Dr Phil Kieran: How to protect your daughter from vulvovaginitis

Wed, 25 Oct, 2023 - 12:32

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General Practitioner

What steps can you take to prevent girls from getting vulvovaginitis?

Vulvovaginitis may not be a word you are familiar with, but it is something parents of young girls will know to see. Vulvovaginitis occurs when the vulva (the outside part of female genitalia) and sometimes the vagina (internal) become red, sore, itchy, and inflamed. Usually, it is a mild condition that goes away after a day or two, but many young girls have recurrent episodes.

It is common before puberty as lower levels of oestrogen mean the skin in the area is thinner than it will be in adulthood.

The most frequent questions I get asked about this condition are:

Why does it happen?
What can I do to prevent it happening again?

Vulvovaginitis is caused by increased or imbalanced bacterial flora in the genital area. This can be exacerbated by moisture and irritants. It’s more common when girls are in nappies and moisture rests against the skin for extended periods. The solution is to keep the area dry and allow air to reach it. I recommend letting all children have nappy-free time during the day to allow the skin to air.

If inflammation is still an issue after the nappy stage, it’s advised to wear looser-fitting cotton underwear during the day and nighties instead of pyjamas while asleep. Also, consider using sensitive laundry detergents and getting rid of fabric softeners as they can cause more irritation.

It is important to look at overall hygiene too. Washing regularly will reduce vulvovaginitis frequency but it is critical to use little or no soap in the genital region. If you use soap in this area, ensure the skin is wet before applying it to the outside skin only and rinse it off thoroughly. When drying, gently pat the skin dry instead of rubbing.

As your daughter toilet trains, teach her to wipe from front to back after peeing or pooing, as this reduces the risk of bacteria in the gut infecting the bladder.

Vulvovaginitis can also be caused by worms, which often present with an itchy bum, particularly at night. You can usually see the worms on poo in the toilet but if your child is itching a lot and sore, you could consider the over-the-counter treatment Vermox.

When a child is experiencing a vulvovaginitis flare, I recommend using a barrier cream (Vaseline or Sudocrem can be very effective) on the area to soothe and reduce irritation from moisture or clothing.

Lastly, if it is not settling or causing a lot of distress, book in to see your GP for a review.

If you have a question for Dr Phil Kieran, please send it to parenting@examiner.ie

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