Vulvovaginitis is is inflammation of vagina and vulva – pretty common health condition affecting girls between the ages of 2-7 years.
According to health experts, symptoms of vulvo-vaginitis always improve as puberty approaches (usually after 8-9 year old). Vulvo-vaginitis always gets better at puberty.
Vulvovaginitis in girls – causes
Repeted vaginal infection (mainly grow of local existing microbes);
Recurrent infections with germs;
Lack of female hormones (it makes vagina thin and less resistant to infections);
Infection transmission from anus (poor hygiene, wrong toileting and improper wiping – back-to-front instead of front-to-back);
Alkaline environment in the vagina (comfortable environment for microbes);
Undeveloped labia (lips) cannot insure proper barrier (infection enter vagina easily);
Poor private hygiene.
Vulvovaginitis in girls – symptoms
Vulvovaginitis in girls
- Vaginal discharge (yellow or green),
- Vaginal redness and soreness,
- Vaginal odor,
- Vaginal itching,
- Pain or burning sensation during urination.
Diagnostic tests
Swab of the discharge from vagina (laboratory test);
Urine test for inflammation and infections.
Vulvovaginitis in girls – treatment
Treatment approaches depend on symptoms and diagnostic tests. There is no single treatment for vulvovaginitis in girls. It could be anti-inflammatory treatment or antibiotics or local creams (estrogen cream).
Most attention should be paid to prevention.
Vulvovaginitis in girls
Prevention measures
Girls should be informed and trained to wipe from front-to-back after using the toilet;
Girls should be told about “correct urination (with legs apart);
each your child
Girls should avoid bubble baths or artificially scented perfumed soaps (they could trigger vaginal allergic reactions);
Girls should use only cotton underwear (natural breathing tissue);
Girls should avoid tight and wet clothing;
Daily personal hygiene is crucial (keep vagina always clean and dry);
All measures should be performed against constipation (healthy diet, constipation natural remedies);
Girls with sensitive vagina should use hypoallergenic soaps (commercially marketed “for sensitive skin”);
Girls with vulvovaginitis should avoid wearing underwear at night and use only loose pajamas (if needed);
Girls should avoid tights and leggings when possible;
Girls should change underwear every day (cotton underwear provides the best ventilation).
