Home Care Advice for Minor Genital Injuries
- Bleeding:
- For any bleeding, apply direct pressure for 10 minutes with a sterile gauze.
- Note: minor cuts in the genital area can cause much oozing of blood because of the rich blood supply.
- For the same reason, the area heals quickly (3 or 4 days).
- Cut or Scrape Treatment:
- Wash the wound with soap and water for 5 minutes.
- For any dirt, scrub gently with a wash cloth.
- Apply an antibiotic ointment such as Polysporin (no prescription needed) 2 times per day.
- Local Cold: For bruises or swelling, apply a cold wet washcloth to the area once for 20 minutes if tolerated. (Reason: reduce the bleeding and pain).
- Pain Medicine: Give acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol) or ibuprofen as needed for pain relief.
- Expected Course: Cuts and other minor injuries in the genital area heal quickly in 3 or 4 days.
- Call Your Doctor If:
- Pain becomes severe
- Passing urine becomes difficult or painful
- Your child becomes worse
And remember, contact your doctor if your child develops any of the “Call Your Doctor” symptoms.
Disclaimer: This information is not intended be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information.
Author and Senior Reviewer: Barton D. Schmitt, M.D.
Last Reviewed: 9/15/2011
Last Revised: 8/1/2011
Content Set: Pediatric HouseCalls Symptom Checker
Copyright 1994-2012 Barton D. Schmitt, M.D.