Symptom Definition
- Genital area pain, burning or itching
- No pain or burning with urination, no vaginal discharge
- (Main cause of irrirtation in young girls is a soap irritation of the vulva or outer vagina (soap vulvitis) from bubble bath, shampoo or other soap)
See More Appropriate Topic
- If pain or burning with urination, see URINATION, PAIN WITH
- If itching of the anus is main symptom, see PINWORMS
Call Your Doctor Now (night or day) If
- Your child looks or acts very sick
- Could be from sexual abuse
Call Your Doctor within 24 Hours (between 9 and 4) If
- You think your child needs to be seen
- Vaginal discharge
- Fever is present
Call Your Doctor during Weekday Office Hours If
- You have other questions or concerns
- Over age 10 (Reason: soap vulvitis is unusual)
- Vaginal irritation persists after on treatment for 2 days
Parent Care at Home
- Probable chemical/soap vulvitis and you don't think your child needs to be seen
Home Care Advice for Soap Vulvitis (Pending talk with doctor)
-
Baking Soda-Warm Water Soaks: Soak for 20 minutes to remove irritants and to promote healing
- Add 2 oz. baking soda per tub of warm water. (Reason: baking soda is better than vinegar for girls not into puberty)
- During soaks, be sure she spreads her legs and allows the water to cleanse the genital area
- Repeat baking soda soaks treatment 4 times per day for 2 days
- Steroid Cream: Apply 1% hydrocortisone cream to the genital area after soaks for 1 or 2 days
- Avoid Soaps: Avoid bubble bath, soap, and shampoo to the vulva because they are irritants. Only use warm water to cleanse the vulva or baby oil to remove secretions
- Expected Course: If the symptoms are due to soap vulvitis, they should all clear within 1 to 2 days with proper treatment
-
Call Your Doctor If
- Irritation persists on treatment > 48 hours
- Vaginal discharge or bleeding occurs
- Your child becomes worse or develops any of the "Call Your Doctor" symptoms
