What is a buried penis?
The penis is encased in a skin sheath. Usually, the skin is evenly distributed over the entire penis, all the way to the scrotum. However, some boys are born without skin covering the penis evenly. The part of the penis closest to the scrotum has less skin. The penis is also hidden within the fat of the lower abdomen. This is called a “buried penis. Doctors also call this a hidden or occult penis.
In most children, a buried penis is a condition that will spontaneously heal.
Boys are born with a buried penis (congenital). There can be many reasons for this, including
Problems with the skin and fat layer around the developing fetus’s penis.
Excess fat at the top of the pubic bone, which is common in young infants.
Insufficient penile skin on the side of the penis facing the scrotum (scrotal “webbing”).
At what age does a buried penis occur?
Doctors can usually diagnose a buried penis in babies over 2 years of age.
What are the signs of a buried penis in an infant?
Often, parents are concerned because the penis looks too small. It can also complicate proper cleanliness and hygiene.
When a baby urinates, the foreskin can bulge and enlarge. If this happens constantly, the baby may keep dribbling urine. In addition, during toilet training, children may have trouble controlling the proper direction of their urine stream.
Adolescents with buried penis are usually obese. Older children often seek treatment for aesthetic reasons.
Adolescents with a buried penis may experience.
Pain or difficulty urinating (painful urination). Circumcision (glansitis) may also occur.
Trouble controlling the direction of urine flow because of difficulty holding the penis.
Feeling embarrassed in the changing room.
It is difficult to maintain proper cleanliness and hygiene.
Treatment of Buried Penis In most cases, buried penis does not require any kind of treatment. It will usually improve naturally over time.
Buried penis can be successfully treated with the following measures.
Topical application of anti-inflammatory medication, betamethasone.
Pulling the foreskin by hand several times a day.
Many different surgical operations can also be helpful. One surgical option is circumcision within one month of birth. Talk to your child’s doctor to learn about possible treatment options for your child.
What are the possible complications of the procedure?
There are very few complications. If complications do occur, most are only temporary.
During the healing process, the scar tissue within the skin can sometimes stick together (adhesions). Or, excess connective tissue can accumulate (fibrosis). Both can again pull the dorsum of the penis dorsally and bury it.
Swelling of the penis.
Pain during erection.
Poor healing of the flap, necrosis of the flap or complaints of reduced sensitivity of the grafted portion.
Persistent hyperplasia of the skin covering the penis.
Re-accumulation of abdominal fat.
Buried penis can cause emotional distress in children.
Children with buried penises are at risk for psychological and social trauma. Obese boys with a buried penis may feel ashamed of their bodies. As a result, they are reluctant to go socially. Surgery can relieve anxiety and improve self-image. However, it is a good idea for parents to first encourage obese boys with a buried penis to lose weight before delivering the surgery.
Key Point.
The penis is usually encased in a sheath of skin.
Buried penis occurs when the penile skin is unevenly covered. The penis can also be hidden within the fat of the lower abdomen.
Doctors will diagnose buried penis in babies over 2 years old.
Teenagers may have pain or difficulty urinating, trouble controlling the direction of their urine flow, and trouble maintaining proper hygiene and sanitation.
In most cases, buried penis will improve spontaneously over time.
Treatment includes surgery, application of betamethasone cream, and daily hand-pulling of the foreskin.
Buried penis can cause emotional distress in children.