•  "Physiological" phimosis
  

This is due to the adherence of the inner surface of the foreskin with the glans penis.  Naturally these 'adhesions' separate by the age of 5 years.  90% of boys by this age will be able to retract their foreskins.

• "Pathological" phimosis
  

This may be due to forceful retraction of the foreskin which leads to small tears at the opening of the foreskin. Eventually, this may lead to scarring and phimosis.

Poor hygiene may lead to recurrent infections of the foreskin (Balanitis).  This in turn may lead to scarring of the foreskin opening.

​Phimosis is defined as a narrowing or constriction of the foreskin opening which prevents it from being drawn back over the glans.

"Physiological" phimosis is common in boys under the age of 5 years.

Recurrent infections of the foreskin (Balanitis) may present with pain, redness and sometimes purulent discharge.

​Diagnosis is made on clinical examination.

Treatment options:

• Medical
  

• Surgical
  

​Following surgery, pain can be controlled by giving paracetamol regularly every 4 to 6 hours for the first 2 to 3 days.

To keep the wound clean, it is recommended that short baths or showers be taken daily. This can start the day after the operation has been carried out.

Often there are "yellowish" scabs that form on the glans penis in the first few days after surgery. Do not try to remove them as this may cause bleeding and pain! Leave them alone; they will fall off once the underlying skin has healed.

Loose under-garments and clothing are recommended in the first 5 days.