Medical
Application of low-dose steroid creams such as 1% Hydrocortisone or Bethamethasone to the foreskin tip twice daily over a period of one month. The success rate is approximately 70%.
Once the foreskin is found to be retractile, the application of the steroid cream can be stopped. Parents are then encouraged to continue retracting the foreskin daily at bath times.
Surgical
Surgery to remove the skin covering the tip of the penis is called Circumcision.
This procedure can be done as a day surgery and is usually performed under general anaesthesia. Duration of the surgery is approximately 20 to 30 minutes and there will be 'dissolvable' stitches in the wound which will take about 2 to 3 weeks to dissolve.
Following surgery, pain can be controlled by giving paracetamol regularly every 4 to 6 hours for the first two to three days.
To keep the wound clean, it is recommended that short baths or showers be taken daily. This can start the day after the operation has been carried out.
Often there are "yellowish" scabs that form on the glans penis in the first few days after surgery. Do not try to remove them as this may cause bleeding and pain. Patients are advised to leave them alone as they will fall off once the underlying skin has healed.
Loose undergarments and clothing are recommended for the first five days.