VAGINAL ITCHING OR IRRITATION

Symptom Definition

  • Genital area pain, burning or itching.
  • No pain or burning with urination, no vaginal discharge.

Cause

  • Main cause in young girls: a soap irritation of the vulva or outer vagina (soap vulvitis) from bubble bath, shampoo or other soap.

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WHEN TO CALL YOUR DOCTOR FOR VAGINAL ITCHING OR IRRITATION

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 9am and 4pm) 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 If

  • Probable soap vulvitis and you don't think your child needs to be seen.
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HOME CARE ADVICE FOR SOAP VULVITIS

  1. 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.
  2. Steroid Cream:  Apply 1% hydrocortisone cream to the genital area after soaks for 1 or 2 days.
  3. 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.
  4. Expected Course:  If the symptoms are due to soap vulvitis, they should all clear within 1 to 2 days with proper treatment.
  5. Call Your Doctor If:
    • Irritation persists on treatment for more than 48 hours.
    • Vaginal discharge or bleeding occurs.
    • Your child becomes worse or develops any of the "Call Your Doctor" symptoms.
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Disclaimer: This information is not intended be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information.

Pediatric HouseCalls Online. Copyright © 2000-2004 Barton Schmitt, M.D. FAAP

Reviewed 8/2004

Revised 7/2002

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