Vaginitis in Children
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 6, 2024.
AMBULATORY CARE:
Vaginitis
is inflammation or infection of your child's vagina. Vaginitis is commonly caused by a bacterial or fungal infection. Other causes include a foreign object or exposure to a chemical irritant. Your child may be given medicines to treat an infection caused by bacteria or a fungus. Medicines may be given as a pill, or as a cream, gel, or tablet you insert into her vagina.
Common signs and symptoms of vaginitis:
- Pain, itching, redness, burning, or swelling in your child's vagina
- An odor from your child's vagina that may be foul or smell like fish
- Thick, curd-like discharge
- Thin, gray-white discharge
- Small skin tears or chafing
- Pain when your child urinates
Call your child's doctor if:
- Your child has unusual vaginal bleeding.
- Your child has severe abdominal pain.
- Your child has a fever.
- Your child's symptoms get worse, even after treatment.
- Your child's symptoms return after treatment.
- You have questions or concerns about your child's condition or care.
Help your child manage her symptoms:
- Have your child use a sitz bath. Fill a bathtub with 4 to 6 inches of warm water. You may also use a sitz bath pan that fits inside a toilet bowl. Have your child sit in the sitz bath for 15 minutes. Do this 3 times a day, and after each bowel movement. The warm water can help decrease pain and swelling.
- Use over-the-counter creams or ointments as directed. Examples include petroleum jelly, zinc creams, or hydrocortisone creams. These will help decrease itching and inflammation.
- Help your child remember to not wear tight-fitting clothes or undergarments. These can make her symptoms worse.
- Do not let your child use irritating products in your vagina. Examples include bubble baths and perfumed soaps. The vagina is delicate and easily irritated.
Help your child prevent infection:
- Remind your child to wash her hands with soap and water after she uses the toilet.
- Remind your child to wipe from front to back after she urinates or has a bowel movement. This will prevent germs from getting into her vagina.
- Help your child wash her vagina each day. Use mild, unscented soap. Let the area air dry.
Follow up with your child's doctor as directed:
Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your child's visits.
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
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