Child who touches genitals

[BellaToronto]

My 6 year old daughter is constantly touching her genitals.  I have read about children masterbating and that it's normal but I don't think this is the case.  When she does this she reminds me of men who are always adjusting themselves down there. The contact isn't more than a second or two. It looks like she's trying to dry herself.  Hard to explain. When I ask her why she feels the need to do that she says that she feels wet as if she didn't wipe herself properly after using the washroom. I don't physically see anything wrong (although I still am taking her to the doctor to have her checked)  Her psycologist thinks that she is masterbating but I highly doubt it because my daughter says it bothers her and that's why she's doing this.  I don't want to tell her to stop this because I don't want to make her more anxious than she already is but it's embarrassing when she does this in public.  How do I address this issue without stressing her out about it?  Your help would be appreciated.

[teko]

Check her for redness, swelling or any kind of irritation or even discharge. Little girls can get yeast infection brought on by damp clothing, antibiotics etc just like adults.  She may need to be seen by a doctor. I can even be a laundry detergent being the villan, or the material her panties are made out of. It is natural for that age of children to touch themselves but if she is telling you she is bothered then I would take a trip to the pediatrician.

[margypops]

I agree with you that it isnt masturbation , it sounds like there is an irritation there so check out if she is using the bathroom a lot maybe a small bladder infection going on ,it is well known children do not wipe well so you may want to have a light and easy chat with her , about how she wipes ,also have her urine tested for any infection that is easily treated ...Ask her does it itch, hurt in that area , ...Good luck