Phimosis only affects uncircumcised males and is more common in boys than men.
Phimosis is normal in uncircumcised babies and toddlers, as the foreskin is still attached to the glans. It will start to detach naturally between 2 and 6 years of age, though it might happen later. It can happen at up to around 10 years old, in some boys.
The foreskin can be pulled back behind the glans in about 50 percent of 1-year-old boys, and almost 90 percent of 3-year-olds. Phimosis will occur in less than 1 percent of teenagers between 16 and 18.
It is most likely to occur in older boys with:
repeated urinary tract infections
foreskin infection
repeated rough handling of the foreskin
foreskin trauma
In adults, risk factors for phimosis include sexually transmitted infections.
Phimosis may be caused by a skin condition, such as:
Eczema: A long-term condition that causes the skin to become itchy, red, dry, and cracked.
Psoriasis: This skin condition leads to patches of skin becoming red, flaky, and crusty.
Lichen planus: An itchy rash that can affect different areas of the body. It is not contagious.
Lichen sclerosus: This condition causes scarring on the foreskin that can lead to phimosis. It may be caused by a urinary irritation.