Tight foreskin (phimosis)

It is quite common for infants and young boys to experience a tight foreskin, known as phimosis, but this condition can also occur in adults. If you or your child have a foreskin that feels sore or appears swollen, it’s advisable to consult a GP. The foreskin is the delicate layer of skin that covers the tip of the penis. A tight foreskin can make it challenging to retract it from the end of the penis. In babies and young boys, a tight foreskin is considered normal. Typically, most boys are unable to retract their foreskins before the age of 5, and in some cases, it may not be possible until they are 10 or older. You might notice that the tip of a boy's penis bulges or balloons during urination, especially if the foreskin is tight.