Urethritis with Vulvitis (Caused by Soap)
What is causing the pain?
Your little girl may have pain, burning, or stinging when
she urinates (pees). Bubble bath, shampoo, or soap can
cause her vagina and the area around her vagina to be tender
or sore. If any of those parts are sore, it can hurt when
your little girl pees.
How can I take care of my child?
Here's what you can do to help:
Have your little girl soak in a basin or bathtub of warm
water for 20 minutes.
- Put 4 tablespoons of baking soda in the water.
- Be sure she spreads her legs and allows the water to soak
the area around her vagina.
- Do not use soap.
- Soak every 4 hours during the day on the first day.
After that soak just once a day until the symptoms are
gone.
How can I help prevent the pain from coming back?
- Do not wash between her legs with soap.
- Do not use bubble bath or put soap or shampoo in her bath
water.
- Keep bath time short, less than 15 minutes.
- Have your little girl pee right after she takes a bath.
- Teach your little girl to wipe from front to back after
going to the toilet.
- Have her go to the bathroom at least every 4 hours during
the day.
Call your doctor right away if:
- The pain when your child goes to the bathroom is very
bad.
- She also has stomach or back pain.
- Your child starts to act very sick.
Call your doctor during office hours if:
- She still has pain more than 24 hours after you have had
her soak.
- Your child also has a fever.
- You have other questions or concerns.
Written by B.D. Schmitt, M.D., author of "Your Child's Health," Bantam Books.
This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to
change as new health information becomes available. The
information is intended to inform and educate and is not a
replacement for medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or
treatment by a healthcare professional.
Copyright © 2006 McKesson Corporation and/or one of its subsidiaries. All Rights Reserved.