Posted , 4 users are following.
Hello,
I have a 10 year old son and since about 1 month he complains about problems with his foreskin. He can retract the foreskin, but he says it feels uncomfortable.
I am not sure, if this is already a phimosis or not. How I can find out?
Sebastian.
0 likes, 4 replies
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Wee_Dugie Guest
Edited
Ten years of age is too young to be talking about Phimosis - in my practical experience I would say for most young males this would sort it self out by the age of about 18 or 19 YOA.
What you need to make sure is that there is no infection present. The discomfort he is experiencing may simply be linked to what is used to wash his penis - it is best to stay clear of ALL soaps and things like shower gels, as, these are most often linked to irritation to the very sensitive skin of the the foreskin and glans / head of the penis.
My advice would be simply to wash with cool or warm, never hot water - and get him to ensure he has removed any trace of moisture from both the foreskin and head of his penis. Make sure he has a clean dry towel to hand to do this with - it would not be a bad idea that he has towels that only he uses for drying his entire groin and genital region with following a bath or shower.
Try this for 3 to 4 months and see whether the discomfort still persists.
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Here is some detailed information taken from a reliable medical source:
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Phimosis is a condition where the foreskin is too tight to be pulled back over the head of the penis (glans).
Phimosis is normal in babies and toddlers, but in older children it may be the result of a skin condition that has caused scarring. It isn't usually a problem unless it causes symptoms.
Immediate treatment is needed in cases where phimosis causes problems such as difficulty urinating.
Most uncircumcised baby boys have a foreskin that won't pull back (retract) because it's still attached to the glans.
This is perfectly normal for about the first 2 to 6 years. By around the age of 2, the foreskin should start to separate naturally from the glans.
The foreskin of some boys can take longer to separate, but this doesn't mean there's a problem – it'll just detach at a later stage.
Never try to force your child's foreskin back before it's ready because it may be painful and damage the foreskin.
When phimosis is a problem
Phimosis isn't usually a problem unless it causes symptoms such as redness, soreness or swelling.
If your child's glans is sore and inflamed, they may have balanitis (inflammation of the head of the penis).
There may also be a thick discharge underneath the foreskin. If both the glans and foreskin are inflamed, it's known as balanoposthitis.
Take your child to see your GP if they have these type of symptoms. Your GP will be able to recommend appropriate treatment.
Guest Wee_Dugie
Posted
Thanks for your reply!
amarjeet007 Guest
Edited
If he is complaining about his foreskin, a urologist needs to see it, who would treat the current problem and give advice regarding cleaning the glans in future. No need to experiment.
james16984 Guest
Posted
As posted above, 10 years old is way too young to consider fixing any problems. My foreskin was very tight until my early twenties and wouldn't go back comfortably when erect until I was 26-27. Some of us just take longer to develop than others!