Paraphimosis

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KEY POINTS

• Paraphimosis means that the foreskin is pulled away from the head of the penis and can’t be pulled back to cover the head of the penis. It is a medical emergency that can happen in uncircumcised males.
• Treatment involves moving the foreskin back over the head of the penis by a healthcare provider with medicine to numb the area and keep him from feeling pain. Your child may need treatment for infection or surgery.
• Follow the full course of treatment prescribed by your child's healthcare provider. Ask your child's provider if there are activities your child should avoid and when your child can return to normal activities.

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What is paraphimosis?

Paraphimosis means that the foreskin is pulled away from the head of the penis and can’t be pulled back to cover the head of the penis. It is a medical emergency. This only happens with an uncircumcised penis.

A foreskin that can’t be pulled down over the head of the penis gets swollen and can cause such a tight ring around the penis that it cuts off blood flow and can damage the penis.

What is the cause?

Paraphimosis may be caused by:

• Not returning the foreskin to a normal position after cleaning or urinating, or if a catheter is used to drain the bladder
• Infections of the penis or urinary tract, which can cause swelling, irritation, and scarring
• Trauma to the area

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms may include:

• Pain and swelling
• Not being able to pull the foreskin back over the tip of the penis
• Bluish or dark red color of the tip of the penis

These symptoms mean that your child needs medical care right away.

How is it diagnosed?

Your healthcare provider will ask about your child’s symptoms and medical history and examine your child.

How is it treated?

Treatment involves moving the foreskin back over the head of the penis. This is usually done by a healthcare provider while using medicine to numb the area and keep your child from feeling pain.

Your child may also need treatment for an infection, swelling, or irritation of the penis. If these treatments do not correct the problem, your child may need surgery to:

• Make a small slit in the side of the foreskin to enlarge the opening. This allows the foreskin to move without getting stuck.
• Remove the foreskin completely, called a circumcision.
• How can I take care of my child?

Follow the full course of treatment prescribed by your child’s healthcare provider. Ask your provider:

• How and when you will get your child’s test results
• How long it will take to recover
• If there are activities your child should avoid and when your child can return to normal activities
• How to take care of your child at home
• What symptoms or problems you should watch for and what to do if your child has them

Make sure you know when your child should come back for a checkup. Keep all appointments for provider visits or tests.

How can I help prevent paraphimosis?

To help prevent the problem from happening again:

• When moving the foreskin to clean the penis, do it gently, and return the foreskin to its normal place when you are finished cleaning.
• Once your child is old enough, teach him to gently return his foreskin to its normal place every time after bathing or urinating.