Vulvovaginitis

 

Vulvovaginitis is the most common gynecological condition in young girls. At Texas Pediatric & Adolescent Gynecology, Oluyemisi Adeyemi-Fowode, MD, and the team offer pelvic exams and other diagnostic services to determine if vulvovaginitis is the cause of vaginal irritation, pain, and unusual discharge. The team uses oral antibiotics, topical creams, and hygiene changes to ease symptoms and works with you and your child to prevent recurrent vaginal inflammation. Call Texas Pediatric & Adolescent Gynecology in Sugar Land, Texas, today to schedule a diagnostic evaluation if your child has vulvovaginitis symptoms or book an appointment online.

 

Vulvovaginitis Q & A

 

 

What is vulvovaginitis?

 

Vulvovaginitis is inflammation of the vagina and the outer genital area (vulva). The inflammation can cause itching, unusual vaginal discharge, and pain.

 

Causes of vulvovaginitis can include anything that irritates the skin, such as:

 

• Harsh soaps
• Chemicals
• Infections
• Eczema and other skin conditions
• Imbalance in vaginal bacteria

 

While women of any age can develop vulvovaginitis, the condition is most common in young girls because they lack the protection of pubic hair. The hair protects against infection by trapping irritants that bother the delicate skin of the vagina. Girls also don’t have labial fat that protects the vagina from the irritation of tight clothing.

 

Poor hygiene can also cause vulvovaginitis, especially if your child isn’t wiping correctly after bowel movements. If they aren’t cleaning the vaginal area every day, small pieces of toilet paper can irritate the delicate skin.

 

 

What are the symptoms of vulvovaginitis?

 

Your child may have vulvovaginitis if they complain of vaginal, itching, soreness, or pain. Other common symptoms of vulvovaginitis include:

 

• Redness
• Swelling
• Vaginal discharge
• Burning during urination

 

If your child has any of these issues, schedule a diagnostic evaluation with the team at Texas Pediatric & Adolescent Gynecology. They review your child’s medical history, symptoms, and personal hygiene habits.

 

During a pelvic exam, the team may also take a sample of vaginal fluids to check for infection and other underlying conditions.

 

 

How is vulvovaginitis treated?

 

The treatment plan for vulvovaginitis may include oral antibiotics to clear infection or topical hydrocortisone cream to ease vaginal itching and pain. Your child may also find relief from itching and pain by taking warm baths without any soaps or bubble bath.

 

The team can also help your child improve their personal hygiene habits, ensuring they know how to wipe from front to back after using the bathroom and keeping their genital area clean and dry.

 

Moving forward, you may need to purchase perfume-free soaps and detergents for sensitive skin, buy your child lightweight cotton underwear, and ensure they change out of damp bathing suits and other clothing after activities.

 

To schedule a diagnostic evaluation for symptoms of vulvovaginitis for your child, call Texas Pediatric & Adolescent Gynecology today or book an appointment online.