DS has chronic "tickle" or irritation- won't stop touching it - advice?

[natesmamma]

I posted this in Health and then realized it should have been here.


My son is soon to be 4 and his foreskin has started to retract. He did it himself and said it did not hurt and has developed what seems to be an obsession with fooling with himself, but when we suggest he stop he tells us that his peepee "tickles" and that if he squeezes it the tickle stops. I've watched for signs of a bladder infection, but don't see any. No fever, normal urination, no pain. The tip of the skin is a little red, which is the only thing I can see.

I'd like to hear from other moms with intact boys who have gone through this phase to know what I should do and what I should be concerned about. Right now his hand is in his pants like 24-7.

[MCatLvrMom2A&X]

Honestly it sounds to me like he just likes the feeling of messing with it. Ds went through a stage like that where he wouldnt stop touching it now he is past it. Unless he is in pain I would just chalk it up to the good feeling he gets.

Gentle reminders of not playing with private parts in front of others would be a good thing.

[suburbanrebel]

M 4 year old son has had similar issues. After several doctor and naturopath visits, here is what we've learned to do. If the tip of his foreskin is red it could be from yeast overgrowth. We put an OTC antifungal cream on the tip 2 times a day for 7 - 10 days, and that clears it up. Our naturopath suggested that we use plain whole yogurt next time, if we don't want to use the anti-fungal. I have also read that a liquic acidopholous can be applied to the tip. We have learned that yeast is a very common cause of irritation in the foreskin of intact boys. Besides using the cream, we also give my son probiotics daily. If your son says it "tickels" and it is red, it sounds like there could be irritation there. Trying the yogurt or acidopholous would not hurt him in any way, so you might want to try that.
Good luck!

[latinalonestar]

could be normal separation phase or yeast. If it continues to bother him try monistat cream.