What is Adhesion?
An adhesion is a piece of skin or tissue that can form between your penis and a scar (inner foreskin) left after your circumcision. Adhesions join the glans, or head of your penis, to that scar, which can cause discomfort or pain when you get an erection. Circumcision removes the foreskin that covers the head of the penis, the loose covering of skin that is present at birth. Circumcisions done by qualified professionals are very low risk and rarely lead to any complications. However, if the circumcision isnʼt done expertly, it can trigger the development of an adhesion, for example, if thereʼs excessive foreskin left behind after circumcision. This extra foreskin can reattach to the head of the penis, requiring separating the unwanted connective tissue or removing the excess foreskin, or both. Adhesions are particularly common in some babies who have whatʼs known as a hidden penis, where their penis seems to vanish as the child gets fatter in their pubic region. This condition is treated using a different approach.
What types of adhesions are there?
There are three types of adhesions:
Granular adhesions
Granular adhesions can occur after circumcision when skin of circumcision scar reconnects and obscures the base of the glans called the coronal margin. This is shaped like a rim and overhangs a groove that separates the glans and the shaft of your penis. This is the mildest form of penile adhesion and can be treated without using surgical separation.
Penile skin bridges
Penile skin bridges are thicker glandular adhesions that can be permanent. Cicatrix is a type of adhesion that might develop after a circumcision heals. New connective tissue can tightly bind the remaining foreskin to the head of the penis.
How is an adhesion treated?
If your baby has a granular adhesion, applying petroleum jelly helps keep it soft, allowing natural separation. Cicatrix and penile skin bridges require different treatment approaches. Cicatrix adhesions usually respond well to treatment with a corticosteroid medication like betamethasone. The medicine helps soften the cicatrix adhesion, making it easier to pull the skin away from the penis. Skin bridges, which are thicker and more challenging, often need surgical separation.
To find out more about adhesions, call Gentle Circumcision, or schedule an appointment online today. 310-559-8000
