uncircumcised penis issues

My 10 yr old son has had a problem occaisionally with his penis. He is uncircumcised and his foreskin does not retract as yet to my knowledge. He get a little swelling on one side of his penis and he says it hurts. Sometimes he says its "bent". It usually resolves in a day or so, however I would like to know what this is all about. There is not always trauma associated with these events. He says it does not itch. Anyone have any knowledge of this? Thanks!

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

Your son seems to be having phimosis. Phimosis is a constriction of the opening of the foreskin so that it cannot be drawn back over the tip of the penis. This condition is a normal occurrence in the newborn boy, but over time the skin that adheres to the tip of the penis can be retracted as the foreskin loosens. Phimosis can also occur if the foreskin is forced back before it is ready. This can cause a fibrous scar to form, which may prevent future retraction of the foreskin.
http://www.lpch.org/DiseaseHealthInfo/HealthLibrary/urology/pandp.html
Diagnosed by a physical examination.

Treatment includes application of a steroid cream to the foreskin up to three times a day for about a month to loosen the adhesive ring.If ballooning during micturition is present,then surgical removal of all or part of the foreskin(circumcision) may be recommended.Pls get your son thoroughly examined by a surgeon.

Hope it helps.Take care and pls do keep me posted on how your son is doing.