A penile adhesion occurs when the shaft skin of the penis sticks or adheres to the head of the penis, also known as the glans. Although penile adhesion can occur in anyone with a penis, it is most common in circumcised boys. The most common cause of penile adhesion is too much skin left in the shaft area after circumcision. Penile adhesions can also form in infants with a lot of fat around the penis and scrotum.
Signs and Symptoms
- The penis appears “buried” in the pubic area
- Smegma; characterized by a white discharge that may look like pus but is actually the accumulation of dead skin cells under the adhesion
- The feeling of tugging during erections
Penile Adhesion Treatment
Most of the time, penile adhesions resolve on their own if left alone. The treatment of penile adhesion often involves separating the shaft skin of the penis from the bulbous structure or the glans. Here are the most common treatments for penile adhesions.
Steroid Creams
This treatment involves a short course of low-dose topical steroid cream, i.e. Betamethasone. The steroid cream is applied to the penis twice daily for four weeks. Steroid cream decreases skin inflammation and increase the elasticity of the skin. We do not usually recommend betamethasone for use in children. However, there should be no problem if the application is limited to a short period of 4-8 weeks. Do not use topical steroids without first consulting your pediatrician.
Petroleum Jelly and/or Vaseline
Petroleum jelly and Vaseline are two semi-solid products of the same category that keep the treated area moist. Parents who are reluctant to use a topical steroid cream, can use petroleum jelly or similar products, like Vaseline. By keeping the adhered area moist, it softens the adhesions and help them break apart. After the adhesion separates, you will notice some redness at the site, which is normal.
Clinical Procedure
If the above methods don’t work, the adhesion can be separated at a clinic by a specialist. A topical anesthetic agent like Lidocaine cream is applied to the site of adhesion. In some cases, the thick and scarred adhesions may require a small surgical cut to separate. For in-office adhesion separation, we typically refer patients to a urologist.
Recircumcision
Recircumcision, or a revision to the original circumcision, may be performed if the skin of the penis is often infected or irritated, or if the adhesion’s density is causing discomfort or a curvature during erections. 
Penile Adhesion Prevention
You can prevent penile adhesion by changing your child’s diaper more often. Penile adhesions are more likely to occur if your child spends too much time in a wet, sticky diaper. You can also pull back the skin of the penis gently and apply petroleum jelly (Vaseline) to the head, or ‘glans’ to prevent adhesions.
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