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VulvovaginitisVVulvovaginitisVulvovaginitisEnglishGenital and reproductiveChild (0-12 years);Teen (13-18 years)NAVaginaConditions and diseasesCaregivers Adult (19+)NA2019-09-18T04:00:00Z7.7000000000000064.70000000000001650.00000000000Health (A-Z) - ConditionsHealth A-Z<p>Vulvovaginitis is skin irritation around the vulva and vagina that is common in young children. Read about the symptoms and treatment of vulvovaginitis.</p><h2>What is vulvovaginitis?</h2><p>Vulvovaginitis is an inflammation or irritation of the delicate skin of the vulvar and vaginal area. The vulva is the outside area of the female genitals; the vagina connects the vulva and the uterus. Vulvovaginitis may cause soreness, itchiness, redness and burning. Sometimes children with vulvovaginitis have a slight discharge from the vagina, which will stain the underpants and produce a strong odour.</p><p>Parents often first become aware of the problem when their child complains about the redness and soreness of the skin, which is the most common sign of vulvovaginitis.</p> <figure class="asset-c-80"> <span class="asset-image-title"> Vulvovaginitis</span> <img src="https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/akhassets/Vulvovaginitis_MED_ILL_EN.png" alt="Normal female genitals and female genitals with red irritated skin" /> <figcaption class="asset-image-caption"> Vulvovaginitis is an irritation of the skin in the vulvar and vaginal area. It causes soreness, itching, burning and can be seen as red and irritated skin.</figcaption></figure><h2>Key points</h2><ul><li>Vulvovaginitis has many different causes.</li><li>Parents can help their child treat and prevent vulvovaginitis with good hygiene measures.</li><li>Parents can help make sure their child keeps their vaginal area clean and dry, and avoids moisture, irritation and heat.</li><li>Parents can also help their child avoid products and activities that cause irritation. </li></ul><h2>Vulvovaginitis can have several causes</h2><p>Most often, vulvovaginitis is caused when the vulvar and vaginal skin become irritated. This irritation can be caused by the use of products that are too strong for the delicate vulvar skin, clothing that rubs, dampness and less commonly, a skin or vaginal infection. Vulvovaginitis can also be caused by sexual abuse. Other skin problems, such as <a href="/Article?contentid=773&language=English">eczema</a>, can also affect the vulvar skin. Vulvovaginitis may result from several of these causes at the same time. </p><h3>Skin in the vaginal area changes over time</h3><p>In young children, before puberty, the skin in the vaginal area is thin and delicate. This delicate skin is easily irritated. When they grow and begin to produce their own sex hormones, pubic hair and thickened skin will develop and protect the vaginal area. Normal vulvar skin should not look reddish or raw.</p><h3>Activities and clothing</h3><p>Many normal things children do can irritate the skin around the vagina. For example, playing in sandboxes or on slides and teeter-totters, and wearing wet clothes, bathing suits or tight ballet leotards can irritate the skin.</p><h3>Sometimes chidren wait too long to go to the bathroom</h3><p>Children who are playing often forget to go to the bathroom until the last minute. Sometimes they do not wipe themselves properly. When this happens, bacteria from the anus can get into the vagina. Dirty underwear can also bring bacteria into contact with the vagina and the surrounding skin. Most children will not wash their vaginal area at bath time. Children need to be helped with bathing so they clean themselves properly.</p><h3>Other problems: soaps and the weather</h3><ul><li>Soaps, bubble baths and perfumes can irritate a child's skin. Strong laundry detergents and fabric softeners can also be a source of irritation.</li><li>Dry winter air can be irritating to the skin.</li><li>Heat and humidity can also irritate the skin, especially if combined with wet bathing suits or tight clothing.</li></ul><h2>Diagnosing vulvovaginitis</h2><p>If your child develops skin irritation in the vaginal area, develops an odour in the area or has discharge from the vagina, they should see their health-care provider. Depending on the problem and how severe the symptoms are, the doctor may refer them to a gynaecology clinic.</p><p>The gynaecologist will ask questions about your child's health and do a physical examination. The doctor will want to make sure that there is no infection or skin problem that needs treatment. Sometimes, a small vaginal swab will be taken to look for infection. If there has been any bleeding, the doctor may need to examine further.</p><p>The doctor will also ask questions and examine your child to make sure that they have not been subject to any sexual abuse. Tell your child what the examination is about, using words they can understand. The goal is to let your child feel comfortable with the examination and make sure they do not have a painful or frightening experience.</p><p>After the examination, the doctor will tell you what the best treatment is. Whatever treatment is recommended, there will be some things that you can do to help at home.</p><h2>Treating vulvovaginitis</h2><p>The treatment of vulvovaginitis will depend on the cause of the irritation. Usually, the irritation comes from hygiene measures. It may be that your child is not cleaning themselves well enough. It is important to remember that the most common cause of vaginal discharge in children with vulvovaginitis is skin irritation. It is rare to find an infection. If there is an infection, it can be treated with antibiotics or antifungals.</p><p>You can help your child by starting some simple habits and routines. Because your child's skin is so delicate, anything you can do to help keep the vaginal area clean, dry and healthy will help. Here are some of the things you can do.</p><h3>Clean and dry underwear and clothes</h3><p>Make sure your child changes into clean underwear often, especially if their underwear has gotten dirty. Try to have your child change their underwear more than once a day. White cotton underwear are best. Your child should change out of wet or tight-fitting clothing as soon as possible. Encourage your child to not wear underwear at night.</p><p>Do not use pantiliners to contain vaginal discharge as this will actually increase symptoms. It is better to make sure your child changes their underwear often.</p><h3>Wiping properly after the bathroom</h3><p>Make sure your child knows how to clean themselves well after using the toilet. This is a particular problem for parents whose children go to daycare or to babysitters, because the parents are not there to help their child. Children should wipe themselves from front to back. Use only white toilet paper. Many children can clean themselves better with alcohol- and perfume-free wet wipes. These wipes are easier on the skin than dry toilet paper. A little packet of wet wipes tucked into your child's things when they go off to daycare may be helpful.</p><h3>Bathing</h3><p>If using wet wipes does not solve the problem, have your child take a shallow sitz bath when they get home to make sure that they are nice and clean. A sitz bath is a small tub that can be placed on the toilet and filled with warm water to soak the vulvar region. You can purchase a sitz bath at most drug stores. Do not use soaps, bubble baths or perfumed products on your child. When they have signs of vulvovaginitis, it is a good idea to have your child bathe two to three times a day. Adding non-allergenic skin softeners to the water will help soften and soothe the vulvar skin. You can consider applying a barrier cream such as petroleum jelly or a zinc oxide after bathing to help soothe the skin.</p><p>Encourage your childr not to scratch their bottom because scratching can cause more irritation and infection.</p><h3>After a bath</h3><p>After the bath, gently blot or pat dry the child's vaginal area. Do not use scratchy towels or rub the skin too hard. You may find it helpful to use a hairdryer on a low, cool setting to dry the area gently. It is all right for the child to run around the house wearing skirts or loose shorts without underwear to let the air reach their bottom.</p><h3>A good daily hygiene routine</h3><p>Your child needs to learn how to take care of their vaginal area. It is an important part of their body that needs special cleaning, just as their teeth need special care. If creams have been recommended, your child can learn how to put their own cream on. They can learn to wash their hands before and after and use a hand mirror so that they can put the cream exactly where it is needed. In this way, your child will learn that this is their body and they have a responsibility to care for it.</p><h2>Vulvovaginitis often comes back</h2><p>About half the girls who have this problem will have it more than once during their childhood. It usually gets better as girls grow up, and will not cause them any long-term harm.</p><p>If the irritation comes back, begin strict hygiene measures again. Your child may need to be seen at the clinic again. Sometimes, if the inflammation comes back it may be caused by something different.</p><p>The better your child gets at being clean and dry, the less likely they are to get vulvovaginitis again.</p><p>If your child has any pain or bleeding, see your health-care provider.</p>
外阴阴道炎外阴阴道炎VulvovaginitisChineseSimplifiedGenital and reproductiveChild (0-12 years);Teen (13-18 years)NAVaginaConditions and diseasesAdult (19+) CaregiversNA2019-09-18T04:00:00ZFlat ContentHealth A-Z<p>外阴阴道炎是一种在外阴和阴道周围的皮肤发炎,在幼儿中比较常见。请阅读有关外阴阴道炎的症状和治疗方法。</p><h2>什么是外阴阴道炎?</h2><p>外阴阴道炎是外阴和阴道部位的敏感皮肤出现的一种炎症。外阴是女性生殖器的外露部分;阴道连接外阴和子宫。外阴阴道炎可能会引起疼痛、瘙痒、发红和灼热感。有时患有外阴阴道炎的儿童会有少量的阴道分泌物,这些分泌物会弄脏内裤并产生强烈的气味。</p><p>当孩子诉说皮肤发红和疼痛时,父母首先要意识到这个问题,这是外阴阴道炎最常见的症状。</p><h2>要点</h2><ul><li>有许多不同的原因可导致外阴阴道炎。</li><li>父母可通过良好的卫生措施来帮助孩子治疗和预防外阴阴道炎。</li><li>父母可以帮助孩子保持阴道部位的清洁干爽,避免潮湿、刺激和闷热。</li><li>父母还可以帮助孩子避免引起刺激的产品和活动。</li></ul>
VulvovaginiteVVulvovaginiteVulvovaginitisFrenchGenital and reproductiveChild (0-12 years);Teen (13-18 years)NAVaginaConditions and diseasesCaregivers Adult (19+)NA2009-11-10T05:00:00Z8.0000000000000060.00000000000001521.00000000000Health (A-Z) - ConditionsHealth A-Z<p>La vulvovaginite est une irritation de la peau qui entoure le vagin fréquente chez les jeunes filles. Apprenez-en davantage sur les symptômes et le traitement de la maladie.</p><h2>Qu’est-ce que la vulvovaginite?</h2><p>La vulvovaginite est une inflammation ou une irritation de la peau délicate des régions génitales. Elle peut causer des douleurs, des démangeaisons, des rougeurs et des brûlements. Parfois, les filles atteintes de vulvovaginites ont de petits écoulements vaginaux, qui tacheront les sous-vêtements et qui produiront une odeur forte.</p><p>Les parents apprennent le plus souvent l’existence du problème quand leur enfant se plaint de rougeurs et de douleur à la peau, les signes les plus courants de la vulvovaginite.</p> <figure class="asset-c-80"> <span class="asset-image-title">Vulvovaginite</span><img src="https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/akhassets/Vulvovaginitis_MED_ILL_FR.png" alt="Organes génitaux féminins normaux et organes génitaux féminin avec la peau rouge et irritée" /><figcaption class="“asset-image-caption”">La vulvovaginite est une irritation de la peau dans la région génitale. Elle provoque de la douleur, des démangeaisons, une sensation de brûlure et la peau est rouge et irritée.</figcaption> </figure><h2>À retenir</h2><ul><li>La vulvovaginite peut avoir de nombreuses causes différentes.</li><li>Les parents peuvent aider leur fille à traiter et à prévenir la vulvovaginite avec de bonnes pratiques d’hygiène.</li><li>Les parents peuvent aider leur fille à garder le siège propre et sec, et à éviter l’humidité, l’irritation et la chaleur.</li><li>Les parents peuvent aussi aider leur enfant à éviter les activités qui causent de l’irritation.</li></ul><h2>La vulvovaginite a plusieurs causes</h2> <p>Le plus souvent, la vulvovaginite survient quand la peau des régions génitales devient irritée. Cette irritation peut être causée par le frottement de vêtements, de l’humidité, une infection de la peau, des bactéries de l’anus ou peut-être des abus sexuels. D’autres problèmes de peau, comme l’exéma, peuvent aussi avoir un effet sur les régions génitales. La vulvovaginite peut être attribuable à plusieurs facteurs en même temps.</p> <h3>Le corps des jeunes filles est délicat</h3> <p>Chez les filles, la peau des régions génitales est mince et délicate. Cette peau délicate est facilement irritée. Quand la jeune fille grandit et commence à produire des hormones sexuelles, des poils pubiens et la peau qui épaissit protègent la peau de la région génitale. Normalement, la peau de la vulve ne devrait pas avoir l’air rouge et irritée.</p> <h3>Les filles sont très actives</h3> <p>De nombreuses choses que font les filles normalement peuvent irriter la peau autour du vagin, par exemple, jouer dans des carrés de sable, des glissades ou des bascules, ainsi que des vêtements mouillés, des costumes de bain ou des léotards de ballet serrés peuvent irriter la peau.</p> <h3>Parfois, les filles attendent longtemps avant d’aller uriner</h3> <p>Les enfants qui jouent oublient souvent d’aller uriner jusqu’à la dernière minute. Elles ne s’essuient pas toujours correctement non plus. Quand cela se produit, les bactéries de l’anus peuvent se transporter dans le vagin. Des sous-vêtements sales peuvent aussi apporter des bactéries dans le vagin et la peau qui l’entoure. La plupart des enfants ne laveront pas la région génitale quand ils prennent leur bain. Il faut aider les enfants pour qu’ils se lavent correctement.</p> <h3>Autres problèmes : vêtements, savons et la température</h3> <ul> <li>Des savons parfumés, des bains moussants et des parfums peuvent irriter la peau d’un enfant</li> <li>Les sous-vêtements de coton sont ce qu’il y a de meilleur pour la peau</li> <li>L’air sec de l’hiver peut irriter la peau</li> <li>La chaleur et l’humidité peuvent aussi irriter la peau, surtout combinées à des costumes de bain mouillés ou à des vêtements serrés</li> </ul><h2>Diagnostic de vulvovaginite</h2> <p>Si la peau de la région génitale de votre enfant est irritée, si une odeur s’en dégage ou si votre enfant a des pertes vaginales, elle doit voir son médecin de famille ou un pédiatre. Selon le problème et la gravité des symptômes, le médecin pourrait la référer à un gynécologue.</p> <p>Le gynécologue posera des questions sur la santé de votre enfant et fera un examen physique. Le médecin voudra vérifier qu’aucune infection ou problème de peau ne nécessite un traitement. Parfois, un petit frottis vaginal sera prélevé très doucement pour déceler une infection. S’il y a eu des saignements, le médecin pourrait vouloir pousser l’examen.</p> <p>Le médecin posera des questions et examinera votre enfant pour faire en sorte qu’elle n’a pas subi d’abus sexuels. Dites à votre enfant en quoi consiste l’examen, en vous servant de mots qu’elle peut comprendre. L’objectif consiste à rendre votre enfant à l’aise et à faire en sorte que l’expérience ne soit pas douloureuse ou effrayante.</p> <p>Après l’examen, le médecin vous dira en quoi consiste le meilleur traitement. Peu importe le traitement recommandé, il y a certaines choses que vous pouvez faire à la maison.</p><h2>Traiter la vulvovaginite</h2> <p>Le traitement de la vulvovaginite dépendra de la cause de l’irritation. Parfois, l’infection se traite au moyen d’antibiotiques. Habituellement, il n’y a pas qu’une infection précise. L’irritation provient plutôt des mesures d’hygiène. Il se pourrait que votre enfant ne se lave pas correctement.</p> <p>Vous pouvez aider votre enfant en instaurant des habitudes et des routines simples. Étant donné que la peau de votre fille est si délicate, tout ce que vous pouvez faire pour garder la région génitale propre, sèche et saine aidera. Voici certaines choses que vous pouvez faire.</p> <h3>Sous-vêtements et vêtements propres et secs</h3> <p>Assurez-vous que votre enfant mette des sous-vêtements propres souvent, surtout si ses sous-vêtements sont sales. Essayez de la faire se changer plus d’une fois par jour. Les sous-vêtements de coton blanc sont à privilégier. Votre enfant doit retirer des sous-vêtements humides ou trop serrés aussi tôt que possible.</p> <h3> Bien s’essuyer après la toilette</h3> <p>Assurez-vous que votre enfant s’essuie bien après avoir été à la toilette. C’est un problème surtout pour les parents dont les enfants vont à la garderie ou chez un gardien, parce que les parents ne sont pas là pour aider leur enfant. Les filles doivent s’essuyer de l’avant vers l’arrière et se servir de papier hygiénique blanc seulement. De nombreux enfants peuvent se laver avec des serviettes humides sans alcool et sans parfum, qui sont plus douces pour la peau que du papier hygiénique. Un petit paquet de serviettes humides que vous insérez dans les choses de votre enfant quand elle va à la garderie pourrait être utile.</p> <h3>Bains</h3> <p>Si les serviettes humides ne règlent pas le problème, demandez à votre fille de prendre un bain de siège peu profond quand elle revient à la maison pour être bien propre. Elle ne doit pas utiliser de savons parfumés, de bains moussants ou de produits parfumés. Quand elle montre des signes de vulvovaginite, c’est une bonne idée qu’elle se lave dans le bain trois fois par jour. Le fait d’ajouter de la poudre pour le bain avec de l’huile ajoutée de marque Aveeno ou d’autres solutions adoucissantes pour la peau sans parfum dans l’eau adoucira et soulagera la peau.</p> <p>Encouragez votre fille à ne pas se gratter le siège, parce que les ongles peuvent irriter la peau et causer une infection.</p> <h3>Après un bain</h3> <p>Après un bain, asséchez la région génitale en appuyant doucement avec une serviette ou en tapotant la région. N’utilisez pas de serviettes rugueuses et ne frottez pas trop fort. Un séchoir à cheveux à faible puissance et à air froid peut aider à sécher la peau doucement. Il peut être pratique de laisser l’enfant se promener dans la maison avec des jupes ou des pantalons amples sans sous-vêtement pour laisser le siège sécher à l’air.</p> <h3>Saines habitudes d’hygiène</h3> <p>Votre enfant doit apprendre comment prendre soin de la région génitale, car c’est une partie importante du corps qui a besoin de nettoyage spécial, comme ses dents. Si l’on a recommandé des crèmes, votre enfant peut apprendre à les appliquer. Elle peut aussi apprendre comment se laver les mains avant et après, et à se servir d’un miroir pour mettre la crème exactement où il faut. De cette manière, elle apprendra que c’est son corps et qu’elle est responsable d’en prendre soin</p> <h2>La vulvovaginite revient souvent</h2> <p>Environ la moitié des filles qui ont eu ce problème l’auront plus d’une fois dans leur enfance. Il s’améliore habituellement à mesure que la fille grandit et ne causera pas de tort à long terme. </p> <p>Si l’irritation revient, reprendre de strictes mesures d’hygiène. Votre fille pourrait devoir retourner à la clinique. Parfois, si l’inflammation revient, elle peut avoir une cause différente.</p> <p>Plus votre fille sera en mesure d’être propre et sèche, moins elle a de chances de développer une autre vulvovaginite.</p> <p>Si votre fille a des douleurs ou des saignements, appelez la clinique de gynécologie pour prendre rendez-vous.</p>

 

 

Vulvovaginitis887.000000000000VulvovaginitisVulvovaginitisVEnglishGenital and reproductiveChild (0-12 years);Teen (13-18 years)NAVaginaConditions and diseasesCaregivers Adult (19+)NA2019-09-18T04:00:00Z7.7000000000000064.70000000000001650.00000000000Health (A-Z) - ConditionsHealth A-Z<p>Vulvovaginitis is skin irritation around the vulva and vagina that is common in young children. Read about the symptoms and treatment of vulvovaginitis.</p><h2>What is vulvovaginitis?</h2><p>Vulvovaginitis is an inflammation or irritation of the delicate skin of the vulvar and vaginal area. The vulva is the outside area of the female genitals; the vagina connects the vulva and the uterus. Vulvovaginitis may cause soreness, itchiness, redness and burning. Sometimes children with vulvovaginitis have a slight discharge from the vagina, which will stain the underpants and produce a strong odour.</p><p>Parents often first become aware of the problem when their child complains about the redness and soreness of the skin, which is the most common sign of vulvovaginitis.</p> <figure class="asset-c-80"> <span class="asset-image-title"> Vulvovaginitis</span> <img src="https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/akhassets/Vulvovaginitis_MED_ILL_EN.png" alt="Normal female genitals and female genitals with red irritated skin" /> <figcaption class="asset-image-caption"> Vulvovaginitis is an irritation of the skin in the vulvar and vaginal area. It causes soreness, itching, burning and can be seen as red and irritated skin.</figcaption></figure><h2>Key points</h2><ul><li>Vulvovaginitis has many different causes.</li><li>Parents can help their child treat and prevent vulvovaginitis with good hygiene measures.</li><li>Parents can help make sure their child keeps their vaginal area clean and dry, and avoids moisture, irritation and heat.</li><li>Parents can also help their child avoid products and activities that cause irritation. </li></ul><h2>Vulvovaginitis can have several causes</h2><p>Most often, vulvovaginitis is caused when the vulvar and vaginal skin become irritated. This irritation can be caused by the use of products that are too strong for the delicate vulvar skin, clothing that rubs, dampness and less commonly, a skin or vaginal infection. Vulvovaginitis can also be caused by sexual abuse. Other skin problems, such as <a href="/Article?contentid=773&language=English">eczema</a>, can also affect the vulvar skin. Vulvovaginitis may result from several of these causes at the same time. </p><h3>Skin in the vaginal area changes over time</h3><p>In young children, before puberty, the skin in the vaginal area is thin and delicate. This delicate skin is easily irritated. When they grow and begin to produce their own sex hormones, pubic hair and thickened skin will develop and protect the vaginal area. Normal vulvar skin should not look reddish or raw.</p><h3>Activities and clothing</h3><p>Many normal things children do can irritate the skin around the vagina. For example, playing in sandboxes or on slides and teeter-totters, and wearing wet clothes, bathing suits or tight ballet leotards can irritate the skin.</p><h3>Sometimes chidren wait too long to go to the bathroom</h3><p>Children who are playing often forget to go to the bathroom until the last minute. Sometimes they do not wipe themselves properly. When this happens, bacteria from the anus can get into the vagina. Dirty underwear can also bring bacteria into contact with the vagina and the surrounding skin. Most children will not wash their vaginal area at bath time. Children need to be helped with bathing so they clean themselves properly.</p><h3>Other problems: soaps and the weather</h3><ul><li>Soaps, bubble baths and perfumes can irritate a child's skin. Strong laundry detergents and fabric softeners can also be a source of irritation.</li><li>Dry winter air can be irritating to the skin.</li><li>Heat and humidity can also irritate the skin, especially if combined with wet bathing suits or tight clothing.</li></ul><h2>Diagnosing vulvovaginitis</h2><p>If your child develops skin irritation in the vaginal area, develops an odour in the area or has discharge from the vagina, they should see their health-care provider. Depending on the problem and how severe the symptoms are, the doctor may refer them to a gynaecology clinic.</p><p>The gynaecologist will ask questions about your child's health and do a physical examination. The doctor will want to make sure that there is no infection or skin problem that needs treatment. Sometimes, a small vaginal swab will be taken to look for infection. If there has been any bleeding, the doctor may need to examine further.</p><p>The doctor will also ask questions and examine your child to make sure that they have not been subject to any sexual abuse. Tell your child what the examination is about, using words they can understand. The goal is to let your child feel comfortable with the examination and make sure they do not have a painful or frightening experience.</p><p>After the examination, the doctor will tell you what the best treatment is. Whatever treatment is recommended, there will be some things that you can do to help at home.</p><h2>Treating vulvovaginitis</h2><p>The treatment of vulvovaginitis will depend on the cause of the irritation. Usually, the irritation comes from hygiene measures. It may be that your child is not cleaning themselves well enough. It is important to remember that the most common cause of vaginal discharge in children with vulvovaginitis is skin irritation. It is rare to find an infection. If there is an infection, it can be treated with antibiotics or antifungals.</p><p>You can help your child by starting some simple habits and routines. Because your child's skin is so delicate, anything you can do to help keep the vaginal area clean, dry and healthy will help. Here are some of the things you can do.</p><h3>Clean and dry underwear and clothes</h3><p>Make sure your child changes into clean underwear often, especially if their underwear has gotten dirty. Try to have your child change their underwear more than once a day. White cotton underwear are best. Your child should change out of wet or tight-fitting clothing as soon as possible. Encourage your child to not wear underwear at night.</p><p>Do not use pantiliners to contain vaginal discharge as this will actually increase symptoms. It is better to make sure your child changes their underwear often.</p><h3>Wiping properly after the bathroom</h3><p>Make sure your child knows how to clean themselves well after using the toilet. This is a particular problem for parents whose children go to daycare or to babysitters, because the parents are not there to help their child. Children should wipe themselves from front to back. Use only white toilet paper. Many children can clean themselves better with alcohol- and perfume-free wet wipes. These wipes are easier on the skin than dry toilet paper. A little packet of wet wipes tucked into your child's things when they go off to daycare may be helpful.</p><h3>Bathing</h3><p>If using wet wipes does not solve the problem, have your child take a shallow sitz bath when they get home to make sure that they are nice and clean. A sitz bath is a small tub that can be placed on the toilet and filled with warm water to soak the vulvar region. You can purchase a sitz bath at most drug stores. Do not use soaps, bubble baths or perfumed products on your child. When they have signs of vulvovaginitis, it is a good idea to have your child bathe two to three times a day. Adding non-allergenic skin softeners to the water will help soften and soothe the vulvar skin. You can consider applying a barrier cream such as petroleum jelly or a zinc oxide after bathing to help soothe the skin.</p><p>Encourage your childr not to scratch their bottom because scratching can cause more irritation and infection.</p><h3>After a bath</h3><p>After the bath, gently blot or pat dry the child's vaginal area. Do not use scratchy towels or rub the skin too hard. You may find it helpful to use a hairdryer on a low, cool setting to dry the area gently. It is all right for the child to run around the house wearing skirts or loose shorts without underwear to let the air reach their bottom.</p><h3>A good daily hygiene routine</h3><p>Your child needs to learn how to take care of their vaginal area. It is an important part of their body that needs special cleaning, just as their teeth need special care. If creams have been recommended, your child can learn how to put their own cream on. They can learn to wash their hands before and after and use a hand mirror so that they can put the cream exactly where it is needed. In this way, your child will learn that this is their body and they have a responsibility to care for it.</p><h2>Vulvovaginitis often comes back</h2><p>About half the girls who have this problem will have it more than once during their childhood. It usually gets better as girls grow up, and will not cause them any long-term harm.</p><p>If the irritation comes back, begin strict hygiene measures again. Your child may need to be seen at the clinic again. Sometimes, if the inflammation comes back it may be caused by something different.</p><p>The better your child gets at being clean and dry, the less likely they are to get vulvovaginitis again.</p><p>If your child has any pain or bleeding, see your health-care provider.</p><h2>Other things your child can do to treat and avoid vulvovaginitis</h2><ul><li>Take sitz baths twice a day when the skin is irritated.</li><li>Do not use soaps in the vulvar region. It is best to clean with warm water on a soft face cloth. No bubble baths.</li><li>Use gentle detergent on the underwear and do not use fabric softener.</li><li>If the skin is very sore, try using cotton balls with mineral oil after a bowel movement instead of toilet paper.</li><li>Do not wear underwear to bed.</li><li>Do not wear tight clothing such as pantyhose, tight pants or leotards.</li><li>Change out of wet bathing suits or any other wet clothing as soon as possible.</li><li>Girls who are <a href="/Article?contentid=299&language=English">menstruating</a> should not use perfumed tampons or pads.</li><li>Do not use topical medications, or topical antibiotic ointments or feminine hygiene sprays.</li><li>Use petroleum jelly or zinc oxide diaper cream on the area. It can be soothing and is harmless.</li></ul>vulvovaginitishttps://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/akhassets/Vulvovaginitis_MED_ILL_EN.pngVulvovaginitisFalse

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