Vulvovaginitis in toddlers is the inflammation or swelling of their vulva and vagina. Symptoms include redness, soreness and itching in your child's vaginal area. The most common cause of vulvovaginitis in toddlers are irritants such as harsh soaps, bubble baths and tight-fitting clothing.
Diaper rash, also called diaper dermatitis, is caused by wet or soiled diapers. It occurs when urine or stool in the diaper irritates the baby's skin, making it tender and red. Candida diaper rash usually shows up around the genitals and buttocks. It's usually very red, with small red spots close to the large patches.
What does vulvovaginitis look like? With vulvitis or vulvovaginitis, your genitals may look red or swollen. Your skin may look scaly, white and patchy and you may have blisters. In more severe cases, your skin may be so irritated that it sticks together.
Personal hygiene: cleaning genitals and toileting
Wash your daughter's vulva gently in the bath or shower. Wash from front to back to reduce the risk of urinary tract infections. The vagina cleans itself – don't put anything in it. Wash your son's penis and scrotum the way you wash other body parts.
Avoid wearing underwear at night. A barrier cream such as Sudocrem™ can be used if the skin is sore. Do not apply any other types of creams unless advised by your doctor.
Apply a barrier ointment (vaseline or zinc oxide) which are available over the counter) after baths or diaper changes. Sometimes vulvovaginitis may require treatment with medication. If your doctor prescribes any medicines, use as directed.
Yeast infections usually are treated with an over-the-counter antifungal cream or suppository, such as miconazole (Monistat 1), clotrimazole (Lotrimin AF, Mycelex, Trivagizole 3), butoconazole (Gynazole-1) or tioconazole (Vagistat-1).
While your child is young, the skin around the vulva (external female genital area) can be quite thin, and this can lead to it being easily irritated. Occasional itching around the vulval area is common.
Vulvovaginitis refers to inflammation of both the vagina and vulva (the external female genitals). These conditions can result from an infection caused by organisms like bacteria, yeast or viruses.
Diaper rash is a common form of irritated skin (dermatitis) that looks like patches of inflamed skin on your baby's bottom. It's often related to wet or infrequently changed diapers, skin sensitivity, and chafing. It usually affects babies, though anyone who wears a diaper regularly can develop the condition.
Applying a mild (low-strength) corticosteroid cream such as hydrocortisone to the genital area may provide temporary relief. The cream should not be put into the vagina and should be used for only a short period of time. For severe itching, an antihistamine taken by mouth may help temporarily.
A discoloured and sore vulva is the most common symptom of vulvovaginitis. The vulva might look red on lighter skin or brown, purple or grey on darker skin. Your child might also get smelly discharge from the vagina or complain of burning when they urinate. Vulvovaginitis symptoms often come and go.
Common causes of vaginal itching and discharge in young girls include: Chemicals such as perfumes and dyes in detergents, fabric softeners, creams, ointments, and sprays may irritate the vagina or the skin around the vagina. Vaginal yeast infection. Vaginitis.
Young girls are more prone to vulvovaginitis because they have lower levels of female hormones so the vagina and vulva are thin and less resistant to infection. Before puberty the vagina is not acidic like after puberty so bacteria can easily grow and cause infection.
Vulvovaginitis in toddlers is the inflammation or swelling of their vulva and vagina. Symptoms include redness, soreness and itching in your child's vaginal area. The most common cause of vulvovaginitis in toddlers are irritants such as harsh soaps, bubble baths and tight-fitting clothing.
apply barrier cream such as petroleum jelly or sudocream after washing, before and after urinating. avoid wearing tight clothing. wear underwear made from natural materials such as cotton or silk.
Children's natural curiosity about their bodies
They may touch, poke, pull or rub their body parts, including their genitals. It is important to keep in mind that these behaviors are not sexually motivated. They typically are driven by curiosity and attempts at self-soothing.
Young girls and infants may have normal vaginal odor. Diapers and urine may make the smell a little stronger. However, if your daughter has a smell, redness, itching, and may complain that it hurts when she pees, it's probably vulvovaginitis.
While this is a matter of discretion, experts suggest waiting for the child to be 6 or 7 years old at least before letting them experience bath time on their own. Just as you do, remember the goal is to make them appreciate and exercise control over their own body and not shame nudity.
Signs that point to a yeast infection include: Deep red inflamed patches with bumps around the edges. Irritation at the front and in skin creases. Diaper rash creams don't clear it up.