What is Vaginitis?

Vaginitis, (also known as vulvovaginitis), occurs when the outer part of the vagina (the vulva) becomes irritated and inflamed.
The main symptom your child may experience is itching, but the vulva may also become painful and passing urine can be uncomfortable.

Most vaginal itching or discomfort is due to soaps irritating the vulvar skin.

How can I tell if my child has vaginitis?

Your child may experience:

• Redness
• Soreness
• Itching
• Pain with passing urine
• Vaginal discharge

What causes vaginitis?

Vaginitis can occur in females of any age, including newborns, toddlers and children.

Vaginitis occurs in girls who have not yet had a menstrual period. Girls are more susceptible to skin irritation because their hormone levels are much lower than adults’. This means the vulvar and vaginal skin is very thin and sensitive.

Common causes of pediatric vaginitis are allergic reaction, contact dermatitis and certain types of bacteria.

What can I do to treat vaginitis?

The good news is that most girls will get better after making the following changes:

• Wear only plain white, cotton underpants. Wash them with unscented detergent and rinse well. Avoid fabric softeners or any extra cleaning or “freshening” products on underwear and swimsuits.
• Wear a nightgown for sleeping. It’s OK to sleep without underpants. Very loose, soft PJ pants or loose boxer shorts are another option.
• Avoid tights/leotards, tight jeans or leggings. Choose skirts and looser fitting pants. Find clothes that are comfy, allow air to circulate, and don’t cause extra rubbing or pressure.
• Take a bath every day. (We may recommend this more than once a day until your child is feeling better.) Make sure that the bathtub is rinsed free of bleach, cleaning products, or any leftover soap or bubble bath.
• Soak in clean, warm water. Plain, warm water is best to avoid irritation. You may add ½ to 1 cup of Epsom salts to the water and soak for 10 minutes.
• Don’t scrub the vulva with a washcloth. Just allow the water to gently wash over and soak the area.
• Only use a mild soap (like Dove unscented). Use soap at the end of a bath and then wash it completely off. Soap is usually not needed in the genital area. Gently pat dry the genital area.
• Don’t use bubble bath or perfumed soap.
• If the vulvar area is swollen, tender or itchy, use a cool compress for a few minutes. Vaseline or diaper ointment can also be used to help protect the skin.
• Talk about, and remind your child, how to wipe after a bowel movement. Wiping from the front to the back is important to keep the bacteria away from the vulva.
• After swimming, change into dry clothes right away.

What should I do if the condition does not improve, worsens or recurs?

• About half the girls who have this problem will have it more than once during their childhood. It usually gets better as girls grow up, and will not cause any long-term harm.
• If the irritation comes back, begin strict hygiene measures again.
• The better your child gets at being clean and dry, the less likely they are to get vaginitis again.
• If your child has any pain or bleeding, see your health-care provider.