| Keep the area around the vagina clean, dry, and aired out |
- Do not dress children in tight-fitting pajamas. Nightgowns allow air to circulate.
- Dress children in cotton underpants. Double-rinse underwear after washing to avoid residue from detergent. Do not use fabric softeners for underwear and swimsuits.
- Avoid tights, leotards, and leggings. Skirts and loose-fitting pants allow air to circulate.
- Do not let children sit in wet swimsuits for long periods of time.
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| Have the child take warm baths each day |
- Do not use bubble baths or perfumed soaps.
- Let the child soak in clean water (no soap) for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Do not use soap on the genital area. Use soap to wash other parts of the body just before taking the child out of the tub.
- Rinse the genital area well, and gently pat dry.
- You can use a hair dryer on the cool setting to help dry the genital area.
- If the area around the vagina is tender or swollen, cool compresses might help. Using an "emollient" cream or lotion might help protect skin. Ask your child's doctor or nurse for a recommendation.
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| Review toilet hygiene with the child |
- Help children younger than 5 with bathroom hygiene.
- Have children sit with knees apart when urinating. If this is hard for them, they can use a child's seat that sits on top of the toilet. Or they can sit backward on the toilet (facing the toilet).
- Make sure that the child wipes from front to back after bowel movements.
- You can use wipes instead of toilet paper as long as they don't sting.
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