Phimosis and circumcision in boys and babies
Phimosis is a problem in the foreskin that has solutions before the operating room. Circumcision prevents this evil from being suffered.
Phimosis is a painful abnormality caused by a problem in the mechanics of the foreskin . It is a common disease of the male reproductive system, especially in babies . It occurs when the foreskin is too narrow or not elastic enough, making it impossible for it to retract onto the glans.
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It is common for newborns and babies to have phimosis, since their reproductive system is not fully developed and the tip of the penis is covered by skin that is still tight and inflexible . It is also very common for the problem to persist for a time, and even many young children have phimosis. It usually disappears in most children over time naturally when they reach three years of age. It is, therefore, a physiological phimosis. There is a variety of the more serious phimosis that requires urgent treatment. It is what is known as paraphimosis. It occurs when the foreskin cannot be put into position and prevents blood circulation to the penis.
PHIMOSIS IN CHILDREN AND ITS PREVENTION
Children with phimosis have difficulty urinating . In addition, they have swelling at the tip of the penis, which usually appears discolored and bruised. If we observe that the child up to three or four years has problems to retract the glans, it is best not to intervene. However, it is necessary to follow some guidelines in relation to your intimate hygiene . You have to clean the foreskin and glans, pulling back the skin of the foreskin as far as possible. Do not force it. If we do, the only thing that can be done is to cause wounds that could lead to infections.
CLEANING IS IMPORTANT TO PREVENT PHIMOSIS FROM APPEARING
The prevention of phimosis in babies goes through cleaning the penis as explained above. We insist that it should not be done in a forced way. Around two years of age, it is advisable to carefully retract the foreskin to clean the secretions that may have accumulated both in it and in the glans, but always very gently. It is highly recommended to explain to the child how he has to clean himself when he takes a bath, so that he gets into the habit of doing it.
TREATMENT OF INFANTILE PHIMOSIS
Usually, specialists try to avoid surgery, which is reserved for cases in which other methods do not work . Corticosteroids are usually prescribed that are administered topically, that is, applying the cream on the skin that is between the foreskin and the glans. It is necessary that small and gentle retractions of the foreskin are made for one minute while the cream is applied. These exercises will be done two or three times a day. Consult the urologist about how to administer the cream. This treatment should not be extended over time, corticosteroids can be harmful if used for long periods. If it is found to not work, you should wait a few months before trying again. However, this treatment is very effective in most cases of phimosis.
When despite the treatments, the problem persists, surgery is recommended . However, for the reasons explained above, operations of this type are not performed on babies and children under four years of age. The usual thing is that children between the ages of five and seven are operated on , to avoid subjecting them to the psychological pressure of a surgical intervention.
CIRCUMCISION
Circumcision is a surgical practice that dates back to ancient times and involves removing the skin from the foreskin . It is believed that the Egyptians began to practice it. In some cultures and religions, such as Judaism, its practice is mandatory for all men. It involves some risks, as in all operations. Do not be alarmed, since it is a very safe operation . However, it is important to be aware that bleeding may occur during surgery. Your child will be cared for by professionals at all times, so if it occurs, they will ensure that other major problems do not occur. Infections derived from the operation itself may also appear. It is normal for it to appearsome redness in the reproductive system area . In addition, some injury to the penis can also occur, but without too much relevance.
CIRCUMCISION IS A SAFE OPERATION WITH A SIMPLE PREOPERATIVE
The boy can usually go home after being circumcised within a few hours or no later than the next day. You will feel discomfort when urinating, due to the stitches . A yellow scab may also appear in the area that has undergone surgery and have swelling. If it bleeds during the 24 hours after the intervention, you can use a clean cloth and press the wound for 10 minutes. You should also apply ice packs every 20 minutes to alleviate pain and swelling. During the first week you may need to take analgesia, always following medical prescriptions.
You can bathe your child without problems . You will have to maintain certain measures during the postoperative period such as cleaning the wound with soap and water and keeping a sterilized dressing with antiseptic in the area so that infections do not occur. It is highly recommended to apply petroleum jelly to hydrate the skin in the area . In addition, it is important that you position your penis up when you put your underwear on. Try not to do physical activities such as sports or movement games for at least a week.
If you notice that bleeding occurs again , outside the first 24 hours or pus appears in the wound area, do not hesitate to go to the doctor . Other warning signs are that the pain intensifies or lasts longer than normal and that the penis appears red or swollen . However, these symptoms are usually rare and children usually recover normally from the operation. In a short time, your child will be perfectly well and the health of his reproductive system will be guaranteed .
Dr. Tabriella Perivolaris, Sara's mother and fan of fashion, beauty, motherhood, among others, about the female universe. Since 2018 she has been working as a copywriter, always bringing to her articles a little of her experience and experience as a mother and woman.