Vaginitis in children

Posted by Doctor Pham Lan Huong - Pediatric Center - Vinmec Times City International Hospital.

Girls with vaginitis may experience the following signs:
Vaginal area is itchy, burning sensation, painful Vaginal area is swollen, hot red Vaginal area has discharge or stains appear on underwear of girls

Vaginitis can occur in girls of all ages. Before puberty, the mucous membranes and skin of the vaginal area are very thin. Soap, detergent, laundry detergent, tight clothing, damp diapers or wet swimsuits, sand or pathogens can collect in the vaginal area, leading to vaginitis.
Vaginitis occurs in girls when they do not wash the vaginal area thoroughly after each use of the toilet. Inserting a piece of toilet paper or something blocked in the vaginal passage can also cause inflammation.

Doctors usually diagnose vaginitis in children by examining the vaginal area in the presence of the parent or accompanying person and asking for suspicious symptoms. In addition, the child may be ordered to have a sample of vaginal discharge to look for the causative agent or if symptoms do not improve after a course of treatment.

Most girls can treat vaginitis with the Sitting Bath Method as follows:
Put the child in a bath (do not use soap) with warm water Spread the legs apart so that the clean water can wash the vaginal area Soak in water for about 10-15 minutes. Gently pat the vaginal area with a clean, dry towel

The following suggestions can help limit triggers and protect your baby from vaginitis:
Do not use soapy foam Do not use soap in the vaginal area Do not sit in soapy or oily water wash the hair Wash the vaginal area with clean water after bathing Do not dress the baby too tight Do not sit in a wet swimsuit for a long time Wear white cotton underwear Wash underwear with a mild detergent Go sleep in pajamas or pajamas After going to the bathroom, wipe from front to back

Poor hygiene and irritants are common causes of vaginitis in girls, but can be seen in other conditions such as:
Pinworms Fungal infections are uncommon before puberty, but can seen in children on long-term antibiotic use or weakened immunity Pneumococcal (a bacteria that often causes sore throats) or other pathogens STIs. Having an STI before puberty can be a sign of girls being sexually abused. Your doctor may prescribe medication based on a specific agent. When a child is found to have a sexually transmitted disease, it is possible to report suspected child sexual abuse to a law enforcement agency. To register for examination and treatment at Vinmec International General Hospital, you can contact the nationwide Vinmec Health System Hotline, or register online HERE.