Bubble baths cause phimosis?

[annep]

I've heard that bubble baths can cause phimosis? What about a bubble bath does that? Is it harsh soaps? Can I avoid that by using gentle organic soaps? My son loves bubble baths.

Thanks,
Anne

[Katerz2u]

Bubble baths do not cause Phimosis. Forced retraction resulting in scar tissue might, but the only thing bubble baths might cause is UTIs or irritation. Both my boys love bubbles too, we do them about once a month or so and we never retract their foreskin as neither are retractable yet (they are 5 and 1).

[annep]

Cool, so it's just a rumor. Thank you!

Anne

[MCatLvrMom2A&X]

If your ds is sensitive to bubble bath that can cause irritation and untreated irritation can cause scar tissue which can cause phimosis down the road but the bubble bath itself will not cause it.

[glongley]

Apparently the inflammation that can happen for some boys with the chemical irritation caused by bubble bath, can lead to enough of a swelling that a previously retractable foreskin can become non-retractable. Some doctors might diagnose this as phimosis. Dr. Paul Fleiss discusses this false reason to circumcise in his article "Protect Your Uncircumcised Son":

[Reason given why a boy "needs to be circumcised":] Your son's foreskin is getting tighter. It no longer retracts. Something is wrong. He will have to be circumcised.

[Dr. Fleiss's answer:] Sometimes, in childhood, a previously retractable foreskin will become resistant to retraction for reasons that are unrelated to impending puberty. In these cases, the opening of the foreskin may look chapped and sting when your son urinates. This is not an indication for surgery any more than chapped lips. This is just the foreskin doing its job. If the foreskin were not there, the glans and urinary opening would be chapped instead. Chapping is most often caused by overly chlorinated swimming pools, harsh soap, bubble baths, or a diet that is too high in sugar, all of which destroy the natural balance of skin bacteria and should be avoided if chapping occurs. The foreskin becomes resistant to retraction until a natural and healthy bacterial balance is reestablished.

You can aid healing by having your son apply a little barrier cream or some ointment to the opening of the foreskin. Acidophilus culture (which can be purchased from a health food store) can be taken internally and also applied to the foreskin several times a day to assist healing, and should be given any time a child is taking antibiotics.

[annep]

glongley,

Very interesting.
My son is only 2 and is no where near retracting his foreskin. But I will definitely keep all this in mind if he becomes chapped at any point.
I'm pretty hesitant about even telling any healthcare professionals if anything were to happen.
the one time we had an incident when he was first born, I contacted Dr. Reiss of DOC and he told me what to do.