Pediatric Vaginitis
What is vaginitis?
Vaginitis is an inflammation (swelling) or infection of the vagina that may be spread from one person to another. Females of all ages can have vaginitis, including children and teenagers. The vagina is an opening in a woman's genital area (between the legs) through which she has her monthly period. It is also the opening that allows a woman to have sexual intercourse (sex). The vagina is the last part of the birth canal. The vaginal opening lies between the opening where urine passes and the opening where you have bowel movements.
What causes vaginitis?
Vaginitis is usually caused by germs, such as bacteria or a virus. The infection may be passed by having sex or as a baby passes through the birth canal. Vaginitis can also be caused from chemicals found in bubble baths, soaps, and perfumes. A foreign body inside the vaginal canal may also cause vaginitis. Young girls may more easily get vaginitis as their vagina is thin-skinned and lacks fat pads. The following may also increase your child's risk of having vaginitis:
Having diabetes mellitus (high blood sugar).
Having an illness that may decrease the work of the immune system. The immune system is the system that fights infection in the body.
Not keeping the vagina clean.
Being sexually abused or being sexually active.
What are the signs and symptoms of vaginitis?
Signs and symptoms of vaginitis depend on the cause of the infection. Some children have no symptoms. You child may have clear, white, brown, yellow, or green vaginal discharge coming from her vagina. The discharge may be bloody and have a bad smell. Your child may have pain, itching, burning, swelling, or redness of the vagina.
How is vaginitis diagnosed?
Your child's vagina may need to be checked for a foreign body or discharge. Your child's caregiver may get a sample of the discharge for tests. Other tests may be done if a foreign body is suspected but not seen in the vagina.
How is vaginitis treated?
Treatment for vaginitis depends on the cause. Vaginitis may be treated with good washing and avoiding products which may irritate the vagina, such as bubble bath. If your child has a foreign body in her vagina, it should be removed. Your child may receive medicines to treat the vaginitis.
How can vaginitis be prevented?
The following may help your child avoid having vaginitis:
Avoid products that may irritate the vaginal area, such as bubble baths or perfumed soaps.
Avoid tight-fitting clothes.
Use a mild soap and warm water to wash and rinse the vaginal area every day. Gently dry the vaginal area after washing.
Everyone who is sexually active should practice safe sex by having the male partner always wear a condom.
After passing urine, use toilet paper to wipe from front to back.
As many as 1 in 5 adult women have been sexually abused as children. If you suspect that a child is being sexually abused, do not keep silent. Tell your child's caregiver, a police officer, a counselor, or your child's teacher.
Where can I find support and more information?
Having a child with vaginitis may be difficult for you and your family. Talk to your child's caregiver about how to help your child. Contact the following for more information:
American Academy of Pediatrics
141 Northwest Point Boulevard
Elk Grove Village, IL 60007-1098
847-434-4000
http://www.aap.org
Division of STD Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
1600 Clifton Rd.
Atlanta, GA 30333
800-227-8922
800-232-4636
http://www.cdc.gov/std
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
409 12th Street, SW
P.O. Box 96920Washington, DC 20090
202-638-5577
http://www.acog.org
