Sometimes children get a small cut or tear near the vagina. It usually happens by accident when the child is playing sports or during a straddle injury, when the child falls with their legs around an object, such as a bicycle seat or bar or a monkey bar. Tears near the vagina usually heal quickly.

Here's how to care for your child.

Follow your healthcare provider's recommendations for:

• How to clean the area
• Using any ointments or creams
• Putting a bandage on the area, if needed
• When your child can go back to sports and active play

For comfort:

• On the first day after the injury, place a cool washcloth or ice pack wrapped in a towel on the injured area for 15 minutes a few times a day, when your child is awake.
• After 24 hours, have your child sit in a tub of plain warm water (no soap or bubble bath) in the morning and before bed until the injury heals.
• If needed, give acetaminophen (Tylenol® or a store brand) or ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®, or a store brand). Follow the package directions for how much to give and how often. Don't give ibuprofen to babies under 6 months old.
• For sitting, an air-filled rubber or foam "donut" pillow may help.

Your child has:

• Bleeding from the injured area
• Worsening or severe pain
• Signs of a wound infection, such as redness near the injured area, fever, or worsening pain

Your child has blood in their pee, has trouble peeing, or can't pee at all.

Do tears near the vagina need other treatment? Sometimes a tear near the vagina will need stitches to help it heal.

What if my child gets another tear near the vagina? You should bring your child to your healthcare provider if they get another tear. It's always important to know the cause of a tear in the vaginal area and to make sure other treatment isn't needed.