Know All About
VULVOVAGINITIS
Definition:
Vulvovaginitis is infection or inflammation of the vagina or vulva in infants or young girls. It involves Vagina; vulva (vaginal lips) and skin around the genitals.
Signs & Symptons
- Itching, redness and pain around the genital area
- Vaginal discharge, which may or may not smell bad
- Pain/ discomfort while urinating
- Bleeding from the affected area (sometimes).
Causes
- Infections caused by bacteria; worms including pinworms; and fungi; or viruses
- Allergies to synthetic fabrics, soap or other items in contact with the genitals
- Scratches, abrasions or genital injury from insertion of foreign bodies in the vagina by the child or a playmate
- Genital injury from sexual abuse (you will be surprised to know how common this is. Beware of leaving your girl child alone with a male servant, whatever faith you may have in him)
Risk Increases With
- Sprinkling too much of talc on vagina, it caking with urine causing excoriation of skin underneath
- Leaving wet diapers on
- Infrequent bathing or unsanitary living conditions
Prevention
- While toilet training – Teach the child to wipe from the vagina toward the anus, after every stool
- Don’t let the child sit around in wet clothing
- Don’t use
- Provide the child with cotton panties or nylon panties with a cotton crotch–not panties made of non-ventilating materials
- If antibiotics are prescribed for any reason, curd may help reduce risk by preventing vaginal yeast infections
- Teach your child to resist and report any attempted sexual contact by an older person.
Diagnostic Measures
- Repeated symptoms
- History and exam by a doctor
- Laboratory culture and microscopic exam of the discharge (rarely).
Possible Complications
- Psychological trauma if the condition is caused by sexual abuse.
Probable Outcomes
Usually curable in 10 days with treatment.
TREATMENT
General Measures
- Follow suggestions under How to Prevent
- Remove the source of any irritation or allergy, such as soap
- Don’t try to remove a foreign object from the vagina. This may be painful or cause further injury. Take your child to the doctor for removal
- If urinating causes burning, the child may urinate while bathing or urinate through a toilet-paper roll or plastic cup with the end cut out. This prevents urine from stinging inflamed skin.
Medication
Your doctor may prescribe:
- Medication appropriate for the infection, including antibiotics, antifungal or deworming drugs
- Topical ointments / lotions to relieve pain and itching
Contact your Doctor
- Your child has symptoms of vulvovaginitis
- You suspect your child has been sexually abused
- Symptoms don’t improve in 7 to 10 days or symptoms worsen, despite treatment
- Unusual vaginal bleeding or swelling develops.