Phimosis is a condition that describes the tightness of the foreskin opening for uncircumcised men and boys.
For men and boys with phimosis, the foreskin cannot be drawn back and over the penis’ tip; instead, it adheres to the skin. While phimosis is normal in newborn baby boys, it typically reduces over age with ~95% of boys able to retract the foreskin by age three. The foreskin will generally loosen with time and penile growth, and the skin will stop adhering to the tip of the penis.

Understanding Paraphimosis
Paraphimosis is a different type of condition also affecting the foreskin in uncircumcised men and boys. In this case, the foreskin is pulled back behind the tip of the penis and becomes stuck and can no longer be returned to its normal position. This can have severe consequences, as blood flow is restricted to the penis when the foreskin is held behind the head and the coronal groove. This is a serious medical emergency that requires prompt attention.

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Causes of Phimosis & Paraphimosis

Symptoms of Phimosis
Symptoms of Paraphimosis
In addition to the inability to return the foreskin over the head of the penis, there are several signs of paraphimosis. Paraphimosis can be painful, and the tip of the penis will often swell. The tip of the penis may turn blue or dark red. Children showing signs of paraphimosis should receive urgent medical attention.