Adhesions in Children's Genitalia: When to Seek Medical Advice

Q: Adhesions in Children's Genitalia: When to Seek Medical Advice

Hello, Xiang Mommy： If your child frequently touches their genital area and feels pain or itching, it could be a sign of balanitis or smegma buildup. <br>Smegma usually does not pose a health risk, but balanitis can cause localized redness or swelling, and even pus formation. <br

Children often experience adhesion of the genital organs?

Hello Doctor, my child is currently four years old and has been frequently touching his private area for some time.
He says it feels stuck and uncomfortable, so he often uses his hands to scratch it.
From the outside, it seems like his foreskin is a bit long, and when I pull it back, it looks a little red, but he hasn't mentioned any pain.
I'm concerned about the frequent touching and the appearance, and I'm worried it might lead to bad habits.
Should I take him to see a doctor?
Additionally, my child often complains of knee pain in both legs, but it occurs more frequently in the left leg, especially before bedtime and when he doesn't want to walk.
Sometimes I wonder if it could be psychological or growing pains.
Is there a need for an X-ray examination? Thank you, and I look forward to your reply.
Sincerely, Mom of Xiang.

Xiang Mami, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2010/08/06

Dr. Zhan Mingxuan reply Pediatrics

Hello, Xiang Mommy: If your child frequently touches their genital area and feels pain or itching, it could be a sign of balanitis or smegma buildup.
Smegma usually does not pose a health risk, but balanitis can cause localized redness or swelling, and even pus formation.
It is advisable to take your child to a hospital for a thorough examination by a physician.
Regarding your child's knee pain, it does indeed resemble growing pains.
A characteristic of growing pains is that the discomfort occurs only during rest, making it most likely to happen at night or during naps.
However, if your child frequently complains of pain in a specific area or experiences pain during activity, it is recommended to keep a detailed record of the time, location, frequency, and level of activity on that day, and consult a hospital for further evaluation.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2010/08/06

More Info

When it comes to understanding adhesions in children's genitalia, particularly in your four-year-old son, it's important to recognize that this is a common concern among parents. Adhesions can occur when the skin of the penis, particularly the foreskin, adheres to the glans (the head of the penis). This can lead to discomfort, which might explain why your son is frequently touching or pulling at his genital area.
In many cases, these adhesions can resolve on their own as the child grows and the foreskin naturally separates from the glans. However, if your son is experiencing redness or discomfort, it may be a sign that medical attention is warranted. While he may not be in pain, the fact that he is uncomfortable enough to touch the area frequently suggests that a consultation with a pediatrician or a pediatric urologist could be beneficial. They can assess the situation and determine whether any treatment is necessary, such as topical creams or, in rare cases, a minor surgical procedure to release the adhesion.

Regarding your concerns about your son's knee pain, it's not uncommon for children to experience growing pains, especially during periods of rapid growth. These pains are typically felt in the evening or at night and can affect both legs, though one leg may be more affected than the other. The fact that your son is experiencing pain in both knees, particularly before bedtime, could indeed suggest growing pains. However, if the pain is persistent, severe, or accompanied by other symptoms such as swelling, redness, or limping, it would be wise to seek medical advice.

In terms of whether an X-ray is necessary, it generally depends on the clinical evaluation by a healthcare provider. If the knee pain is suspected to be related to growth and there are no other concerning symptoms, an X-ray may not be needed. However, if there are signs of injury, swelling, or if the pain is affecting his ability to walk or play, imaging studies might be recommended to rule out any underlying issues such as fractures or other orthopedic concerns.

In summary, for your son's genital concerns, a visit to a pediatrician is advisable to evaluate the adhesions and any associated discomfort. For the knee pain, monitor the situation, and if it continues or worsens, consult with a healthcare provider to determine the best course of action. It's always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to your child's health, and a professional evaluation can provide peace of mind and appropriate guidance.

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