Burning with Urination and Genital Pain in Children

Why is my child uncomfortable?

Young girls may complain of mild pain in their genitals or burning as they urinate. The irritation that they feel may lead to itching. Usually, these complaints are caused by irritation to the vagina and the opening of the urethra. 

Young boys may also have the same complaints, especially if they are uncircumcised and they develop irritation around the meatus (opening where urine is passed). 

The irritation usually results from bubble baths, shampoo, or soap that was left in the genital area. It can also be caused by concentrated urine that is passed as your child urinates. 

If your child has these complaints, you should get a urine culture done by their healthcare provider to make sure they do not have a urinary tract infection. 

What happens if the urine culture is negative?

It should not be treated with antibiotics. If the urine culture is negative, there is no infection to treat.

How can I help my child to feel better if they don’t need antibiotics?

• Increase water intake to help flush the urinary tract for the next several days. Avoid bladder irritants such as caffeine, citrus, and carbonation

• Warm soaks in the bath with a mixture of water and baking soda (4 tablespoons). Make sure your daughter spreads her legs allowing the water to sooth her genital area. DO NOT use soap. This can be repeated every four hours.

• Apply a cream such as Vaseline®, Desitin®, or A&D® ointment to the affected area. In young boys, apply Vaseline around their meatus.

How can I prevent this from happening again?

• Water!! Your child should drink 3 to 4 large glasses of water each day. This will dilute the urine that is passed and prevent concentrated urine from irritating the genitals. Their urine should be a very pale-yellow color. If the urine is dark yellow, your child needs to drink more water.

• Make sure your child is emptying their bladder on a routine schedule (every 2 to 3 hours). If your child holds onto urine, it will become very concentrated and could lead to burning with urination and cause irritation to the genitals.

• Wash the genital area with warm water only.

• Do not use bubble baths

• Shampoo your child’s hair at the end of the bath.

• Have your child urinate after bath time.

• Teach your daughter to wipe front to back, especially after a bowel movement.

Reviewed January 2024 by Tara Phillips, CRNP