Vaginitis In Children: Causes, Symptoms And Ways To Treat It

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改变正常的阴道微生物或感染ions may cause vaginitis in children. It causes inflammation of the vagina and may result in pain, itching, and discharge.In addition, some children may have vulvovaginitis, where the vulvar area is inflamed with the vagina.It is a common condition in prepubescent girls.

Sometimes, poor skills and knowledge about maintaining vaginal hygiene and wiping in the wrong direction after bowel movements can cause vaginitis in younger girls. Thus, teaching personal hygiene measures, including vaginal hygiene, may help prevent vaginitis in girls.

往下读,知道类型,风险的rs, causes, symptoms, treatment, and prevention of vaginitis in children.

Types Of Vaginitis In Children

Vaginitis can be of the following types.

• Bacterial vaginosis happens due to changes in the normal vaginal bacteria and overgrowth of other bacteria in the vagina.

• Yeast/fungal infectionsare usually caused by the fungusCandida albicans.

• Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted parasitic infection usually seen in teenagers.

You may consult a pediatric or gynecological health expert since the treatment may vary depending on the type of vaginitis.

Causes Of Vaginitis In Children

The causes may vary depending on the type of vaginitis. The following risk factors may disturb the balance of vaginal microbes, thus increasing the risk of vaginitis(1).

• Perfumed soaps

• Scented detergents
• Tissue paper
• Medications, such as steroids and antibiotics
• Damp or tight clothing
• Diabetes
• Hormonal changes
• Poor nutrition
• Weakened immune system
• Smoking
• Sexually active

Sexual abuse could also be a reason for vaginitis.However, girls without any sexual activity can also develop vaginitis.Speak to your child to ascertain the exact cause before jumping to conclusions.

Symptoms And Signs Of Vaginitis In Children

Several signs and symptoms of vaginitis feel the same as urinary tract infection.

The followingsigns and symptomsare usually seen in vaginitis(2).

• Vaginal irritation
• Itching
• Pain during urination
• Vaginal discharge often with changes in its color and amount
• Vaginal spotting or light bleeding
• Redness or soreness
• Swelling
• Burning sensation

• Fishy smell from the affected area

Color and amount of vaginal discharge may indicate the type of vaginitis. You may notice the following characteristics of vaginal discharge.

• Bacterial vaginosis causes greyish-white discharge with a foul-smelling or fishy odor.

• Yeast infection causes thick white discharge resembling cottage cheese accompanied by severe itchiness.

• Trichomoniasis causes a greenish-yellow discharge that can often be frothy.

Consult a pediatrician if your daughter has any of the symptoms and signs of vaginitis. Pelvic pain, fever, and chills, along with vaginitis, may require immediate medical care.

Complications Of Vaginitis In Children

Untreated vaginitis may not cure completely, and children may have itching and pain for a longer time. Injuries in the genital area due to repeated scratching and itching could increase the risk of secondary bacterial infections.

The child could have an increased risk of reinfections if a current infection is not adequately managed and treated. They may also have a higher risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and develop pregnancy-related complications, such as low birth weight babies and premature birth, later in life.Increases the risk of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and may lessen the success of fertility treatment as IVF.

Prevention Of Vaginitis In Children

Teaching goodpersonal hygienepractices could help reduce the risk of vaginitis and its recurrence. Teenagers should receive sexual education to know about sexually transmitted infections and their prevention methods. You may also discuss with your daughter about hygiene practices during menstruation.

The following tips may help to avoid vaginitis.

• Wipe from front to back after using the toilet to prevent moving bacteria from the anal area to the vagina
• Clear soap from the outer vaginal area after a shower and always pat dry the area
• Try loose-fitting and breathable undergarments instead of tight-fitting, synthetic underwear
• Always use clean and dry cloths
• Avoid hot tubs and bubble baths
• Avoid swimming or using whirlpool spas
• Do not use scented tampons or pads

• Do not use harsh or scented soaps to wash the vagina
• Avoid vaginal sprays and deodorants
• Avoid douching as a method of cleansing the vagina.

Changes in estrogen and progesterone levels throughout the menstrual cycle can also affect vaginal health. Hence, proper knowledge about vaginal hygiene measures, especially once a child reaches puberty and starts menstruation, could help avoid vaginitis due to improper hygiene practices.

Diagnosis Of Vaginitis In Children

Pediatricians may review medical history and perform a pelvic exam to identify the type of vaginitis. Cervical or vaginal discharge samples are often collected for laboratory analysis. pH testing may help identify bacterial vaginosis or trichomoniasis since it may cause elevated pH levels(3).

Young girls may develop vaginitis due to sexual activity. Doctors may speak to the child and perform a further examination in cases of suspected sexual abuse, especially ifyoung childrenare presented with vaginitis.

Treatment Of Vaginitis In Children

Vaginitis treatment can be specific based on the type and cause. These may include(3):

1. Oral or topical antibioticsare prescribed in cases of bacterial vaginosis. An oral dose of Flagyl (metronidazole) tablets and topical Cleocin (clindamycin) cream, or Metrogel (metronidazole) gel is commonly used.

2. Suppository or over-the-counter antifungal creams,such as Vagistat-1 (tioconazole), Monistat-1 (miconazole), or oral Diflucan (fluconazole), is used for the treatment ofyeast infections.

3. Tindamax (tinidazole) or Flagyl (metronidazole) tabletsare prescribed for trichomoniasis.

These medications are prescribed after the confirmation of the diagnosis. You may seek expert help for the exact dosage and duration of treatment. Non-infectious vaginitis is usually treated by avoiding probable risk factors, such as new soap, sprays, or tampons.