Vulvovaginitis
Prepubertal girls may have vaginal discharge which may be itchy or smell unpleasant. This may be due to vulvovaginitis or inflammation of the vulva and vagina. This often happens when girls start being in charge of their own hygiene. Sometimes, the discharge may be yellow or green.
Some children may use tissue paper that may get lodged in the vulva causing this irrigation. Very rarely, a child may insert something into the vagina that may also cause discharge and discomfort.
Once these are ruled out by a doctor, the management is quite easy. Ensure that the child wipes from front to back and wears loose cotton panties and avoids tights. Sitting in a salt bath for 10-15 minutes two or three times a day will help to soothe the area. Nappy cream can be applied to protect the skin. If the child is not able to pass urine, running some water with the bidet or shower head over the perineum will be helpful.
Vulvovaginitis in prepubertal girls is rarely caused by an infection. It is usually due to the lack of moisture due to low oestrogen levels that is normal at this age that makes the vulva and vagina prone to inflammation.
