Tight foreskin (phimosis)
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.
Never try to force your child's foreskin back before it's ready because it may be painful and damage the foreskin.
Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dec 2018
Introduction
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.
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
When phimosis is a problem
Phimosis isn't usually a problem unless it causes symptoms such as redness, soreness or swelling. If your child's glans is sore and inflamed they may have Balanitis (inflammation of the head of the
Paraphimosis
Paraphimosis is where the foreskin can't be returned to its original position after being retracted. It causes the glans to become painful and swollen and requires emergency medical treatment to avoi
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