Overview

Urethritis is a swelling of the urethra. This is the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body. Sometimes the problem can be caused by the chemicals in soap, bubble bath, or laundry soap. This is called chemical urethritis. The symptoms may seem like a urinary tract infection. But it isn't an infection.

In most cases, this problem goes away in a few days if your child stays away from the chemical.

How can you care for your child at home?

• Give your child an over-the-counter pain medicine, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) for pain or fever. Do not use ibuprofen if your child is less than 6 months old unless the doctor gave you instructions to use it. Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
• Do not give your child two or more pain medicines at the same time unless the doctor told you to. Many pain medicines have acetaminophen, which is Tylenol. Too much acetaminophen (Tylenol) can be harmful.
• Keep your child's genital area clean. Wash the area with water and mild non-perfumed soap. Rinse and dry well. Or have your child sit in warm water (sitz bath) 3 times a day and after bowel movements. The warm water helps with pain and itching.
• Avoid the substance that caused the problem. Do not let your child take bubble baths or use perfumed soaps, powders, or lotions. These products can irritate the skin.