Vulva is called the external genitalia of the female, which consists of large and small labia, and the vestibule of the vagina. Consequently, vulvitis is an inflammation of the vulva, which happens to be primary and secondary. In this article we will talk about child vulvitis, which is not so rare and can have many causes.
Acute vulvitis in girls causes
The factor predisposing to the development of inflammation of the external genital organs in children is a thin and tender mucous membrane, which can easily be damaged. The sex organs of children are not yet populated with lactobacilli, so the pH in them is closer to alkaline, which can contribute to the entry of pathogenic microflora onto the vulva with the development of the inflammatory process. There are two types of vulvitis in children :
- primary or non-infectious (allergic and atopic vulvitis);
- secondary - caused by pathogenic microflora.
The most common cause of vulvitis may be non-compliance with hygiene rules. Little girls should be washed by parents after treatment and urination, and before bedtime. Older girls should themselves urinate the toilet of the genitals at least 2 times a day.
Allergic vulvitis in young girls can occur with prolonged wearing of diapers or diapers with special impregnations. The use of cosmetic soap, foam for baths, powders with chemical flavors can also contribute to the development of allergic vulvitis in children.
Atopic vulvitis often occurs in girls with excessive body weight and suffering from atopic diathesis. Combing redness and intertrigo on the perineum promotes the appearance of microdamages of the skin and infection in them, which leads to the development of inflammation.
Vulvite in girls - symptoms
Signs of vulvitis in girls include all the symptoms of the inflammatory process: swelling, redness, tenderness, or severe itching. Pain occurs when urinating, touching and rubbing clothing. Lymph nodes in the groin area increase, their palpation can bring pain. In case of neglected and long-untreated cases, the body temperature can rise, there is a headache, general weakness and aches in the body. Frequent characteristic for vulvitis symptom in children are purulent discharge from the external genitalia, having a yellowish-greenish color and an unpleasant odor.
Treatment of vulvitis in children
To prevent acute vulvitis in chronic form, it is important to start treatment in a timely manner. Treatment of vulvitis depends on its etiology (cause). So, for the treatment of inflammation of the vulva of allergic origin, it may be sufficient to exclude contact with the allergen (pick up a detergent without fragrances, baby soap without flavors, use diapers as rarely as possible). In the treatment plan should include antihistamines, as well as adhere to a diet that excludes the reception of colored vegetables and fruits, which are allergens.
If vulvitis in children is caused by infectious factors, then treatment should be carried out with antibacterial and antimicrobial agents.
Thus, the problem of inflammation of the external genitalia in girls remains relevant. To prevent the occurrence of vulvitis in girls, it is necessary to conduct hygiene of the genital organs, as well as give preference to hypoallergenic detergents (detergent and baby soap).