Phimosis is defined as the inability to retract the skin (foreskin or prepuce) covering the head (glans) of the penis. Phimosis may appear as a tight ring or “rubber band” of foreskin around the tip of the penis, preventing full retraction.
Phimosis is divided into two forms: physiologic and pathologic. Current incidence of phimosis is about 1% in 7th grade boys.
Physiologic phimosis: Children are born with tight foreskin at birth and separation occurs naturally over time. Phimosis is normal for the uncircumcised infant/child and usually resolves around 5-7 years of age, however the child may be older.
Pathologic phimosis: Phimosis that occurs due to scarring, infection or inflammation. Forceful foreskin retraction can lead to bleeding, scarring, and psychological trauma for the child and parent. If there is ballooning of the foreskin during urination, difficulty with urination, or infection, then treatment may be warranted.