With spontaneous erections and natural manipulation, more than 90% of the foreskin becomes retractable by 3 to 4 years old. Forced retraction is not required for this to occur and can also start the vicious cycle of tears and scarring that can lead to pathological phimosis*.
When this occurs, the foreskin ring itself narrows, sometimes resulting in recurrent infection (balanitis) or swelling of the foreskin during urination. In some cases, applying a corticosteroid cream may effectively thin the preputial ring, resulting in resolution of the phimosis*.
Circumcision May be considered in older boys, from the age of 5 years, in whom steroid treatment has been unsuccessful*.
