Long-term efficiency of skin stretching and a topical corticoid cream application for unretractable foreskin and phimosis in prepubertal boys

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate the long-term efficacy of topical application of a potent corticoid cream and skin stretching in the treatment of unretractable foreskin, pinpoint phimosis, balanopreputial adhesions and lichen sclerosus in prepubertal boys.

Methods: 462 prepubertal boys (mean age 4.7 years) with unretractable foreskin applied a topical potent corticoid cream together with skin stretching twice daily for 6 weeks. Follow-up interview of all patients was performed to evaluate long-term results (median 22 months). Short- and long-term results were compared and evaluated.

Results: 400/462 boys (86%) had a retractable prepuce after 6 weeks of treatment. 62/462 boys had no or only a partial response. After a median follow-up of 22 months, the treatment continued to be successful in 383/462 boys (83%). In 76/462 boys the foreskin was unretractable, of which 35 preferred surgical treatment. 12/462 boys presented with lichen sclerosus and the non-surgical treatment appeared efficient in 9/12 (67%).

Conclusions: This study has shown that local application of a potent corticoid cream and skin stretching is a safe, simple and effective long-term treatment for all types of unretractable foreskin in prepubertal boys. The efficiency of the treatment was not related to the age of the patient or the type of unretractable foreskin.