Vaginitis is the inflammation of the vagina that may result in itching, pain, and discharge. Changes in the normal vaginal microbiome or infections can cause vaginitis in children. The condition is called vulvovaginitis if the vulvar area is also inflamed along with the vagina.
Read this post to know more about the type, symptoms, causes, risk factors, diagnosis, 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.
- Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted parasitic infection usually seen in teenagers.
You may consult a pediatrician 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
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
The following signs and symptoms are 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
- Swelling
- Burning sensation
Color and amount of vaginal discharge may indicate the type of vaginitis. You may notice the following characteristic 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 and develop pregnancy-related complications, such as low birth weight babies and premature birth, later in life.
Prevention Of Vaginitis In Children
Teaching good personal hygiene practices 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 innerwear
- Always use clean and dry cloths
- Avoid hot tubs and baths
- Avoid 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
- Do not douche for cleansing the vagina
Having proper knowledge about vaginal hygiene measures could help to 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 if young children are presented with vaginitis.
Treatment Of Vaginitis In Children
Vaginitis treatment can be specific based on the type and cause. These may include (3):
- Oral or topical antibiotics are 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.
- Suppository or over-the-counter antifungal creams, such as Vagistat-1 (tioconazole), Monistat-1 (miconazole), or oral Diflucan (fluconazole), is used for the treatment of yeast infections.
- Tindamax (tinidazole) or Flagyl (metronidazole) tablets are 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.
Always consult a pediatrician if your child has vaginitis since various reasons could lead to it. Never feel embarrassed to talk about vaginitis with the doctor since delaying treatment may cause long-term complications.
