RCH logo

Kids Health Information

Vulvovaginitis

  • This fact sheet is available in the following languages: Arabic, Assyrian, Burmese, Chinese (simplified), Chinese (traditional), English,  Karen, Persian, Somali, Turkish and Vietnamese.


    Vulvovaginitis (vul-vo-vaj-ee-night-is) is inflammation or irritation of the vagina and vulva (external female genital area). Mild vulvovaginitis is a very common problem, and some children will have vulvovaginitis many times. Once puberty has begun, vulvovaginitis usually occurs less often.

    In most cases, vulvovaginitis is not a serious problem and it will usually improve with simple steps at home. Usually no medical treatment or tests are needed.

    Signs and symptoms of vulvovaginitis

    If your child has vulvovaginitis, they may have:

    • itching in the vaginal area
    • some discharge from the vagina
    • redness of the skin between the labia majora (outside lips of the vagina)
    • burning or stinging when they pass urine.

    What causes vulvovaginitis?

    While your child is young, the lining of the vagina and vulva can be quite thin and this can lead to it being easily irritated. Moisture or dampness around the vulva can also lead to vulvovaginitis – this is made worse by tight clothing or being overweight. Another cause of vulvovaginitis is irritants, such as soap residue, bubble baths and antiseptics.

    Threadworms sometimes cause or worsen vulvovaginitis. Children with threadworms often scratch a lot at night. If itching is a major symptom, then you may want to treat your child for threadworms. See our fact sheet Worms.

    Care at home

    In most mild cases of vulvovaginitis, you can care for your child at home without visiting a doctor. Reassure your child that they don’t need to worry, as vulvovaginitis is a common problem and a normal part of growing up.

    Try avoiding the things that make vulvovaginitis worse:

    • Wear loose cotton underwear and avoid tight jeans etc.
    • If your child is overweight, seek advice on how to maintain a healthy weight with diet and exercise.
    • Don't use a lot of soap in the bath or shower, and make sure any soap is well rinsed from the vulva. Avoid bubble baths and antibacterial products.

    Some people find vinegar baths helpful: add half a cup of white vinegar to a shallow bath and soak for 10 to 15 minutes. Do this daily for a few days and see if it helps.

    Soothing creams (for example, soft paraffin, nappy-rash creams) may help settle the soreness, as well as protect the skin from moisture or any discharge, which can be irritating.

    You may have to repeat these simple measures if the problem comes back.

    When to see a doctor

    Take your child to the GP if:

    • The vulvovaginitis is bothering your child – the doctor may advise a swab of the area be taken for testing, but the results are not always helpful.
    • Your child has a more severe case of vulvovaginitis, blood-stained discharge, or other skin problems – the doctor may refer them to a paediatrician or other specialist for further management.
    • Your child has a fever and pain when passing urine – the doctor may want to test for a urinary tract infection (see our fact sheet Urinary tract infection).

    Key points to remember

    • Mild vulvovaginitis is a very common problem.
    • It may recur now and then, but will improve as your child gets older.
    • In most mild cases, no medical treatment or tests are necessary.
    • Avoid the things that make vulvovaginitis worse, such as tight underwear and irritants like soap.

    For more information

    Common questions our doctors are asked

    Can children get thrush? How do I know if my child has vulvovaginitis or thrush?

    Vulvovaginitis is far more common in children who have not yet gone through puberty than thrush is. If your child has begun puberty, it is possible that they may have a vaginal yeast infection (thrush). It is important to discuss this with your child’s doctor, as the treatments are different.

    If my child has a burning feeling when she does a wee, is this vulvovaginitis or a UTI? Should I give her cranberry juice?

    If your child is showing any symptoms of UTI, take her to the GP so a urine test can be carried out. Some of the symptoms of UTI overlap with vulvovaginitis. In any case, cranberry juice is not recommended as a treatment option for children for UTI or vulvovaginitis.


    Developed by The Royal Children's Hospital General Medicine and Gynaecology departments. We acknowledge the input of RCH consumers and carers.

    Reviewed February 2018.

    This information is awaiting routine review. Please always seek the most recent advice from a registered and practising clinician.

    Kids Health Info is supported by The Royal Children’s Hospital Foundation. To donate, visit www.rchfoundation.org.au.


Disclaimer  

This information is intended to support, not replace, discussion with your doctor or healthcare professionals. The authors of these consumer health information handouts have made a considerable effort to ensure the information is accurate, up to date and easy to understand. The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne accepts no responsibility for any inaccuracies, information perceived as misleading, or the success of any treatment regimen detailed in these handouts. Information contained in the handouts is updated regularly and therefore you should always check you are referring to the most recent version of the handout. The onus is on you, the user, to ensure that you have downloaded the most up-to-date version of a consumer health information handout.