scratching stomach and penis

[jarrahsmumma]

hi other mummas out there,
having some 'issues' with my 8 1/2 month old son, when ever he has his singlet and nappy off he scratches at his stomach (even with very short nails) and his penis...he has given himself a large red mark underneath his penis.

i have been putting zinc and castor oil cream on him to stop wee irritating it...any other suggestions?

also is this normal? there is no rash or other marks. could he have a belly ache or when he scratches his penis could he have a urinary infection? he really pulls and stretches it out...my CHN said that playing with it was normal etc...but he really seems to tear at it.

thanks natalie

[jembelina]

Sounds completely normal to me. My little guy has just recently found his penie too - so, so entertaining!lol! I have heard so many dads say that it makes their eyes water just to watch what they can manage to do to themselves!! He plays with his belly too. It is all part of them discovering their bodies. I think you would know if he had a urinary infection or a stomach ache, but there is no harm in getting him checked out just to set your mind at ease :)

[drewid]

Yep, my 7mth old is doing the same thing! He doesn't even seem to know he's doing it sometimes, its just one more thing to play with! :)

[TwoBlue]

It sounds to me like your little man is just discovering his body....

Unfortunately men seem to discover their bits at an early age and from that day onwards i dont think they ever leave them alone for too long :o
HEHE

I would keep using a barrier cream on the scratches like sudocream or bepanthen or even paw paw cream is good, this will help them from getting any more irritated, otherwise dont worry about it :)
If the "sores/scratches" get worse then see your GP

Cheers

[red crayon]

Same here. Spencer's 8 months and as soon as the nappy somes off, he's off and scratching his tummy and grabbing his penis. Part of the discovery process . He's probably practising for when he gets older :D

[Ky]

Sometimes they are so incredibly rough with themselves ... scratching, stretching, pulling etc that I don't know how they are not in immense pain afterward.

It really is totally normal and like with most men ... almost a reflex to play with themselves!

Just wait until there is no nappy on all day to stop prying fingers!