Vaginitis (Child)
Your child has vaginitis. This means that the vagina is inflamed or infected. Symptoms can include redness, swelling, itching, or soreness in or around the vagina. Your child may also have pain or burning during urination.
Vaginitis has many possible causes. Some of the more common causes include:
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Infection from germs such as yeast or bacteria
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Irritation from wearing tight clothing such as jeans or leggings. Underwear or tights made of polyester or nylon may also cause irritation.
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Sensitivity to chemicals in scented soaps, shampoo, toilet paper, or other bath products
Treatment will vary based on the cause of your child’s problem.
Home care
Follow these tips when caring for your child at home:
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If medicine is prescribed, give it to your child as directed. Make sure your child completes all of the medicine, even if starting to feel better. Don’t use over-the-counter medicines without talking with your child’s healthcare provider first.
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To help ease swelling, it may help to apply a cool compress to the affected area. Do this only as directed by the healthcare provider.
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To help soothe irritation, have your child soak in a bath with a few inches of warm water a few times a day. Don’t add any bath products to the water. Also, don't wash the affected area with soap. Rinse the area and pat it dry instead.
Prevention
The tips below may help reduce your child’s risk of vaginitis in the future. For more advice, talk with the healthcare provider.
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Teach your child to wipe from front to back. This helps prevent germs in the stool from entering the vagina.
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Have your child use only plain soap and bath products.
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Have your child wear cotton underpants and less tight clothing. Also have your child change out of wet bathing suits or sports or workout clothing right away. These steps may help prevent irritation in the crotch area. They may also help prevent the buildup of heat and moisture, which can make infection more likely.
Follow-up care
Follow up with your child’s healthcare provider, or as directed.
When to get medical advice
Call the provider right away if any of the following occur:
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Fever
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Symptoms get worse, or don’t go away with treatment or home care measures
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Trouble urinating because of pain or burning
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New pain in the lower belly or pelvic region
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Bothersome side effects or a reaction to any medicine prescribed
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New symptoms such as a rash, joint pain, or genital sores
Online Medical Reviewer:
Donna Freeborn PhD CNM FNP
Online Medical Reviewer:
Heather M Trevino BSN RNC
Online Medical Reviewer:
Liora C Adler MD
Date Last Reviewed:
1/1/2023
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