A painful problem.

Foreskins and zippers can result in a painful problem--entrapment of the foreskin in the zipper. The traditional way to release the foreskin is to cut the median bar of the zipper--the piece of central piece of metal at the top of the zipper slide. Cutting this small piece of metal can be tough, though, particularly if the boy is crying and uncooperative and the parents are panicked. When the boy sees the wire cutters his level of panic can increase.

An alternative method to release the foreskin from a zipper is to soak the area with mineral oil. According to Steven M. Selbst, MD, professor of pediatrics at Jefferson Medical College, the secret is to use a lot of mineral oil, pour it over the boy's genitalia and zipper, then wait for 20-30 minutes to let the oil soak in. Most times the foreskin will slide out on its own. If not, a little help from a cotton swab may be needed.

Typically, no additional treatment is needed except to keep the area clean and to watch for infection.

Pediatric News, 02/12