My 8 yo son's foreskin is swollen, and red at the tip. There seems to be a clear sticky type discharge on it as well. He has not yet been able to retract his foreskin all the way. This had happened a few years ago and I took him to a urologist. He was given antiboitics and the DR. said it was normal for kids to not to be able to retract their foreskin until later on sometimes. He said not to force it. I obviously don't want to give my son antiboitics now that I understand more about them. I got him to soak the tip in some warm water with sea salt added for 15 mins tonight. Does any one else have any ideas what I should do? I thought about applying coconut oil as well, but havn't done that yet. I have CS, GSE, and many other things kicking around the house, but I find it easier to experiment with alternative treatments on myself than my son, so any guidance would be greatly appreciated. I really want to refrain from taking him to the dr as I know what they well prescribe. I am sure it is some sort of infection because he can't pull the skin back all the way and clean in there proper. He is also in swimming lessons so that may have something to do with it.

I will also mention has no pain when voiding, and I got him to start drinking pure organic unsweetened cranberry juice anyway.

Hmm.. yea sometimes uncut males foreskin doesnt retract properly.. its called phimosis. If it is causing problems I think there is a minor operation they can do to allow it to retract..

Might just be irritated from the swimming/hygiene .. could go away on its own.. sorry dont hae more advice..

My son had to get circumscised at about age 4 for the same reason... I would not put it off and if it has not retracted by now I doubt it will without sugical help.. Better now than later.

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If I go to the DR and they prescribe AB's, I really don't want to give them to him, is there anything else I can try to bring the swelling/reddeness possible infection down? Is the warm salt water a good idea?

Sounds like Balantis.. heres an article: https://www.home-remedies-for-you.com...treatment.html you can look it up on google.. Heres a better article: https://homemade-remedies.com/balanitis.html im sure you can use a natural cream/ointment to apply.. may have to concoct one or maybe find it at a local health store.

Im sure this can be treated without antibiotics.. like most issues.. he needs to keep his hygeine in check though, which is probably hard for an 8 year old.. and maybe he should stop swimming until this clears up. My guess is, he was swimming a lot, and chaffing his penis on his suit, and then probably not drying the area properly which creates a moist environment perfect for yeasts/bacteria etc.

Thanks moxsum, that article suggests both salt water and coconut oil, the first two things that came to my mind. Glad to see I am kinda learing this alt med stuff.

Yea coconut oil is a really good anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, anti-viral etc.. but if you use it, put a little on, and keep an eye on any irritation.. I used it down there one time and it made me itch like crazy.. so keep an eye on it

If the foreskin cannot go back for proper cleaning he will be continually susceptible to infections..

Wonder if colloidal silver products would be of any benefit. You said that he was not having pain when voiding, and the DR said this is normal and not to rush it. I would strongly advise against surgical intervention unless absolutely necessary. Something to think about is scar tissue blocks blood flow and surgery will make scars.

Thanks, I found a Dr. with a website that beleives over 90% of circumcisions are not needed. He beleives it is better to keep intact if possible, and gave me some advice through email that is working.

It is such a relief to hear. This is great news. Good luck.