Soap induced urethral pain in boys.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To describe the cause, possible pathogenesis and management of "idiopathic" urethral pain in boys. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Eighteen boys presenting with distal urethral pains over a period of 12 years were reviewed and their responses to the application of bland petroleum jelly to the external urethral meatus before each soap bath was noted. RESULTS: The symptoms started suddenly while bathing with soap. Penile erections at onset occurred in 14 (78%). Two (11%) had purulent urethral discharge and 1 (5.5%) had meatal stenosis. Application of bland petroleum jelly to the external urethral meatus before each soap bath satisfactorily controlled the urethral pains. CONCLUSION: "Idiopathic urethral pain in boys" may be due to soap induced chemical urethritis and responds well to application of bland petroleum jelly to the external urethral meatus before each soap bath with appropriate antibiotics when there is associated purulent urethral discharge.