What is vulvovaginitis?
Vulvovaginitis is an inflammation of the vulva and sometimes the vagina. Girls with vulvovaginitis may have itching, redness and tenderness in the genital area. They may sometimes also have discharge from the vagina. This can stain underwear and have a strong smell.
What causes it?
Vulvovaginitis starts when the skin of the vulva or vagina gets irritated. There are many things that can cause this irritation, like:
- tight clothing rubbing against the genital area
- dampness
- strong soap or detergent
- bacteria from the anus
- germs from a cold
- skin problems (eczema or psoriasis)
- constipation
- sexual abuse
Why do children get vulvovaginitis?
Young girls have a greater risk for vulvovaginitis because:
- they have thin and delicate skin in the genital area, which is easily irritated.
- the opening of the vagina is closer to the anus.
- they may wipe from back to front, bringing germs from the anus to the vulva and vagina.
- they can irritate the skin of their genitals (playing in sand, on slides, teeter-totters, wearing tight.
- leotards or wet bathing suits)
How is it treated?
It’s important to keep your child’s genital area clean and dry. You’ll also need to remove any causes of irritation. It can help to:
- Give your a child sitz bath (a bath where the person sits in water up to their hips) twice a day in warm water to soothe the skin. You can add non-prescription bath powder for dry, itchy skin.
- Wipe your child after they have a bowel movement (poop) with cotton balls dabbed with mineral oil instead of toilet paper. Remember to wipe from front to back.
- Apply a thin layer of ointment (Vaseline®, Desitin® or Zincofax®) to the vulva 2-3 times a day.
- Treat constipation.
- Try to stop your child from scratching.
Can vulvovaginitis come back?
Yes. About half of young girls who get vulvovaginitis will have it more than once. These episodes happen less often as girls get older. Good hygiene and removing irritants will make it less likely that the vulvovaginitis will come back.
Preventing vulvovaginitis
Clothing dos
- Wash underwear with a mild detergent and rinse well.
- Have your child wear cotton underwear only.
- Have your child sleep in loose pajamas or a nightgown (no underwear!)
Bathing dos
- Give your child a bath every day with hypoallergenic soap for the body. For example: Dove®, Petro-Phillic®, Aveeno®, Johnson & Johnson®.
- After a bath, pat the genital area dry with a towel. You can also use a hair dryer on a cool setting.
Toilet routine dos
- Wipe from front to back. Make sure your child wipes from front to back after a bowel movement or after passing urine (peeing). Some children find it’s easier to do a good job with wet wipes (alcohol and perfume free). They can bring these to school or day care in a backpack.
- Wash hands! Help your child to wash her hands well after using the toilet.
- Prevent constipation. Make sure your child gets plenty of physical activity, fluids, fruits and vegetables. Stools (poop) should be shaped like a sausage. Stool that has cracks or comes out as small pebbles means your child has constipation. Visit www.cheo.on.ca to learn more about constipation.
Toilet routine don'ts
- use coloured toilet paper.
- use diapers at night if possible. Try to start toilet training as soon as you can
For girls that have urinary incontinence (can’t control the bladder):
- Keep underwear dry. Change your child into dry underwear often. Don’t use panty liners as these make irritation worse.
- Have your child sit on the toilet to pee at least four times a day. This is most important before bed and after getting up each morning. Emptying the bladder regularly can help incontinence.
Reference: VULVOVAGINITIS