Foreskin
The most actively discussed problem among mothers and endless disputes between pediatricians and pediatric urologists and andrologists is the problem of a boy’s foreskin. The head of the penis must be covered! This is a condition for the pre-development of the skin of the glans penis, the inner layer of the foreskin, the nerve endings of this very important area for a boy’s sexual life, the condition for the correct formation of the preputial sac, the space between the inner layer of the foreskin and the head of the penis. There, the ducts of the glands open, and factors for the immunological protection of the glans penis from possible inflammation are formed.
Until the child is 2.5 years old, the head of the penis should be physiologically covered. It is necessary to stop attempts to actively open it, because... this can lead to injury to the glans penis and inner layer of the foreskin and cause degenerative processes in the tissues of these formations, which will lead to the formation of a “dry glans penis” and contribute to more frequent inflammation. Traumatization of the foreskin and glans when trying to actively open it also occurs due to the low elasticity of these tissues at this age. Only upon reaching the period of adrenarche - the first wave of hormonal maturation of the boy - by 5-5.5 years, the elasticity of the foreskin will be much higher and the head of the penis can be opened much more easily.
Physiological structure of the baby
The genital organ of newborns and infants is significantly different from that of an adult. The foreskin of the penis is connected to the head and reliably protects the latter from mechanical damage and contamination. This is the so-called physiological phimosis. Smegma, secreted by special glands, has antimicrobial properties, which prevents infection from entering the genitourinary canal.
The genital organ of newborns and infants differs significantly from its adult “analog”
From birth to 3 years of age, adhesion of the foreskin and glans is usually observed up to the urethral opening. By the age of five, the head is already half exposed. Complete release of the head becomes possible only by the age of 8–10 years.
How often should procedures be performed?
Hygienic measures for the boy’s genitals should be carried out when they are contaminated with meconium and the child’s stool; for older children, no more than once a day, using neutral soaps and gels for washing the child. It is necessary to wash the penis only from the outside. There is no point in making active attempts to wash the preputial sac; firstly, it is difficult, and secondly, there is a huge risk of injury and infection with the subsequent development of tissue inflammation, as well as irritation of immature tissue of the glans penis and foreskin with bathing products.
In children aged 4-4.5 years, while washing, you can try to gently move the foreskin, gradually opening the head of the penis. This allows you to perform hygienic measures both on the head of the penis and on the inner layer of the foreskin.
How to wash a newborn boy?
There are general requirements for personal hygiene of infants, regardless of gender:
- change the diaper at least once every 3 hours;
- wash with water after each bowel movement;
- Use soap once a day when you bathe, preferably simple baby soap;
- do not abuse gels with fragrances and fragrances.
Pediatricians at the clinic and Dr. Komarovsky’s school recommend bathing your child daily. Of course, this procedure is necessary not only for hygienic purposes. This is a good massage and a way to harden newborns.
But if you are dead tired or your hot water is suddenly turned off, you can skip one day.
So, how to properly wash a newborn boy:
- Place an old blanket on your bed or changing table (which is much better for your back). Top with a clean diaper, then oilcloth and disposable film. Don't be fooled by the fact that your baby has already peed. During the process of changing clothes, the child can pee a couple more times in several places, and boys are especially inventive in this regard.
- Place your son on his back, lift him by the legs with one hand, and pull the diaper out from under him with the other.
- Remove any remaining feces with wet wipes.
- With a quick movement, turn the baby over so that he lies with his stomach on your hand. In this case, it is convenient to slightly press your head to your body (do not overdo it!), The legs hang down.
- Place your butt under running water. With the other hand (usually the right one), wash towards the sacrum so that the feces do not get on the genitals.
- You should wipe with a blotting motion. Do not rub too hard, even on an older child. The skin in intimate places is delicate. This may cause irritation.
- Let the skin dry, treat it with cream or sprinkle with powder. But one thing. When used together with cream, the powder accumulates in lumps in the groin folds and causes discomfort.
- We give the baby time to lie naked. Air baths are always useful.
- We put on a clean diaper and clean clothes.
Do not neglect the rules of intimate hygiene for boys. Proper hygiene of a newborn boy is the beginning and guarantee of intimate health. Your task in the future is to teach your child to wash himself properly. Few people, as teenagers, wash or change clothes in front of their mother. Instill personal hygiene skills now.
About phimosis
Phimosis is a narrowing of the foreskin that does not allow the head of the penis to open freely. “Physiological phimosis” is an absolutely normal condition of a child’s healthy penis until the tissues fully mature and the head opens independently. The so-called “synechias” are physiological adhesions between the glans penis and the inner layer of the foreskin; this is nothing more than a manifestation of tissue maturation against the background of low levels of sex hormones. Normally, they do not require active breeding!
Pathological phimosis is a condition that requires observation and treatment by a pediatric urologist-andrologist, which solves the problems of recurring inflammation of the glans penis and altered tissue of the foreskin. The treatment uses antiseptic solutions, local creams or ointments containing antibacterial and anti-inflammatory (hormonal) components. In exceptional cases, a decision is made to circumcise the child’s foreskin.
Intimate hygiene products
To carry out proper hygiene procedures, the mother will have to purchase all the necessary products in advance. Some of them will be useful already in the maternity hospital.
Disposable diapers
This remedy is necessary not only to make the mother’s life easier, but also to maintain the health of the newborn girl. Modern diapers are made from special materials that instantly absorb moisture. This allows you to avoid an allergic reaction on the delicate skin of a newborn girl.
Frequently changing diapers is the basic rule of caring for a baby. You should avoid using this product around the clock. Ideally, the diaper should be worn at night and for walks.
Wet wipes
This product was created to keep the baby clean when there is no water nearby. However, napkins should not be a substitute for proper washing or bathing. You should only purchase them in pharmacies, having previously studied the composition. You need to be prepared for the fact that your baby may have an allergic reaction to a cosmetic product.
Baby soap
Despite the fact that bathing a baby with soap is often not recommended, this product should be present in a young mother’s cabinet. It is also worth purchasing it at a pharmacy. It is better to give preference to classic solid baby soap without fragrances.
Sterile cotton wool
This product will be needed to remove smegma, treat the skin with antiseptic solutions (if necessary), remove mucus, etc. For the hygiene of a newborn girl, sterile cotton wool in the form of pressed balls is perfect.
Antiseptic solution
You don't have to use the product every day. An antiseptic is necessary if the baby develops a rash or irritation on the skin. Solutions of Chlorhexidine or Mirasmistin are suitable for caring for a baby. You can use 3% Hydrogen Peroxide with a dispenser.
Baby oil
With this product, you will need to treat the folds in the area of the baby’s labia majora to avoid dryness and irritation of the delicate skin. It is also recommended to purchase baby oil at a pharmacy. Some mothers use regular sunflower oil. This is absolutely not allowed! Only sterile product should be used.
Baby oil is also useful for treating folds throughout the baby’s body, as well as for massage.
Water thermometer
The baby should be bathed in water whose temperature is comfortable for the child (34–37 degrees). To accurately measure, you need a special device.
Creams and ointments for skin regeneration
If your baby has diaper dermatitis, special products from the pharmacy will help quickly restore the delicate skin. Excellent results are shown by creams Bepanten, Rescuer, Desitin, etc.
Important points
The foreskin should not interfere with the flow of urine during urination, causing the foreskin to swell and creating high pressure in the cavity of the preputial sac. This leads to serious disorders of the lower urinary tract with a risk of impaired renal function. Also, the foreskin should not be injured and cause pain when the child has erections. These deviations require contacting a pediatric urologist-andrologist to develop tactics for opening the glans penis.
Remember, the main principle is do no harm! Health to your kids!
MAKE AN APPOINTMENT WITH A UROLOGIST
Ventilation
Disposable diapers are a wonderful invention that make life easier for millions of moms and dads every day. Now it’s even difficult to imagine how you can do without this useful thing. Unfortunately, you often have to pay a high price for convenience.
The reproductive organs of boys are designed in such a way that the gonads are located outside the body to maintain optimal temperature. And if the little boy is in a diaper around the clock, the testicles are constantly overheating, which can negatively affect his reproductive health in the future. In addition, the lack of natural ventilation and high humidity are an ideal environment for pathogenic flora. Boys who wear diapers for a long time without a break are more likely to suffer from diseases such as candidiasis and balanoposthitis.
Remove the diaper more often, allowing your baby to feel freer and his delicate skin to breathe
Therefore, remove the diaper more often, allowing your baby to feel freer and his delicate skin to breathe.
Opinion of E. O. Komarovsky
The pediatrician believes that a newborn should be bathed in a large, adult bathtub . The main purpose of the procedure is to tire the baby before bedtime. Evgeniy Olegovich recommends gradually reducing the temperature of the bathing water so that the baby becomes more active during bathing, becomes tired and cold. After such stress, the baby will eat with appetite and fall asleep for 6-9 hours.
The recommended bathing temperature is 33-34⁰С (for a large bathtub where there is room for movement) and 36⁰С for a small plastic bathtub. Every week, reduce the temperature by 1⁰C, bringing it to 21-26⁰C. Bathing time is at least 15 minutes, gradually increase to 30-40 minutes. It's worth bathing every day. You should not carry out the procedure if the child has a fever.
The water does not need to be treated specifically ; it is enough if the apartment has filters that purify tap water. You can add a glass of string decoction to the water. There is no need to boil water for bathing.
It is quite normal if the baby periodically dives during bathing. Before the baby is 2-3 months old, there is a strong breath holding reflex when in contact with liquid. Diving helps clear the airways. If your baby drinks water during the procedure, you should offer your baby some drinking water before bathing. Water getting into the ears also does not cause any complications. After bathing, dry the external ear canals using cotton wool.
After bathing, the child’s body needs to be wet and the condition of the skin inspected. Healthy skin does not require additional treatment . If necessary, damaged areas need to be treated. Basic rule: dry - moisturize (cream, oil), wet - dry (powder, talc).
Basic rules for washing newborn boys
Washing a boy should be done not only when he has crap himself and peed himself. After each diaper change, it is necessary to wash the diaper, as the child sweats. The diaper needs to be changed regularly, even if the baby has not done his business, it is still necessary to change it from time to time. Please note that if the diaper is clean, there is no need to use soap. It can only be used when the child has crap himself. Soap should not contain any cosmetic fragrances. Do not rub your baby with a washcloth, his skin is very delicate and you can damage it. Hygiene procedures must be carried out carefully and gently. After bathing, do not immediately swaddle your baby, wait 15-20 minutes until he is completely dry.
