title: A conservative treatment of phimosis in boys.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of topical applications of clobetasol propionate cream in the treatment of phimosis in boys and a comparison of the results presented with an overview of the current studies.
  
  
  METHODS
  In a prospective study, 94 boys (mean age 5.5 years) were treated with topical applications of 0.05% clobetasol propionate cream twice daily. The prepuce was treated for 1 month, with an attempt at prepuce retraction after 14 days. The boys were evaluated after 1 month of treatment and every 3 months during follow-up.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of the 94 boys, 91 were available for follow-up, of whom 42 boys (46.1%) achieved complete retraction of the prepuce, 24 (26.4%) had only preputial adhesions and 4 (4.4%) had partial retraction. Twenty-one boys (23.1%) had no response. The treatment was continued in 13 boys with good results eventually. Seven boys (7.7%) had recurrence after a mean follow-up of 4.3 months (range 2-7). No side effects were noted. Circumcision was necessary in 24 of the 91 boys (26.4%). The mean follow-up was 11.0 months (range 3-18).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Local application of clobetasol propionate cream is a simple, safe and effective treatment for phimosis in boys and avoids circumcision and its associated risks. It should be offered first instead of circumcision.
authors.affiliation: Department of Urology, Atrium Medical Centre, Heerlen, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: P H
authors.initials: PH
authors.lastname: ter Meulen
authors.forename: K P
authors.initials: KP
authors.lastname: Delaere
mesh_terms: D000287:Administration, Topical; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002990:Clobetasol / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000031:analogs & derivatives*; D005938:Glucocorticoids; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010688:Phimosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D011446:Prospective Studies
chemical_list: D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D005938:Glucocorticoids; D002990:Clobetasol