Vaginitis is redness, soreness, or swelling in and around the vagina. The vulva (the area around the opening of the vagina) also might be irritated.
Often, girls with vaginitis (va-jih-NYE-tiss) have:
Vaginitis is common in girls of all ages. Before puberty, the lining of the vagina and the skin of the vulva are very thin. Soap, laundry detergent, fabric softener, tight clothing, wet diapers or swimsuits, sand, and germs can bother this area, leading to vaginitis.
Vaginitis can happen when girls don't clean themselves well after using the toilet. Getting a little piece of toilet paper or something else gets stuck in the vagina also can cause it.
Doctors usually can diagnose vaginitis in children by doing an exam of the area with a parent or chaperone in the room and asking about symptoms. They might send a sample of the fluid for testing if the vaginitis may be due to an infection or if symptoms do not get better after treatment.
Most girls can treat vaginitis with sitz baths. To do this, girls should:
They also should avoid irritating soaps, chemicals, and tight-fitting clothing.
These bathing tips can help the irritation get better and protect girls from getting vaginitis again:
Other things to help prevent vaginitis:
Poor hygiene and irritation are the most common reasons girls get vaginitis. But sometimes it can be a sign of:
Doctors will prescribe medicine to treat specific vaginal infections. If they find an STD, they will report suspected abuse to the local child protection agency.
Reviewed by: Mary L. Gavin, MD
Date Reviewed: Feb 1, 2020