Patient's question:
Is the child's foreskin too long and can the foreskin be surgically cut?Doctor's answer:
The foreskin of a child is often longer, covering the entire glans, which is a normal phenomenon. As the child grows, the foreskin gradually retracts from the glans. When an adult's penis is erect, the two layers of skin of the foreskin stretch into one layer. If the glans is completely covered by the foreskin, it is called phimosis. If the foreskin is too tight and cannot be retracted to expose the glans, it is called paraphimosis. Children with phimosis should frequently retract the foreskin to clean the glans and the coronal sulcus, maintaining local hygiene. If there is a buildup of smegma or recurrent inflammation, circumcision should be performed. Paraphimosis, on the other hand, must be treated with circumcision.