Genital Care

Vagina:

• The vagina is self-cleaning and so no special care beyond the washing of the outside of the genital area is needed.
• Inserting anything into the vagina to clean it can damage the skin, which may allow germs in and cause infection.

Penis:

• The tip of the penis and beneath the foreskin should be cleaned regularly once the foreskin moves easily – don’t force the foreskin away from the tip of the penis. It will begin to move back more easily over time.
• Don’t use soap to wash under the foreskin as this may irritate the delicate skin there. Expect to see smegma (white material) under the foreskin – it is natural and isn’t the sign of health problems. Smegma can be washed away during bathing.
• Teach your child to wash his genital area in the same way you teach him to wash the rest of his body.

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This article was written by Ella Walsh for Kidspot. Sources include S.A. Govt’s Parenting and Child Health