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Hi Aunt Vadge,
I was having a bath and the very end of my clit was sore, with a slight burning feeling. I looked with a mirror and found a very, very small cut – I think I caught it with my fingernail while washing or wiping.
I’ve read I should wash with warm water and wear loose cotton. Is there anything else I can do to stop the irritation when I move? Should I tell my mum? I don’t really want to. I’m worried because this is the first time this has happened.
Best,
Worried
Canada
Dear Worried,
A tiny cut on the end of your clitoris from catching it with a nail while washing or wiping is a very common, very minor thing, and it heals quickly on its own – so try not to worry, especially as it’s your first time dealing with it.
You’re already doing the right things with warm water and loose cotton.
Beyond that, the main thing is to be gentle and leave it alone: keep washing with plain warm water only (no soap), pat dry, and you can dab on a little pawpaw ointment or plain coconut oil to keep the skin soft and flexible so it doesn’t catch and sting as you move.
Skip anything that stings, and try not to touch or rub the spot while it heals.
On telling your mum – that’s entirely up to you, and for a tiny graze like this you don’t have to; it’s a normal little thing that will heal in a few days by itself.
The only reasons to tell a trusted adult and see a doctor would be if it doesn’t heal within a week or so, it starts bleeding a lot, or it gets swollen, hot or weepy (signs of infection) – none of which is likely here.
But from what you’ve described, this is just a small nick that needs a few gentle days, and you’ll be fine.
For soothing and healing minor cuts and tears, here’s how to deal with cuts and tears from fingering and rough sex.
Best,
Aunt Vadge
This is general information, not a substitute for personalised medical advice.
