Is there a difference between phimosis and redundant prepuce?

Sep 13, 2022 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

A friend said he has phimosis, and I have long foreskin myself. Is there a difference between phimosis and redundant foreskin?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Li Mingchuan
Phimosis and redundant prepuce differ in symptoms, treatment, and other aspects. In cases of redundant prepuce, the foreskin can be retracted to expose the glans and external urethral orifice. In patients with phimosis, the foreskin not only covers the glans but also has a narrow opening, making it impossible to retract the foreskin to expose the glans or even the external urethral orifice. Patients with redundant prepuce usually have a relatively large foreskin opening and can easily retract the foreskin; circumcision is generally not required. In contrast, phimosis cannot be retracted and may not return properly once retracted, and circumcision under local anesthesia may be necessary.