Problem or not so much??

[campbellsoup]

My 3 1/2 year old intact son started complaining today that his penis hurts. He says it does not hurt while he is peeing. The tip of his foreskin is pretty pink and when he pushes it back (he is fully retracted) the tip of his penis is the same color.

Is this just a minor irritation caused by.... well, anything. Should I be at all concerned. What can I do to help it heal? I know baths are good for a lot of irritations in that area. Unfortunately we only have a shower. Does this warrant a trip to Grandma's for a good soak?

Any thoughts? Anyone?

[Tjej]

When my son gets a little pink it's because he hasn't been drinking enough water and the pee is concentrated and irritates it a little. So maybe drink more water and see if that helps.

Tjej

[MCatLvrMom2A&X]

Maybe use a gentle barrier cream on it and baking soda baths can be soothing. I didnt see anything about your post that would overly concern me just keep an eye on things.

[eepster]

Is the retracting a new thing? Maybe, he has just been playing with it a bit too much. If he has just discovered retraction, he may just be really fascinated by it. Just try to distract him and keep a pair of pants on for a little while to let it rest.

Another thing, with a retractable child that young, some times they try to stick things inside (guess how I know this .)

Make sure he always returns it to its down unretracted position after retracting.

[campbellsoup]

Good thoughts!

With the barrier cream, do I apply that just on the outside or retract and dab?

He is fascinated by the retraction. He discovered this new trick...mmm... about 4 months ago. I was shocked because my two older boys are not yet retractable.

My little guy was thrilled. He does play with it often but I would have thought if it was going to get sore, it would have been in the first week or two of the discovery. He has slowed down. I don't know, maybe he was getting a little rougher than usual? I haven't noticed him trying to stick things in there, but I would not be surprised... thanks for the heads up, eepster! A newer thing, he really likes to retract before he pees to see "where the pee comes from." Should I tell him not to do that? Would that be extra irritating?

[MCatLvrMom2A&X]

I wouldnt tell him not to but I would make sure to wash him hands often. Even a little dirt can be irritating. Also make sure to keep those nails clipped they can do a number on the sensitive glans and foreskin.

I would just keep the barrier cream on the tip of the foreskin and it will usually work down under there. Putting it on the glans might cause clogged pores (just a guess on the pores)