Phimosis is a condition that is characterized by the inability to retract the foreskin over the penile glans or the head of the penis.
To manage this condition, topical steroid creams, also called phimosis treatment creams, are prescribed to the individual as a non-surgical alternative.
Phimosis cream is a type of mild corticosteroid cream that is applied topically on the foreskin itself. These creams work by softening the foreskin to help loosen and stretch over time.
Phimosis creams are generally considered to be an effective treatment for mild to moderate cases of phimosis, with success rates ranging from 65-70%. Your healthcare provider may also recommend them before moving to more invasive surgical procedures such as circumcision.
But which is the best steroid cream for phimosis? What are their benefits? In this blog, we aim to provide an answer to those questions and also give a better understanding of phimosis creams and if it is a good option for you.
Best Steroid Creams for Phimosis
There are various steroid-based phimosis creams that urologists commonly prescribe as an effective treatment for phimosis. Depending on the severity of your condition, your urologist will be able to decide which is the best cream for phimosis that would suit you. Some of the commonly prescribed steroid creams for phimosis in adults and children are given below:
Betnovate-N
Betnovate-N is a topical steroid-based ointment that is generally considered to be the best cream for phimosis. Betnovate-N consists of a steroid named betamethasone, which can significantly reduce inflammation and aid in softening and stretching the foreskin.
Betnovate-N is generally recommended to be used at least 4-5 times a week in the quantity and direction prescribed by your doctor. This phimosis cream is also not recommended for children below the age of 1. If your child is struggling with phimosis, it is best to consult your healthcare provider before using this ointment.
Temovate
Temovate is another topical steroid cream considered the best for phimosis in adults. Temovate consists of a corticosteroid – 0.05% clobetasol propionate, which is generally recommended for treating symptoms of skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, and various allergies. But it can also relieve symptoms related to phimosis, such as swelling, itching, and redness.
Before using Temovate, it is advisable to consult your urologist. Most urologists recommend using temovate twice a day for not more than 2 weeks as prolonged use can also have side effects.
Canesten
Canesten is an antifungal cream that is generally prescribed for cases of phimosis caused by a fungal infection. Canesten mainly consists of clotrimazole, an antifungal medicine that can help you reduce soreness and inflammation of the penis caused by phimosis. Canesten should be applied over the affected area at least 2-3 times a day for up to 2 weeks.
Hydrocortisone
Compared to Betamethasone-based cream for phimosis, Hydrocortisone is a more mild steroid cream for phimosis.
Hydrocortisone can be used to alleviate inflammation caused by phimosis and help in softening and stretching the foreskin. Your urologist may also recommend hydrocortisone if your phimosis is caused by a bacterial infection.
Aristospan
Aristospan is another topical steroid cream for phimosis in adults that contains triamcinolone acetonide as its main active ingredient.
Aristospan has anti-inflammatory properties and helps reduce symptoms of phimosis, such as pain and soreness.
For better results, your urologist may also recommend performing gentle foreskin stretching exercises along with the use of aristospan.
Ilotycin
Ilotycin is an antibiotics cream that contains erythromycin as its main component, which is effective against harmful bacterial growth. Ilotycin is commonly recommended by urologists and is considered one of the best cream for phimosis if it’s caused by a bacterial infection.
It is to be noted that before using any of the above-mentioned creams for phimosis, it is essential to consult with a healthcare professional regarding your condition and determine if phimosis cream is the right treatment for you.
While these creams may be effective, they come with their own set of potential side effects. Thus, proper guidance regarding their use is necessary.
Benefits of Steroid Cream for Phimosis
Steroid cream for phimosis in adults can have various benefits, such as:
Preservation of the foreskin
Oftentimes, individuals avoid undergoing more invasive treatments for phimosis, such as circumcision, to preserve and maintain their foreskin. For such individuals, these steroid-based creams provide an effective and feasible, non-surgical option for phimosis treatment.
Avoidance of surgical risks
While complications of any kind after a circumcision surgery are rare, they can still happen and should not be taken lightly. Phimosis creams provide a safe and effective alternative for treating phimosis without the risks of any surgical complications such as excessive bleeding, infection, anesthesia complications, etc.
Relief from symptoms
Each prescribed cream for phimosis provides significant relief from the symptoms caused by phimosis, such as pain with an erection or during sexual activity, blood in urine, recurrent urinary tract infection, soreness, etc.
Better hygiene
A loose foreskin that can be easily retracted over the penile glans will allow you to maintain better genital hygiene and avoid excess accumulation of any microbes, bacteria, or smegma under the foreskin. Clean and hygienic penis glans significantly reduce your chances of developing balanitis or UTI as well.
What is the best treatment for phimosis?
Advanced and minimally invasive surgical procedures such as laser circumcision are generally considered to be safe and effective treatments for phimosis.
The non-surgical solution, such as phimosis treatment cream for adults, is generally considered in mild to moderate cases of phimosis, where the tightness of the foreskin does not cause significant discomfort or difficulty with penile hygiene. In more severe cases, circumcision may be the only effective solution.
While steroid cream for phimosis may present positive results in some patients, its effectiveness highly depends on the specific cause and severity of the condition. It is also to be noted that phimosis cream is not a permanent solution or cure for phimosis, and your condition may reoccur once you’ve stopped its application.
Conclusion
We understand that the thought of undergoing a circumcision procedure can initially be intimidating. Many people would rather choose non-surgical options such as phimosis creams over circumcision simply because of their non-invasive nature.
However, modern methods of circumcision, such as laser circumcision, are not only minimally invasive but also have short recovery periods. Due to its precise nature, there is almost no risk of excessive bleeding or other complications, and the cosmetic results are also great.
If you are struggling with phimosis, you can get in touch with our highly qualified and experienced team of urologists and learn more about laser circumcision and its benefits.
