this recurrence, eliminating the potential for phimosis.
When to seek medical help?
- Trouble urinating.
- Burning sensation or pain during urination.
- Painful redness, irritation, or itching in the genital area.
- Abnormal white or cloudy discharge from the penis.
- Swelling of the head of the penis (balanitis).
- Inability to retract the foreskin over the penis head after stretching it back (paraphimosis).
Conclusion
Three main remedies exist when treating phimosis: wait and see, steroid creams, and circumcision. While each option has merits, circumcision is the most recommended and effective solution for achieving permanent relief from phimosis. However, individuals must consult healthcare professionals to make independent decisions based on their specific circumstances and preferences. What is the plastibell procedure?