Phimosis, foreskin adhesion

Almost all boys experience physiological phimosis during infancy and early childhood, which gradually resolves by the age of five or six, along with foreskin adhesion. We distinguish between congenital and acquired phimosis. In the former case, the above process does not take place and the foreskin is so tight that it can make urination difficult. The latter is most often caused by a disease involving scarring. Special cream therapy and exercises started in time can greatly improve the situation.

When should you see a doctor?

• if the foreskin cannot be pulled back completely even at around 3 years of age
• if pus accumulates underneath, causing redness and swelling
• if there are problems with urination

Undescended testicles

Some boys, especially premature babies, have a condition where one or both testicles do not descend into the scrotum before birth. In some cases, they descend on their own, usually by the age of six months, but unfortunately, in other cases, treatment or surgery is necessary.

Hypospadias

A disorder involving the closure of the urethra in the penis. The urethra does not open at the tip of the glans, but at various locations along the shaft of the penis. The condition requires surgical correction.

The fusion of the labia minora or labia majora is a relatively common phenomenon in young girls, caused partly by low estrogen levels and partly by poor hygiene. (Even a mild inflammation can cause the hormonally immature labia minora to stick together!

It is recommended to consult a doctor if you experience the following symptoms:

• burning sensation
• unusual vaginal discharge
• painful urination
• urinary incontinence

This occurs when the nail is cut too short during nail trimming. Another very common cause is excessive curvature of the toenail. The nail grows slowly, but it rubs against the soft tissue, and the resulting persistent irritation eventually becomes very painful. If the nail continues to grow, a wound develops, which inevitably becomes inflamed, resulting in the formation of so-called wild flesh. It is recommended to consult a pediatric surgeon.

An inguinal hernia occurs when an organ protrudes from the abdominal cavity (through the inguinal canal at the junction of the abdominal and thigh muscles). This is a common problem in children, with boys being more affected than girls.

What are the symptoms?

• Pain Unpleasant feeling of pressure in the groin
• Burning sensation in the area of the bulge
• Swollen scrotum
• Feeding difficulties Abdominal cramps

Inguinal hernias carry a risk of strangulation. For this reason, it is advisable to consult a pediatric surgeon if you notice any symptoms.

A short frenulum is a common congenital abnormality in which the free movement of the tongue is restricted by the incorrect position or size of the frenulum (the membrane located at the bottom of the tongue).

What symptoms may indicate this condition? When should you consult a specialist?

• The infant sucks clumsily.
• The infant often releases the breast due to inadequate vacuum formation.
• Swallowing and chewing problems.
• Later, speech disorders may also indicate this condition.

If your child has a fever and there is significant redness around the umbilical cord, or if the umbilical cord is smelly or has discharge, you should consult a doctor!

Umbilical stump problems

Ideally, the umbilical stump left after the umbilical cord is cut will dry out and fall off within a few days. Until this happens, as with any other wound, there is a risk of infection.

What are the signs of infection?

• Increased discharge
• Heavier bleeding
• Unpleasant odor
• Redness, swelling, fever

If your newborn's umbilical cord stump does not fall off within 3-4 weeks, it is advisable to consult a specialist.

Umbilical hernia

In children, an umbilical hernia looks like a button on the baby's belly, which usually protrudes more when crying, laughing, coughing, or defecating. On average, it disappears spontaneously by the age of 4-5, so it is not necessary to show it to a specialist. If the size increases or if there are complaints, it is also advisable to consult a pediatric surgeon!