LITTLE ONE'S GOT TROUBLE DOWN THERE???

The private part is such a sacred place, even more so, in children such that it often will sound like an aberration when it is mentioned that a little person has any form of "trouble" down there. However, just as an adult is susceptible to "bottom problems" so are younger people. 

Toddler

Here are a few of such:

URINARY TRACT INFECTION -UTI

UTIs are infections which affect the wee pathway. They are twice as common in girls as boys. This is because the female genitalia is more opened. Pain while urinating is the red flag for this bottom trouble. 

Other telltale signs include more frequent urination, foul-smelling or cloudy urine, sometimes fever or even abdominal pain. 

It is difficult to diagnose this infection in toddlers, as they may not complain that it burns when they pee. Sometimes fever and irritability are the only symptoms.

If a child shows signs of a UTI, such child should see a doctor immediately. They clear up quickly with antibiotics. In the meantime, give plenty of fluids to drink; water and cranberry juice are good choices. 

Cranberry Juice

VULVO-VAGINITIS

Redness, discomfort and itching of the outer part of the vagina (the vulva) is common in young girls. The lining of the vulva tends to be thin and prone to infection from faeces and other irritants (tissue left behind, urine stained panties). 

“Improper hygiene can be tagged responsible here". 
The simple solution here is to teach our daughters, as well as their nannies, to wipe from front to back, especially after a bowel movement, so bits of poop do not end up in the vaginal area. 

Care Tips

Becoming more involved in their hygiene after a wee or poo go a long way to help. Moistened toilet paper or better still a water rinse, will help do a better cleanup job. 

Avoiding chemical irritants in bubble baths and heavily scented soaps,as well not letting her sit in a wet bathing suit for too long, also help prevent this.

If your little girl has any concerns down there, it will do a lot of good for a Doctor to check it out, some medications and cream will take this worry away. 

BALANITIS

Balanitisis another culprit. This happens in boys when the tip and foreskin of the penisi becomes sore, sore, swollen and itchy. It causes discomfort and pain, espeicially when passing uirne. it can alos cause pus to come from the penis. 

Balanitis

It can be cuased by chemicals in soap and also due to poor hygeiene when stool gets caught in the skin, or in children with diabetes or other condiitons that weaken the immue system. Good thing is this clears within  days when appropriate treatment is sought from the doctor.

                        

FEW TIPS TO KEEP TROUBLE AWAY

1. 

Have a bathroom scheudle for your little one- e.g., every 2hours.

2.

To prevent further infections, encourage your child to go when he/she has to go and not hold it.

3. 

Ensure a healthy diet with fruits and vegetables, minimizing processed foods and sugary snacks.

4. 

Encourage drinking lots of fluids, preferabl water.

5. 

Good toilet hygeine- washing of hands properly, wiping from front to back especially for girls, ensuring the foreskin does not trap dirt.

6. 

Seeking medical help immediately

Friendly Bum

Thank you once again for taking time to read through... Always remember never to forget, you are beautiful, just the way you are.

The Underwear Consultant...