How To Stop Child's Habit Of Playing With Genitals And Hitting Head When Angry?

Posted on Wed, 11 Dec 2013

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 11 Dec 2013 Answered on

Mon, 30 Dec 2013 Last reviewed on

Question : Good morning Doctor, this is XXXXX need your advice - XXXXXXX is 2yrs 5months old, he plays with his penis a lot now a days.... It's like he likes masturbation kind... And when he gets angry he hits himself on his head or on his penis. We are worried about this, Today he started complaining about pain in penis. Please advise : A. How to treat him for pain? B. Stop him from this habit? Regards

Answered by Dr. Deepak Kishore Kaltari (19 minutes later)

Brief Answer: Its Normal phenomenon seen in children Detailed Answer: Namasthe Welcome to Healthcare-Magic Greetings of the day Dear Mr XXXXXXX Being a Pediatric Surgeon i encounter many such cases. Its quite normal for a child around the age of 2- 3 years to be fascinated about their genitals . They usually play around with their genitals. Its a general advise with the parents to just neglect, the children usually overcome this habit over period of time. Head banging or hitting is also common, it requires lot of patience on part of parents to handle it. Suggest you to speak gently with him and ask him not to do. If there is no external injury on penis, no swelling and is voiding urine noramlly there is no cause of concern. Making him sit in a Hot water tub(Lukewarm water) will relieve the pain. Add a Handful of common table salt in a tub of water and make him sit in for 15-20 minutes. Repeat it thrice a day. He will enjoy it and also divert his mind away from it. In case you need any further assistance, will be glad to assist you. Wishing you happy and healthy life Take Care Best Regards Dr Deepak K K MBBS,MS,MCH Consultant Pediatric Surgeon

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E