Son uncircumcised, having problems

[twotwooneb]

My uncircumcised 2.5-year-old son had a bought of balanitis that passed with a series of baths and antibiotics. Fast forward two weeks and now he says his penis hurts, and it appears slightly redder than it should. These problems coincide with his starting potty training--not sure if that has anything to do with it, but we had no trouble at all for the first 2+ years. We DO NOT retract the foreskin but our doctor (who prefers circumcision) told us to pull back and wash what we could after the balanitis. Being circumcised myself and this being first son, I have no experience in this area. Thought we were taking care of things properly but these incidents make us doubt it. Anyone have any experience they might be willing to share in this area?

[Newmom!]

You shouldn't force back the foreskin, but it should be starting to separate a little on it's own - so you should be able to pull some of it back a little and wash those areas.

Consider a second opinion from a doctor who is either pro-not circumcising, or better yet, feels either is an option and knows how to work with issues.

I don't have any experience with non-circumcised care, but I know what I read about making the "decision" that both circumcised and non-circumcised can experience a variety of medical issues, or non at all. A circumcision just yields different issues than non. So as I said, look for a second opinion (maybe a urologist) and don't doubt your decision. And good luck - sometimes these things just happen despite good care.