What is Prolapsed Bladder?

Bladder is a balloon shaped, hollow muscular organ that collects urine from the kidney and store it before it goes out of the body through urination. Bladder distends when it is full and return on its normal size when emptied. In males, the base of the bladder is located between the rectum and symphysis pubic, and above the prostate gland. In females, the bladder lies inferior to uterus and ahead to the vagina. The size of the bladder is about the shape of a pear when empty, its normal capacity is 400ml to 600ml.

Prolapsed Bladder or also called Cystocele is a condition when the muscle between women’s bladder and vagina fall out of place, and sticks out into vagina.

It is more common among women with Hispanic and Asian of descents, however African-American women have a reduced risk of having Prolapsed bladder.

Picture – Prolapsed bladder (cystocele)

Source – revolutionhealth.com

Prolapsed Bladder Pathophysiology

Organs of the Pelvic is primarily supported by connective tissue called Levator Ani Muscle and Endoplevic tissue. It connects the organs to the pelvic muscle and bones. Bladder prolapses when this support muscle gets weak due to different causes like trauma and injury.

The listed below are the confirmed risk factors of Prolapsed Bladder:

• Age
• Vaginal Delivery
• Increasing parity
• Overwight and Obesity
• Congenital disorder like Spina Bifida and Spina Bifida occulta

Prolapsed bladder is divided in 4 stages, depending on the degree of displacement.

• Grade one (Mild) – Small part of the bladder droop in the vagina
• Grade two (Moderate) – The bladder falls enough and able to reach the opening of the vagina.
• Grade Three (Severe) – The bladder extends up to the vagina’s opening.
• Grade Four (Complete) – The bladder falls out completely outside the opening of the vagina.

Signs and Symptoms

Patients may not notice symptoms during the first few days or weeks, but after some time as the condition develops symptoms can be felt and became noticeable.
They may include:

• Piece of tissue is felt in the vagina – Tissue is felt in the vaginal opening because the bladder droops in the vagina. It is more obvious while sitting but disppear while you lie down.
• Dysuria or Difficulty urinating – As the bladder drops in the vagina, the urine cannot flow freely enough to come out to the urethra.
• Incontinence – Leakage of urine when you sneeze, cough and laugh. In worst cases, patient totally cannot control urination.
• Pain in the Pelvic Area – The pain is commonly felt in the Lower back.
• Incomplete voiding – Feeling that bladder is not emptied after urinating.
• Urinary tract infection – Infection that happens repetitive. Since the bladder drops, the urine cannot freely come out from bladder to flow in the ureters. The result will be the urine will remain in the bladder causing presence of microorganism that will cause infection.
• Painful sexual intercourse or dyspareunia – The bladder covers the space in the vaginal opening causing pain and discomfort during sexual activity.

Causes of Prolapsed Bladder

Pelvic muscles are connective tissue that support your bladder, uterus and rectum, these organs composed the pelvic cavity. When these muscle start to looses its strength and became weaker there will be a large possibility of having bladder prolapse.

These are the following cause of developing bladder prolapse:

• Pregnancy – Pregnancy is one most common causes, especially in woman who have multiple pregnancies. As the fetus inside the womb grow it gets bigger and heavier making more pressure on the pelvic muscle. Some muscles cannot carry enough the weight resulting to stretching and losing muscle strength.
• Giving Birth – During labor and delivery, the pelvic muscle and ligament that support the vagina experience overexertion resulting to muscle strain. The muscle cannot support enough the muscle and eventually the bladder will loose it position.
• Menopause – Estrogen is a hormone produced by the body and one of its function is to keep the vaginal muscle strong. During menopausal period, the body stops from producing estrogen, making the vaginal muscle weaker.
• Strenuous activity – Lifting heavy objects, straining during bowel movement, forceful cough may cause straining in the pelvic muscle.
• Overweight and Obesity – Being heavy weight is also one of the top risks in developing prolapse bladder.

Diagnosis

• Pelvic and Perineal examination – The doctor will inspect for presence of protruded muscle within the vagina. The doctor will also assess the muscle strength by asking you to contract the pelvic muscle.
• Voiding Cystourethrogram – Examination of the bladder and urethra done while the bladder fills and empties. Using a radiopaque liquid placed by means of a catheter, radio-graphs are taken before, during and after voiding. This test can determine any deformities and irregularities in the appearance and function of the bladder.
• Cystoscopy – Is a non-invasive procedure done to see the inside view of the urinary tract. Using a scope, the doctor can determine if there are any abnormalities in the bladder, ureter and urethra.

Treatment

Treatment for prolapse bladder depends on the condition

Grade 1 – For mild cases and situation with no obvious symptoms may require no treament. Kegels Exercise is one of recommended activity because it helps strengthen pelvic muscle. Stay away from Lifting heavy object and straining to avoid worsening the condition.

If the situation gets worse, your Doctor may recommend non surgical treatment. This includes:

1. Pessary

It is a device place in the vagina to support the bladder to maintain its position. Removal and regular cleaning of Pessaries must be observed to prevent infection.

2. Estrogen Therapy

Estrogen is a hormone that strengthen the vaginal muscle. Since it is only present when women still have Menstrual period, Menopause women are at risk of having Prolapse bladder. This estrogen replacement can supply women of the loss hormone to prevent weakened vaginal muscle that may eventually lead to Prolapsed bladder.

In some cases, symptoms continue and became more serious. Surgery can be an option at this time to relieve symptoms that are connected to Prolapsed Bladder.

This may include:

3. Vaginal Repair (surgery)

It is done by a surgeon to lift the bladder on its original normal position. It also includes taking off unnecessary tissues and tightening layers of pelvic muscle and ligaments.

4. Hysterectomy

If the condition recurs another surgery is needed. If prolapsed uterus occurs the doctor may recommend removal of uterus or Hysterectomy. This procedure may help in relieving symptoms, but it prevents you to bear child.

Complications of Prolapsed Bladder

Complications secondary to Bladder prolapse is not common, but it is benificial to know what are the possible condition that may arise due to Prolapsed Bladder.

1. Pain – Bladder prolapsed can cause vaginal, groin, lower pelvic and abdominal pain.
2. Bowel, bladder and sexual dysfunctions – If left untreated, bladder prolapsed may interfere in your bowel movement, bladder and sexual functions.

What is Lichen Simplex Chronicus?

Lichen simplex Chronicus or also known as Neurodermatitis Circumscripta is a skin condition that is itchy that will eventually caused the skin to become thickened due to repeated scratching and rubbing in the affected area. This Lichen Simplex Chronicus is not a disease but a response by the skin from any physical trauma. This disease will start from anything that scratches or irritates the skin and it will cause an individual to rub the affected area that will result in constant scratches that will make the skin to be thickened and the thickened area will cause more scratching that will add up to the thickening of the skin. The thickened skin can eventually become leathery and brownish.

Visibly Peeling or Scaling of the Skin

Lichen Simplex Chronicus Causes

• Eczema (atopic dermatitis) is a type of skin disorder that makes the affected area to become scaly and rashes that are itchy.
• Psoriasis is one of the common skin disease that cause the skin to become reddened and irritated.
• Nervousness, anxiety, depression, and other psychologic disorders that might affect the scratching habits of an individual.

Symptoms

• Itching of the skin
• Can be chronic that can lead in having more problems in treating the disease.
• Eventually it may became concentrated in one area
• It will increase especially if the person is in stress or nervous. This must be taken seriously because it can lead in more scratching that might result in formation of pus especially if the lesion is not taken care properly.
• Skin lesions
• It is commonly located at the wrist, ankles, neck, anal area, forearm, thighs, elbow and lower leg
• There is a visible exaggerated lines in the affected area
• There are visible borders in the lesions
• Due to continuous scratching it will eventually become leathery in texture
• The area become darkened or reddened
• There is visible scratch marks
• And visible peeling or scaling of the skin

Lichen Simplex Chronicus found at anogenital area

Diagnosis

Patient History

Physical features:

• it is most common with women and it can affect both children and adults;
• the itching feeling is usually worst at night;
• there is an intense rubbing or scratching the affected area that might lead in formation of Pus;
• the patient will report that scratching feels pleasurable that leads them not to stop it;
• usually the patients will not report any pus formation especially during the feeling of stressed and depressed.

Medical history:

• history about psychiatric disorder like anxiety, depression and obsessive compulsive;
• history about personal or familial history like asthma that it might lead in having Lichen Simplex Chronicus;
• presence of pus in the affected area;
• presence of underlying skin diseases like atopic dermatitis and dermatophyte infections that can laed in the formation of Lichen Simplex Chronicus;
• possible presence of systemic condition like renal failure that can also cause in a formation of pruritis must be determined for the medical professionals will diagnosed the present disease correctly and to avoid errors.

Physical Examination

It is crucial in order to check signs of intensive itching that eventually will result in having Lichen Simplex Chronicus. It will guide the medical professionals on how extensive the scratching are and they can locate the affected area to aid them in the appropriate treatment to be given to the patient with Lichen Simplex Chronicus.

Biopsy

It is also done in patients with Lichen Simplex Chronicus to determine whether there is another underlying condition that leads in having the disease and it can aid the medical professionals to determine if the lesions that is present in the client responds to the specific treatment or therapy.

Histopathology

This consist of microscopic findings about elongated and widening of rete ridges and there is a visible irregular thickening of the affected part. There is also a chronic inflammation in the affected area of the skin.

Treatment

•  STOP scratching the affected area of the skin. The patient must be aware the cons of scratching, stress management and some behavior modification to avoid by making the disease worst.
• Topical Medications for inflammation as well as itching. It usually treated by topical medications like creams or lotions that had a steroid content and apply it in the affected area.
• Covering, protecting and moisturizing dressings is also applied to the patients with Lichen Simplex Chronicus to avoid contamination and possible infection.
• Oral Medication like antihistamines and sedatives that can be used for reducing the inflammation and itching in the affected area to avoid making the condition worse.
• Wearing non-irritating clothing to avoid the patient to scratch that can make the condition worse.

Complications

• Bacterial Infection in the skin if the scratching leads in having an open wound and the patient don’t took care of it or the patient doesn’t protect well the affected area there is a possibility that the area will acquire infection.
• Permanent change of the color of the skin due to the damage made by scratching the skin.
• Permanent scar is normally due to over scratching that leaves damage in the skin that can lead in the formation of scars.

Lichen Simplex Chronicus Pictures

Image source – dermis.net

Source – skincareguide.ca

What is Helix Piercing?

During the ancient times, body piercing is famously done such piercing included helix piercing. Some of people who lived in the western part of the world such as those in India, Nepal and Tibet are known to still practice such ancient ritual or procedure.

Earrings attached at the upper ridge curve

Image Source: primehealthchannel.com

Helix Piercing Procedure

Here, we will discuss the basics on the procedure of the helix piercing. The following is the clean way to pierce the helix portion of the ears as suggested by the doctors:

• The first and foremost thing that you should do is to wash and then rinse the hands thoroughly with a soap that is anti-bacterial
• Next, you need to sterilize the needle which is used during the piercing procedure. To sterilize it, use soapy warm water and alcohol.
• Then, you damp the piercing needle with the use of water and then add a few drops of soap that is anti-bacterial and lather it with the use of cotton bud
• After that, with the use of a cotton bud, you removed and loosen the discharges that are crusted from the surface of the skin and the jewelry itself
• Second to the last step requires you to keep the soap that is anti bacterial on the needle which is used for piercing or tool roughly for about two minutes and then rotating the jewelry so as to disinfect that penetrates to the area which is pierced
• Last step is to rinse properly the area with water and leave it for a couple of minute to dry. You need to avoid wiping it to prevent infections to occur.

Helix piercing procedure

Image Source: tattoo.about.com

The Aftercare of Helix Piercing

As a mandate, new piercing should never be, as much as possible, touched except when you are cleaning it. Studies show that any contact with pools, beauty sprays, puddles, body fluids, makeup and the like is discourage to prevent infection to occur. Also unwashed hands may also lead to infections. In addition to that, it is also discouraged to twist the jewelry that is pierced in your ear or ears as it will irritate and tear your ears and makes the healing period longer. In addition to that it also may have the possibility to lead into scarring hypertrophically.

Aside from that, it is suggested that you should clean your new piercings daily especially in the initial healing period but it should not be done frequently as it may lead to prolonging of the healing period and further more irritation. It is suggested that you use soaps that is antimicrobial and boiling water since cold water is a suitable environment for bacteria.
You also should not worry about localized tenderness and swelling for it is often normal during the new piercing period. Also, secretion of the lymphatic fluid builds up but you can clean them with the use of saline soaks.

What are the Types & Location of Helix Piercing?

Forward Helix Piercing

Forward helix piercing is placed horizontally which is directly seen above the person’s ear canal or above the tragus portion. It can be seen at the person’s front rim portion of the person’s ear.

Anti Helix Piercing

It is otherwise known as a snug which is a kind of ear piercing that passes through the anti-helix portion of the ear which is located medially to laterally.

Triple Helix Piercing

It is a type of helix piercing which is when you have a piercing which is located in the front area or the root of the helix of the ear which is encircled three times. It is a spiral kind of helix piercing which is done in triple or three times.

Spiral Helix Piercing

It is a kind of piercing that requires multiple piercing wherein there should be a relative position per piercing to be able to accommodate the spiral jewelry which is inserted.

Inner Helix Piercing

It is found in the crux of the helix which can be seen just above the ear canal’s opening.

Why do People Tend to Have Helix Piercing?

Persons, who opt for helix piercing, are in it for the mere pleasure of art which is made through adorning their ears with jewelry such as earrings. This kind of ear piercing can be made possible through a hoop, cuff style of ear piercing or the famous stud earrings. You can also opt for industrial, cuff, dangle and bioplast cartilage earrings which come from numerous styles and designs to choose from.

As mentioned earlier, helix piercing is famous in the ancient period. Historically speaking, the Greeks, Asians, Romans as well as Egyptians adopted this kind of ear piercing long before. They liked the idea of decorating their body with jewelries to adorn, for beautification purposes and also for warding off the evil or demons. Up to this point, although the purpose for warding off the demons are not the main reasons why people engage into helix piercing. They are engaging into it for adornment and beautification as well as other reasons behind it.

Helix Piercing Risks & Complications

The two most complications, which one should look into, that are associated with helix piercing are the following:

Infection

Infection can occur especially if one underwent unhygienic helix piercing method, the equipments used is made of poor quality or dirty, the person frequently fidgets the pierced area with his or her dirty hands, being able to wear tight earrings made of poor quality, had an improper way of piercing the ear.

Ear infection due to unhygienic piercing procedure

Scarring

There is also a risk for scarring which when an inexperience ear is pierced for the first time, it will lead to harm to the ear tissues which leads to scar formation surrounding the pierced ear which is characterized by a ridge or bump which may have bleeding tendencies.

To avoid such complications, one should follow hygienic procedure and get your ears helix pierced by an experience professional and also avoid swimming and other products which can lead to irritation.

How Long For Helix Piercing To Heal?

With regards to the healing period, it can take up to 3 to 12 months for it to completely heal. The healing period of one person to another will vary in the helix piercing procedure that you undergo as well as the suggestive things to avoid such as swimming, using of beauty products such as spray, fidgeting with the use of dirty hands, undergoing unhygienic procedures and the like. If the person who underwent helix piercing was mind full of doing hygienic practices and kept away from things that cause complications, then there is a big possibility that the healing period will be achieved faster.

Helix Piercing Pictures

Source – cartilagepiercings.net

image credit – tqn.com

picture source – buzzle.com

What is Dermatophagia?

Dermatophagia is a kind of disorder particularly an obsessive compulsive disorder or OCD. It is a kind of disorder which is a result of anxiety which also includes obsession, compulsion as well as uneasiness. What happens with people with this kind of disorder is that they bite their skin in a compulsive manner. Other experts would describe it as body focused kind of behavior which is repetitive in nature which leads to the destruction of his or her own body, particularly the skin.

Others claimed it as a kind of self mutilation which may or may not be serious. Most of them will be able to experience, aside from discoloration and bleeding, as well as infections, scarring, bruises, or if worse comes to worse, damage of their own skin which may become permanent if not managed properly or if not given attention.

They are often called as the “wolf biters”. They are called such because werewolves are known to gnaw on the victim’s flesh. However, in this case or in this kind of disorder, the victim here is the own fingers and skin of the biter himself or herself, for that matter.

They are reported to bite the skin which is located around the nail area which leads to discoloration and bleeding. Although, there are reports that person having this kind of disorder would bite other parts of his or her body such as the lips, cheeks and mouth which will lead to blister formations. It is a Greek word combination which stands for “skin” and “to eat”. According to statistics, this kind of disorder is common in most women than in men. They always complained that they have this irresistible feeling or urge to bite into their skin which happens only when there is a presence of loose or dead skin and also during apprehensive periods or perhaps other events which are unpleasant. This kind of disorder is somewhat similar to trichophagia, wherein it is a disorder where the person is eating and biting compulsively his or her hair.

Dermatophagia Symptoms

Those who have this kind of disorder are known to manifest the following symptoms:

• Bleeding
• Discoloration
• Blisters
• Uneven skin
• Low self esteem
• Anxiety
• Compulsion
• Obsession

These are the common symptoms noted that are associated with this kind of disorder. The primary target areas are the calluses, nail folds, hangnails and cuticles. There are a lot of effects that a person with this kind of disorder will encounter; such of these effects are aimed at the emotion and physical implications. They become, as time passes by, embarrassed by their physical appearance which leads to withdrawal behavior and avoidance of the public to be able to avoid scrutiny and perhaps judgment.

Dermatophagia Causes

According to research made the etiological reason why some person experiences Dermatophagia are the following:

• Genetics
• Early trauma during childhood years
• Stress
• Imbalances in the neurological aspect
• Boredom
• Body dysmorphic disorder
• Nervousness
• Depression
• Obsessive compulsive disorder

Also, in addition to that, there are actually many persons who are able to suffer the so called insatiable itch or otherwise termed as urge which is then relieved by the biting episodes or behavior. In addition to that, person engages into Dermatophagia because they believe that it is a self soothing activity, it acts as stimulation or a distraction maneuver.

Dermatophagia Treatment

Since this kind of disorder is a neurotic kind of excoriation wherein it is mostly caused be a neurotic behavior, the treatments needed then for this kind of disorder are the following:

Psychological treatment

Behavior modification therapy – In this kind of therapy, the common action done is painting the person’s finger nails with polish or nail polish that have a smell that is unpleasant to the nose or perhaps encourage him or her to use artificial nails which are made out of gel or acrylic which will lead to discouragement of biting of the nail or skin for that matter.

Cognitive behavioral therapy  – It is an approach wherein the person is encouraged to talk. It is also known as a psychotherapeutic kind of approach or therapy. It is done to be able to resolve problems with regards to cognitions, behaviors and emotions which are dysfunctional. Aside from that, it is known to be the best treatment for mood, personality, anxiety, eating, psychotic disorders and substance abuse. It is a combination of both cognitive and behavioral kind of research. With this kind of therapy, there is a collaboration effort between the patient and his or her therapist. The main goal is to establish the patient’s goals and help them achieve the goals that they have set for themselves. There is a need for the therapist to teach, listen and encourage the patient. Meanwhile, the patient is encouraged to learn, express and implement the things that he or she has learned during the therapeutic sessions.

Medical treatment

Antidepressant medication – It is a common medication prescribed with these patients having this kind of disorder which affects the psychological aspect. Aside from that, it is known to aim or alleviate depression of the patient having this kind of syndrome. When being prescribed with this kind of medication, it is most important that the patient should use this kind of medication under the physician’s, particularly a mental health professional, guidance so as not to abuse the medication.

Dermatophagia Pictures

 Picture 3 – Fingerbites as a symptom of Dermatophagia

What is Tightness in Chest?

Chest tightness is a medical condition that is basically defined by alteration in comfort that is emitted on the chest and can even radiate to neighboring areas of the body. Usually, a person suffering from this condition would complain of immediate of a sudden pressure sensation on the chest. A person with such manifestation would seem to identify this as a sign of threat in health as this is known to be a typical sign of a cardiovascular disease. There could also be other underlying conditions associated to such ailment and should be readily resolved when identified. It is a grave manifestation that should not be taken lightly as this can place a great threat in one’s life.

Tightness of Chest

Associated Symptoms & Signs

Tightness in chest can mean a number of conditions. There are two associated medical conditions or general conditions of chest tightness. Tightness in the chest can provide different associated signs and symptoms according to these general conditions:

Cardiac Problems.

• Pain is generally located in the chest and is mostly complained by the affected as deep pressure and squeezing pain.
• Nausea is noted and that the affected may also manifest vomiting, when pain becomes extreme.
• Falling to unconsciousness is a rare sign but can be possible as lightheadedness is commonly experienced by the affected.
• The pain or discomfort can radiate from the center of the chest towards the shoulders, neck, jaw and even the arms.
• A change in the heart rate is noted. Increase in heart rate is a typical sign of tightness in chest, and can be a form of compensation of the cardiovascular system. Heart palpitations are noted.
• The affected shall experience pallor or paleness along with a cold clammy skin.

Non-cardiac Problems.

• The entire chest is affected of tightness or pressure sensation.
• Chest fullness is regularly complained.
• The patient shall complain of aggravation of the pain sensation when lying down.
• Shortness of breath is identified. Because of this, the client tends to hyperventilate in order to compensate for the lack of oxygen.
• Anxiety is a form of symptom that is accompanied by sweating, nervousness and difficulty of sleeping.
• Abdominal pain and feeling of stomach fullness. A feeling of indigestion is a common manifestation when the GI tract is the known cause of tightness in chest.

Causes

There are a number of causes for tightness in chest. The ailment itself has many triggering factors which signify this condition as needing immediate care and attention. The following are the said causes and risk factors of chest tightness:

• Asthma. This said condition is considered as a triggering factor or includes chest tightness as a manifestation. This has also been a classical sign of asthma. This is due to the weakening and inflammation that occurs on our smooth muscles, that it can affect the neighboring vital organs in the chest area. The inflammation itself that occurs in the disease process makes chest tightness a manifestation in an aggravating manner but then can be relieved as medical help is given.
• Activity. A proposed said activity can be a great possibility of chest tightness. This is known to cause such phenomenon as a physical activity can place strain to a person in a way that can result to an asthma attack and possibly reducing the amount of air that the heart needs. Air or oxygenated air is quite essential in the regulation of the cardiovascular system; the alteration to its content or level shall place a great effect in pumping system.
• Coronary artery disease. This is a condition that has great influence in resulting to chest tightness. A coronary artery disease, once untreated, can result to obstruction and a possible permanent damage to the arteries that induces chest pain. CAD is a very delicate condition that chest pain is not the only aggravating manifestation of the disease for it can result to radiating pain from the chest towards the left arm or jaw.
• Emotional upset. This is greatly influential to chest tightness. A panic attack is a form of emotional upset that commonly results to chest tightness or includes tightness in chest as a manifestation. This should also place an alarm to the affected for this may indicate an underlying heart condition that has been developing or has already developed.
• Lack of magnesium levels in blood. Magnesium is a very essential component of our system as this helps regulate our body’s nerve and muscle functions. When lack of magnesium is noted, it is a possible cause for a heart disease. Take note, excess magnesium levels can also be life-threatening and should not be abused when treating a heart ailment.
• Bacterial infection. This is another form of cause of tightness in chest. This can result to chest tightness when a person is suffering from bacterial infection of the lungs. In the same mechanism of asthma, once inflammation is aggravated, chest tightness is one of the many manifestations of the disease.
• Bronchitis and pneumonia. These two respiratory conditions are known causative of chest tightness. Once infection is aggravated and that inflammation has become uncontrolled, the mechanism triggers chest tightness along with all the presenting symptoms of both diseases.
• Caffeine intake. Increase intake or above regular intake of caffeinated drinks would most likely result to chest tightness. This is due to the chemical caffeine’s effect to our system, especially the smooth muscles. It basically results to constriction of our smooth muscles and even our joints and soft tissues.
• Gastrointestinal disease. This is a possibility as disorders of the GI tract can affect the normal processes of the heart or cardiac system. GERD or gastroesophageal reflux disease is a common condition that results to chest tightness.

Diagnosis

There are a number of diagnostic examinations for chest tightness. The following examinations are considered necessary as to rule out other possible conditions. Here are the following tests done for tightness in chest:

ECG or electrocardiogram.

This is shall record the electrical activity of the heart. In order to identify for an underlying heart condition, this test is necessary as it can rule out any cardiovascular condition and other possible disease.

Stress test

This can help identify presence of a coronary artery disease. Stress test can help rule out other possible conditions that involve the respiratory and gastrointestinal systems.

Complete pulmonary function tests

This is composed of a group of tests that shall measure the wellness of the respiratory system or basically the lungs.

Treatment

Treatment for chest tightness would depend on the cause. In general, the condition is treated through:

• Medications. Anxiolytics, medications that relieve anxiety symptoms, are prescribed by the doctor. Antidepressants are also provided. Depending on the cardiac disease, certain medications are provided to relieve the discomfort that comes along with chest tightness. Treatment of any form of respiratory condition is to be prioritized when condition suggests.
• Surgical intervention. This may be necessary when it comes to gastrointestinal conditions.
• Therapy that can help in relieving stress is necessary. Providing relaxation techniques are one of the coping methods provided for patients.

What is Tight Foreskin?

Tight Foreskin or what is medically known as phimosis is a condition that is common to males that are uncircumcised. It occurs when their foreskin or prepuce can’t be able to retract fully from the head of the penis or glans. It is termed as partial phimosis if there is flaccid retraction. While it is termed as full phimosis if there is really no retraction at all. Others would medically define it as the perpetual ring undergoes as stenosis or tightness. In layman’s terms, the foreskin becomes tight and can’t be pulled back in order for the glands to be disclosed.

Tight Foreskin Causes

The etiological condition that may lead to having tight foreskin of Phimosis includes either of the following:

Infection

Infections are due to balanitis and posthitis. Posthitis is the foreskin infection which is due to fungal infection that exists in moist and hot conditions. On the other hand, balanitis is both foreskin and glans infection that is brought about poor hygiene. Some males will have posthitis or the so call balanitis which tends to iterate which could lead to scar formation. Chronic infections also may lead to having urinary tract infections. While infections that recurs in the kidney will greatly affect the function of the kidneys per se.

Inflammation

There will be a manifestation of sore and red foreskin which is due to forcing of retraction and other irritants such as nappies being dirty.

Phimosis

When the foreskin is tight, which is an abnormal condition, leads to the prevention of retraction to occur. When there is a recurrent balanitis, it will lead to having this medical condition. When a person has this condition, he will experience urinating problems.

Paraphimosis

When the foreskin is permanently retracted, it will lead to Paraphimosis. What happens is that the foreskin becomes swollen and is painful.

Others

Tumor – This condition is very rare. It is when there is an abnormal growth that develops on the foreskin.

Zipper Trauma – It is when a man’s genitals and most primarily the foreskin get caught up in the zipper of their pants.

Tight Foreskin Symptoms

The common symptoms associated with this condition and are symptoms that are commonly manifested by person having this medical condition include the following:

• Foreskin Bulges
• Urination is difficult
• Pain
• Penis’ tip is swollen
• There is inability of pulling back the foreskin

Symptoms that indicates a serious condition includes:

• High Fever
• Inable to urinate
• Inable to reposition the foreskin
• Discolored or bruising of the foreskin
• Tenderness

Picture 1 – observe the inability of foreskin to retract, Penis tip swollen

Tight Foreskin Diagnosis

In diagnosing the tight foreskin or phimosis, the physician will usually require:

• Medical History
• P.E or Physical Examination
• Swab test that is done to confirm or test for any infection

Tight Foreskin Treatment and Cure

In treating the phimosis or Tight Foreskin which required three types such as:

• Gradual stretching of the opening of the foreskin of prepuce to be able to widen it and prevent it from tightening.
• Medications such as steroids, non steroidal and topical creams such as betamethasone
• Surgical reshaping methods
• The famous surgical procedure- circumcision.

If however, the foreskin or prepuce can’t be relieved either through medications or surgical procedure, treatment of it should be sought as soon as possible. Failure to do so, will lead to damage of the male’s outer reproductive gland.

There could be other medical and non medical things to be done with this kind of condition such as:

Stretching Exercises for Tight Foreskin

Stretching is the basic principle in applying pressure like the one you would do whenever you stretch an elastic band. The stretching exercise includes phimosis and frenulum breve exercises. It is advisable that you do these exercises every 5 minutes in two times a day till four weeks afterwards. The advantage with this kind of treatment is that you can do it freely and privately at any time and place.

With regards to the Phimosis exercise, it includes two parts:

Phimosis Exercise number 1

First you retract the prepuce in as much as you can tolerate. Then, you hold if for thirty seconds and pull it again forward. Afterwards, stop and relax. You repeat this procedure for five minutes. You can do this procedure in a hot tub; the heat will make it become dilated.

Phimosis Exercise number 2

Here you first insert two fingers in the prepuce opening and pull the fingers in opposite directions. Discomfort is natural as long as it is not agonizing. Hold that position for about thirty seconds and pull it forward again. And as the first exercise, repeat these procedures for five minutes. You can also do it in a hot tub bath.

And the last two exercises are:

Frenulum Stretching

Here, you first locate the phimotic ring and grip the frenulum end using both your thumb and forefinger. Pull the position away from the body and hold that position for thirty seconds and let go. You can do it when you are in the hot tub bath.

Stretching with a Steroid Ointment

With the use of diprosone ointment or the so called betamethasone 0.05%, stretch the prepuce and then apply the ointment thinly as appropriate and let the steroid cream do its work. It doesn’t really need further more stretching.

Surgery for Tight Foreskin

You can undergo either preputioplasty for phimosis reconstruction or frenuloplasty for frenulum breve. Both procedures require incisions and stitches. In can also be done at the same time and local anesthesia is used for this kind of procedures. It is expected that his kind of surgery will have a recovery period of at least four weeks.

You can also have circumcision for both treatment of phimosis and frenulum breve. Circumcision, once done, is a final procedure. Once you decide to undergo this procedure, there will be no turning back or redoing it. Hence, making this procedure the last option for surgery.