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Vulvovaginite pédiatrique

Paediatric vulvovaginitis is a common cause of soreness or irritation of the genital area of young girls before puberty. It is usually caused by a combination of a natural lack of oestrogen and not wiping properly after going to the toilet. It can usually be alleviated by some simple hygiene and bathing changes.

Voir les brochures séparées intitulées Vulval Problems et Vulvite (in adults).

At a glance

  • Paediatric vulvovaginitis is inflammation of the vulva or vagina in young girls before puberty.

  • Symptoms include soreness, itching, pain when urinating, and sometimes vaginal discharge.

  • Low oestrogen levels make the skin prone to irritation and infection in this age group.

  • Avoiding irritants like bubble bath and ensuring good hygiene can help.

  • See a doctor if there is bleeding, home treatments are not helping, or you are worried.

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What is paediatric vulvovaginitis?

La vulvovaginite pédiatrique est une inflammation de la vulve et/ou du vagin chez les jeunes filles qui n'ont pas encore atteint la puberté.

Nonspecific vulvovaginitis

Le type le plus courant, causé par une combinaison de facteurs.

Yeast vulvovaginitis

Les infections à levures - par exemple, le muguet - sont rares chez les jeunes filles et ne sont généralement pas la cause de la vulvovaginite dans ce groupe d'âge.

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La région génitale externe peut souvent paraître rouge et parfois légèrement enflée. Il peut y avoir un écoulement qui peut être jaune ou vert.

Before girls reach puberty, the levels of oestrogen in the genital area are low. This causes the skin and vaginal lining to be quite thin and easily irritated by bacteria from the anus, as it is close to the vagina.. The area is also less acidic before puberty, so bacteria can grow more easily. Irritants can include products such a soap and bubble bath, and also urine and faeces if the area is not wiped properly after toileting.

Rare causes for similar symptoms are a foreign body inside the vagina, and sexual abuse.

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Symptoms include soreness, itching, hurting to pass urine and sometimes a vaginal discharge.

Similar symptoms including vulval pain and itching, particularly at night, may also be caused by les oxyures.

Un médecin peut le diagnostiquer en écoutant les symptômes et en effectuant un examen externe. Parfois, un prélèvement est effectué pour vérifier les infections bactériennes.

Vulvovaginitis can usually be treated at home with the following measures:

  • Warm baths to soothe itching.

  • Loose-fitting cotton underwear.

  • Not wearing pants in bed.

  • Avoiding bubble bath and soap on the genital area, especially perfumed.

  • Après le bain, tapoter la zone avec une serviette douce pour la sécher.

  • Les crèmes pour érythème fessier comme Bepanthen® peuvent apaiser l'inconfort et protéger la peau.

  • Good toilet hygiene - part the legs while passing urine and wipe front to back.

  • Rincez à l'eau tiède après avoir uriné ou évacué les selles.

  • Antifungal creams, such as Canesten®, are not usually helpful in this age group.

Quand consulter un médecin

  • If there is any bleeding.

  • The above measures are not helping.

  • You are worried about other causes.

  • Portez des sous-vêtements en coton amples.

  • Évitez les vêtements serrés - par exemple, les jeans moulants.

  • Essuyez de l'avant vers l'arrière.

  • Envisagez de rincer après avoir essuyé.

  • Évitez le bain moussant et le savon - lavez-vous à l'eau tiède.

  • Uriner les jambes écartées.

  • Évitez de porter un pantalon au lit.

Non, les symptômes disparaissent généralement lorsque les filles atteignent la puberté.

Questions fréquemment posées

My daughter has some redness and discharge, but it's not thrush. Is this normal for vulvovaginitis?

Yes, yeast infections like thrush are uncommon in young girls. The most common type of paediatric vulvovaginitis is non-specific, caused by a combination of factors. The external genital area can look red and sometimes slightly swollen, and there might be a yellow or green discharge.

Why are young girls more prone to vulvovaginitis compared to adult women?

Before puberty, girls have low levels of oestrogen in the genital area. This makes the skin and vaginal lining thin and easily irritated by bacteria from the anus, which is close by. The area is also less acidic before puberty, creating an environment where bacteria can grow more easily.

Could my daughter's symptoms be caused by something else, even if it seems like vulvovaginitis?

While irritation is the most common cause, similar symptoms of vulval pain and itching, especially at night, can also be caused by threadworms. In rare cases, a foreign body inside the vagina or sexual abuse can present with similar symptoms.

What kind of soaps and bubble baths should we avoid to prevent irritation?

It's best to avoid all bubble baths and soaps on the genital area, especially perfumed ones, as these can act as irritants. Washing the area with warm water is recommended instead.

My daughter is experiencing soreness when she urinates. Is this a common symptom of vulvovaginitis?

Yes, hurting to pass urine is a common symptom of paediatric vulvovaginitis, along with soreness, itching, and sometimes a vaginal discharge.

If we've tried the home treatments, but they don't seem to be working, what should we do next?

If the home measures suggested are not helping, or if you notice any bleeding, or if you are worried about other potential causes for your daughter's symptoms, you should see a doctor.

Are antifungal creams, like Canesten, helpful for this condition?

Antifungal creams, such as Canesten®, are generally not helpful for paediatric vulvovaginitis in this age group, as yeast infections are rarely the cause.

Lectures complémentaires et références

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About the authorView full bio

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Dr Rachel Hudson, MRCGP

General Practitioner and Medical Author

MBChB, MRCGP (2008), BSc (Medical Science), DFSRH, DRCOG, DCH

Dr Rachel Hudson, is an NHS GP working in the North West of England.

About the reviewerView full bio

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Dr Doug McKechnie, MRCGP

Medical Writer

MA, MBBS, MSc, DRCOG, MRCP(UK), MRCGP(2021), FHEA

Dr Doug McKechnie is an NHS GP working in London. He works full-time clinically and is also the Deputy Lead for the Clinical and Professional Practice module at University College London Medical School.

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