The reason being usually a loose circumcision. The doctor cannot see what is going on underneath the clamp. Following surgery, if no attempt is made to separate the overlying skin, adhesions or synechia will develop and this ultimately leads to a skin bridge. Most skin bridges will not bleed but underneath there is often accumulation of smegma which is not healthy. Here is a typical letter from a patient with skin bridges.
Dr. Reed,
I am an 18 year old with two thin skin bridges– well, I used to have two! My girlfriend and I are both very prude as we are committed to being abstinent until marriage, but it proved to be a bad thing in this case. We were kissing and grinding last night, clothes on, when I suddenly felt a sharp pain “down there.” Not wanting to ruin the moment, I dismissed it and went on my merry way. It didn’t occur to me to check it out until things had calmed down and I noticed some discomfort.
I got home and checked it out, and to my horror, there was blood in my pants! It was one of the scariest oments of my life. I didn’t know what a skin bridge was and researched like mad until I learned all about them– that they are not uncommon and they are simply extra pieces of skin. From all the blood, I thought I had ruptured an artery or something! Like I said, this was yesterday. I scheduled an appointment to meet with my general practice doctor a week from today, which is his earliest appointment at this time. In the mean time, I need answers! So, after all that exposition, here are my questions:
1. Is it unsafe for me to leave my ruptured skin bridge as-is for a while? Could it get infected or something?
2. Is the surgery for removal of said bridges safe? Is it covered by insurance?
I am very interested in this solution, as the broken bridge is far more unsightly than the original whole one.
If you have any more information that you think would be beneficial to me, I would be very appreciative for it.
Thank you for your help!
“mypantsaresofancy”
Hi Fancy Pants,
Fortunately the bleeding was episodic and now you have an area of opened skin which like any superficial cut, should heal fine, as long as you keep it clean. you may wish to apply an antibacterial ointment.
Yes, removal of skin bridges should be covered by insurance especially given your recent history. Not to worry.
Harold M. Reed, M.D.