Signs of narrowing of the foreskin in children

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Narrowing of the foreskin in children is quite common and usually disappears in adulthood. But in some cases, there are signs of swelling, redness, and serious infection. Early recognition of the signs of narrowing of the foreskin in newborns will help parents have a more timely treatment plan.

1. Is foreskin stenosis dangerous?

If there is no timely intervention, stenosis in children can leave unfortunate consequences on the health of children such as:
1.1 Balanitis When the foreskin is narrowed, the cells die and slough off. Under the foreskin layer of the foreskin combined with the residues in the process of urinating cannot escape, it will create an ideal environment for bacteria to grow and cause inflammation, red swelling and succulent at the tip of the penis.
1.2 Urethritis If the narrow foreskin is not cleaned, it will create conditions for bacteria to multiply and grow. These bacteria cause inflammation on the glans penis and very easily invade the urethra. In more severe cases, bacteria can travel upstream causing cystitis, inflammation of the kidneys.
1.3 Obstruction of the foreskin This condition occurs when the foreskin can be pulled back but cannot be pulled back. When the penis is erect, the foreskin is still tight around the penis, causing blockage of the glans, causing blood not to circulate, causing edema of the glans, in more serious cases, it can lead to necrosis of the glans penis.

2. Signs of narrowing of the foreskin

Foreskin stenosis is usually painless. However, a tight foreskin can interfere with urination. In addition, narrowing of the foreskin can make it difficult for you to clean the lower part of the foreskin, making it easy to get skin infections. Signs of narrowing of the foreskin in babies:
Boys with narrowing of the foreskin may have symptoms of difficulty urinating such as straining to urinate, blushing when urinating, swollen foreskin. Parents can detect foreskin stenosis when their baby's foreskin shows signs of infection (swelling, heat, redness, pain), pus or abnormal discharge.

3. Causes of foreskin narrowing

Usually, the foreskin of the penis in 3 to 4 year olds can slide down. However, in some cases, the child cannot do this and leads to narrowing of the foreskin because:
The foreskin is too small for the glans to pass through. The breech is too short so that the foreskin cannot be fully retracted (this is called a breveon). As a result of inflammation in the penis leads to fibrotic scarring of the glans penis. Based on the cause, stenosis in children is divided into 2 types: physiological and pathological
3.1 Physiological stenosis Physiological stenosis Physiological stenosis accounts for most of the cases, is a normal phenomenon in children male newborn. At birth, the baby is not able to protect the genitals, then the foreskin takes on this responsibility by covering and sticking to the glans. However, this temporary narrowing will go away as the baby gets older, and within the first few years the foreskin will retract and reveal the glans of the penis.
3.2 Pathological stenosis Pathological stenosis of the foreskin is less common than true stenosis due to fibrous scarring causing adhesions of the foreskin. Fibroid scarring can be congenital or caused by infection.

4. Who is at risk of foreskin narrowing?

Risk factors for foreskin stenosis include:
Not being circumcised Having diabetes Having frequent diaper rash Infants with poor personal hygiene Being young (physiological narrowing of the foreskin) ).

5. Treatment of foreskin stenosis

Pediatric foreskin stenosis that causes no symptoms may not require treatment, especially in young children. However, if the child's condition does not improve or the child has difficulty urinating and toileting, parents can use some topical creams such as hydrocortisone for the child.
In older children and adults, only thorough cleaning and treatment of possible infections is required. However, if the narrowing of the foreskin causes frequent infections or makes it difficult to urinate and have sex, you can see your doctor for advice on performing a circumcision surgery.
Foreskin stenosis in most young children is a normal physiological phenomenon. However, if the child has symptoms such as swelling, redness, pain in the foreskin of the penis, parents need to take the baby to see a doctor for examination and advice because those may be signs that the baby has been infected. Balanitis, if not treated promptly, can cause dangerous complications. You should take your baby to a pediatric multi-specialty medical facility. In the event that there are diseases related to the foreskin, they can be treated promptly. Vinmec's Pediatrics Department is one of the few hospitals in Vietnam that specializes in pediatrics with a full range of separate specialties such as: cardiology, urology, gastroenterology, neurology, nutrition....
Is a field At the heart of Vinmec Health System, Pediatrics Department always brings satisfaction to customers and is highly appreciated by industry experts with:
Gathering a team of leading pediatricians: including specialists leading experts, with high professional qualifications (professor, associate professor, doctorate, master), rich experience, worked at major hospitals such as Bach Mai, 108.. The doctors are all well-trained. Create methodically, professionally, with mind - range, understanding young psychology. In addition to domestic pediatric specialists, the Department of Pediatrics also has the participation of foreign experts (Japan, Singapore, Australia, USA) who are always pioneers in applying the latest and most effective treatment regimens. . Comprehensive services: In the field of Pediatrics, Vinmec provides a series of continuous medical examination and treatment services from Newborn to Pediatric and Vaccine,... according to international standards to help parents take care of their baby's health from birth to childhood. from birth to adulthood Specialized techniques: Vinmec has successfully deployed many specialized techniques to make the treatment of difficult diseases in Pediatrics more effective: neurosurgery - skull surgery, stem cell transplantation. blood in cancer treatment. Professional care: In addition to understanding children's psychology, Vinmec also pays special attention to the children's play space, helping them to have fun and get used to the hospital's environment, cooperate in treatment, improve the efficiency of medical treatment. To visit with experienced pediatricians at Vinmec, please make an appointment on the website to be served.

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