Fate of foreskin in children

Q . When should the foreskin become retractile ( able to be pulled backward in children for cleaning purposes ) ?

A . There is no fixed age for this in childhood and varies for one child to another.

A non retractile foreskin is quite physiological (normal) in children till puberty.

Q . When should parents worry about non retractile foreskin?

A . The red flags are:

1. Repeated infection of the foreskin ( red and swollen foreskin)

2. Difficulty/ distress in passing urine.

3. Discharge / pus coming from the penis.

4. Scarring and cracks in the foreskin, This could mean lichen sclerosis, (a progressive skin condition causing scarring of foreskin also called BXO) and untreated could progress to cause difficulty in passing urine).

5. Repeated urine infection.

6. If the foreskin is retracted and becomes stuck, and your are not able pull it back to normal (paraphimosis) seek urgent medical opinion without any delay !!

Q . What should I do if I have concerns about my sons's foreskin?

A . If you concerned due to any of the above reasons, seek an opioin from your G.P or a qulified Paediatric Urologist (like Dr Mishra) and get your child examined.

Further resources:

1. https://4skin-health.alderhey.nhs.uk/

2. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/phimosis/