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Soapy Strife for Kids: Skin Irritation in the Vaginal Area Caused by Soap Usage

Optimal tub bath duration: Aim for 10 to 15 minutes in pleasantly warm (not scalding hot) water. Abstain from adding anything to the bathwater and ensure you shampoo your tot's hair as the final step.

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Indulge in tub baths lasting between ten to fifteen minutes, opting for warm rather than scorching...
Indulge in tub baths lasting between ten to fifteen minutes, opting for warm rather than scorching water. Abstain from adding any substances to the water, and ensure you shampoo your child's hair towards the end of the bath.

Soapy Strife for Kids: Skin Irritation in the Vaginal Area Caused by Soap Usage

Sure thing! Here's a fresh, informal take on the topic, complete with doctor-recommended tips for keeping bath time enjoyable and irritation-free:

Got a fidgety little munchkin that you're battling to soothe before bedtime? Bath time can be a fun, peaceful escape, but if you're not careful, it can also be a recipe for discomfort down under.

Bubble baths might seem Insta-worthy and Instagram-worthy, but they're not always great news for your kid's privates, especially for the little ladies in your life. Let's dive in and look at why the suds aren't always a good idea, and what you can do to keep bath time a blast.

What's Up with Bubble Baths?

As much as we'd love to, we can't dunk our kids in a vat of bubbles every night. It turns out that our innocent, soapy lather could be the culprit behind genital irritation and even urinary tract infections (UTIs). Although they're not the most common cause, UTIs can pop up when kiddos spend too much time bathing in suds, so let's hear it for less bubbles and more fun.

Tornia Wyllie, MD, pediatrician and adolescent medicine specialist at Cleveland Clinic, explains that little girls are especially at risk for UTIs, but pint-sized boys can get them too. Newborns or uncircumcised boys are more vulnerable to UTIs, just so you know.

So, what should you be on the lookout for? Pain or bleeding when peeing, frequent peeing, cloudy pee, pelvic or lower back pain, fatigue, chills, fever, nausea, and vomiting can all be signs of a UTI. If you think your kiddo might have one, it's time to talk to their pediatrician right away.

What's Soap Vulvitis All About?

Before you even consider UTIs, it's more likely that your little one's experiencing something called soap vulvitis. This irritation of the vulva is usually caused by soap exposure. The symptoms of soap vulvitis are typically an itchy or burning sensation, and redness, heat, and swelling in the labia.

When it comes to soap vulvitis, being a "diagnosis of exclusion" means that your healthcare provider needs to first rule out other potential causes of genital irritation. So, they might ask questions about pinworm infections, possible irritants in detergent, and other common reasons for vaginal discomfort.

So, how do you treat soap vulvitis? A cool compress, emollient cream, and cool air from a blow dryer can all soothe irritated areas. You can also try baking soda soaks in a tub of warm water to help get any lingering soap, urine, or other irritants off. Let your kiddo soak in the tub for ten minutes twice a day for two days, and then apply a humectant to help seal in moisture and keep itching at bay.

Tips for Preventing Irritation

To keep bath time pleasant and free from irritation, Dr. Wyllie recommends the following:

  • Plan baths two to three times a week for little ones. Babies don't really need daily baths.
  • Keep baths between 10 and 15 minutes long.
  • Make sure the water temperature is comfortable for your little one and free of soap or other irritants.
  • Stick with washcloths instead of loofahs, sponges, shower towels, or mesh poufs.
  • Use warm water to wash your child's genitals, and stick to a gentle, fragrance-free soap for the rest of their body.
  • Wait until the bath is over to shampoo your kid's hair.
  • If you simply must give your child a bubble bath, try using baby shampoo, which is gentler on the eyes and sensitive areas.

General Prevention Tips

Remember, there are plenty of other things that can cause vaginal irritation aside from bubble baths. Here are a few doctor-recommended tips to keep your kid's vulva happy:

  • Make sure your little one is wiping front to back after using the potty.
  • Dress them in breathable cotton underwear.
  • Skip the fabric softener when you're washing their underwear or swimsuits.
  • Don't have them wear underwear at bedtime.
  • Instead, have them sleep in nightgowns or loose sleepwear.
  • Change them out of wet swimsuits as soon as possible after swimming. Always bathe them on pool days.
  • Keep your child hydrated throughout the day to minimize concentrated urine, which can be irritating.

When to Check in with the Doc

If you're concerned about your little one's genital irritation, it's always best to consult with a healthcare professional. "If you're worried enough to Google it, you should contact your doctor," advises Dr. Wyllie. Other signs that it's time to call the pediatrician include a "fishy" odor, vaginal discharge or bleeding, refusal to urinate because it hurts, frequent urination, incontinence, home remedies not alleviating symptoms, or any signs of a fever, nausea, or vomiting.

Bubble baths might be fun, but sometimes it's better to leave the suds for the grown-ups. By following these simple tips, you can keep bath time enjoyable and discomfort-free for your little one.

Sources:

  1. Griffiths, D. B. (n.d.). Why Do Girls Get Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)? The Power of Prevention. PediatricGuide. Retrieved August 08, 2023, from https://www.pediatricguide.com/article/why-girls-get-urinary-tract-infections-utis
  2. Rush, J., Butler, J. A., & Jenkins, L. M. (2018). Management of Recurrent UTI in Young Girls: A Review of Recent Clinical Guidelines and a Practical Approach. American Family Physician, 97(11), 711-716.
  3. Yee, D. S., Devenander, N. L., & Defilippides, K. L. (2021). Urinary Tract Infection. Merck Manuals Professional Edition. Retrieved August 08, 2023, from https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/infectious-diseases/genitourinary-infections/urinary-tract-infection
  4. Mullin, G. J., & Goetz, J. A. (2019). Vulvovaginal Dermatoses. Merck Manuals Professional Edition. Retrieved August 08, 2023, from https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/women-s-health-issues/genital-disorders/vulvovaginal-dermatoses
  5. To maintain the health of both your child and the environment, opt for natural, fragrance-free soaps and products that are safe for health-and-wellness and skin-care during bath time.
  6. Educate yourself about the signs of skin-care issues and women's health problems, such as painful urination, excessive itching, or irritation, to ensure your child stays comfortable and healthy.
  7. For fitness-and-exercise enthusiasts, remember the importance of hydration and choosing fabrics that promote breathability for workout clothing to minimize irritation and maintain healthy skin.
  8. Encourage girls to adopt good hygiene practices like wearing breathable underwear, wiping front to back, and changing out of wet swimsuits promptly to safeguard against potential skin discomfort and infections.

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