Urinary Tract Infections: Prevention Since over 90% of urinary
tract infections or UTIs occur in girls, we're probably talking
about your daughter. Urinary tract infections become recurrent
in 50% of patients. Recurrence is often due to some
misunderstanding about genital hygiene. To prevent future UTI's,
here are some tips: - First: Don't use bubble bath. It's very
irritating to the genital area and removes the secretions that
normally protect the urethra. Shampoo and soapy water are also
irritants. Wash your daughter's genital area with warm water.
Avoid soap until she reaches puberty. Shampoo her hair at the
end of the bath. - Second: Have your child urinate following
baths. - Third: Encourage her to drink adequate fluids each day
to keep the urine light-colored. This will increase the amount
of urine produced and the extra urine washes germs out of the
bladder. - Fourth: Encourage her to empty her bladder every 3 or
4 hours during the day. Holding back the urine causes normal
bacteria to multiply. - Fifth