What is phimosis in children?

Excessive foreskin in children, commonly referred to as "long foreskin in children" or "phimosis in children," is a common developmental abnormality of the pediatric urinary and reproductive systems.

It refers to a condition in which the foreskin of the child's penis cannot fully retract naturally, thereby failing to expose the glans penis. This situation may be caused by various factors, including congenital developmental abnormalities, incomplete separation of adhesions between the foreskin and glans penis, and possible balanoposthitis.

Excessive foreskin in children can be divided into two types: true phimosis and pseudo-phimosis. True phimosis refers to a narrow foreskin opening that prevents the foreskin from being retracted to expose the glans penis. In contrast, pseudo-phimosis may be caused by excessive foreskin length or a narrow foreskin opening, but the glans penis can be exposed during penile erection or with manual assistance.

Excessive foreskin may affect children's personal hygiene, increase the risk of urinary tract infections, and sometimes cause balanoposthitis, urethral stricture, and other problems. Moreover, long-standing excessive foreskin may also affect sexual activity and sexual health after puberty.

For children with symptomatic excessive foreskin, timely medical consultation is recommended.