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Foreskin that won't pull back

Read about phimosis (tight foreskin), which is normal in babies and toddlers. It's usually only a problem if it causes redness, soreness or swelling.


Phimosis is normal in babies and toddlers, but in older children it may be the result of a skin condition that has caused scarring. It isn't usually a problem unless it causes symptoms.


Normal development

Most uncircumcised baby boys have a foreskin that won't pull back (retract) because it's still attached to the glans.

This is perfectly normal for about the first two to six years. By around the age of two, the foreskin should start to separate naturally from the glans.

The foreskin of some boys can take longer to separate, but this doesn't mean there's a problem – it will just detach at a later stage.


When phimosis is a problem


If your child's glans is sore and inflamed they may have balanitis (inflammation of the head of the penis). There may also be a thick discharge underneath the foreskin. If both the glans and foreskin are inflamed it's known as balanoposthitis.

Take your child to see your GP if they have these type of symptoms. Your GP will be able to recommend appropriate treatment.

Most cases of balanitis can be easily managed using a combination of good hygiene, creams or ointments, and avoiding substances that irritate the penis. Read more about treating balanitis.

Balanoposthitis can also sometimes be treated by following simple hygiene measures, such as keeping the penis clean by regularly washing it with water and a mild soap or moisturiser. Urine can irritate the glans if it's retained for long periods under the foreskin, so if possible you should withdraw the foreskin to wash the glans.


In adults, phimosis can occasionally be associated with sexually transmitted infections (STIs). It can also be caused by a number of different skin conditions including:




When surgery may be needed


Circumcision (surgically removing part or all of the foreskin) may be considered if other treatments have failed, but it carries risks such as bleeding and infection. Therefore, it's usually only recommended as a last resort, although it can sometimes be the best and only treatment option. 



Paraphimosis is where the foreskin can't be returned to its original position after being retracted.


It may be possible to reduce the pain and inflammation by applying a local anaesthetic gel to the penis and pressing on the glans while pushing the foreskin forward. In difficult cases, it may be necessary to make a small slit in the foreskin to help relieve the pressure.


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