Q: Is it ok to apply Elocon ointment for a period of 2 months as a remedy for the foreskin not opening up on a 3 year old kid? Or should we go for circumcision?

A:In a child under 12 the foreskin is normally difficult to retract. In over 90% of cases a non-retractable foreskin should be left alone. Only 10% of cases, or fewer, require circumcision. Please do NOT apply ointments to retract the foreskin. Please do NOT attempt to forcibly retract the foreskin, or to stretch it with instruments. If you have doubts, meet a paediatric surgeon. (Not paediatrician, not a general surgeon.) The paediatric surgeon will advise you whether or not the child needs circumcision.