Vulvovaginitis in children: causes and treatment

Inflammatory pathologies of the genital organs are found not only in women, but also in young girls. One of these ailments is vulvovaginitis. The main causes of the pathological process, its forms and methods of treatment will be discussed in this article.

Features of the disease

Vulvovaginitis is a serious disease characterized by inflammation of the vaginal walls and directly of the vulva itself. According to statistical data, it is diagnosed in 60% of cases in girls under the age of 8 years. The causes of the pathological process are different. Most often, the disease is due to anatomical features of the structure of the vaginal mucosa. In newborn children, it is covered with several layers of flat epithelium. In its composition there is glycogen, and the secret has an acid reaction. Approximately in the fourth week of life, epilation is observed, as the estrogenic effect on the part of the maternal organism stops. The mucous ball is thinned, as a result of which the microbes can freely enter the body.

During puberty, the epithelialization of the vagina is reinforced, but already under the influence of its own estrogens. Various damages to the mucous membranes of the genitals (burns, foreign body insertion) disturb the steady balance. As a result, the balance between the cells of the vaginal epithelium and the microorganisms living in it is destabilized, the number of leukocytes and the secreted secretion increases, and inflammation develops.

Why else can ailment occur?

The started inflammatory process can be both infectious and non-infectious. In the first case, pathogenic flora (gonococci, Trichomonas, tuberculosis, chlamydia) acts as the cause of the disease. Such vulvovaginitis is called specific. In the second case, opportunistic pathogens, viruses, Candida, etc., contribute to the development of the disease. Vulvovaginitis in children can occur against a background of reduced immunity, with endocrine disorders or helminthic invasion. Otherwise it is called nonspecific.

In children up to a year, the disease can be a consequence of infection from the mother during delivery. It is not detected immediately, so the inflammatory process sometimes becomes chronic. Infectious agents can be any microorganisms located on the mucosal genital tract of the mother. However, more often vulvovaginitis in children under one year develops due to non-compliance with hygiene rules. If a baby suffers from atopic dermatitis, which among infants is not uncommon, the inflammatory process can be allergic.

After a year the child starts to get actively acquainted with the surrounding world. He can easily injure the vagina, thrust toys into it. In pre-school and junior school age, the disease occurs due to reduced immunity and infection, along with blood flow from other foci. In the role of the latter usually act chronic tonsillitis, otitis and sinusitis.

Mycotic vulvovaginitis

This form of the disease is most often diagnosed in newborns and pubescent girls. It is characterized by the appearance of a cheesy plaque on the genitals, under which eroded areas are found. Also, mycotic vulvovaginitis in children may be accompanied by itching in the vagina, flushing of the skin.

Treatment is usually done at home. To combat the disease, it is recommended to do syringing with a weak solution of sodium bicarbonate. In especially serious cases, the doctor can prescribe the "Levorin" reception in tablets for 10 days.

Trichomonas vulvovaginitis

This form of the disease is most often detected in newborns and girls after 12 years, when the mature epithelium has already formed in the vagina. The presence of glycogen in it determines the most favorable environment for parasitizing trichomonads. Among the main symptoms of the pathological process can be identified hyperemia of the vulvar mucosa, small swelling. Another characteristic feature is abundant foamy leucorrhoea, which has an unpleasant odor.

To treat the disease, the drug "Metronidazole" is used. To small patients it is prescribed 2 tablets twice a day. Trichomonas vulvovaginitis in a child of 5 years and older requires a different treatment regimen. The first two days give 2 tablets of "Metronidazole", and the next 5 - for one pill. Douching with disinfectant solutions is mandatory.

Viral vulvovaginitis

Bacterial, or viral vulvovaginitis, sometimes develops in smallpox and diphtheria, as well as against the background of acute respiratory infections. Most often its cause is the penetration into the body of streptococcal infection. As a result, the reactivity of the body decreases, and the balance between the flora of the vagina and its mucosa is disturbed. The inflammatory process is characterized by a moderate course, possibly reddening of the vulva and labia.

To treat the disease, sanitation of the foci of infection is shown. Localized douching with a weak solution of sodium bicarbonate. The procedure is recommended to be repeated daily until the symptoms characteristic of the disease "bacterial vulvovaginitis" disappear completely.

The child can be cured if you notice the manifestation of the disease in a timely manner. Sometimes its development provokes an E. coli, which is often introduced into the body of pinworm. Among the manifestations of the pathology there is itching in the genital area, thickening of the anal folds, yellowish-green discharge. In this case, the treatment is aimed at eliminating the culprit of the disease - pinworm. Therapy is selected individually.

How to recognize the disease in a timely manner?

Timely diagnosis of vulvovaginitis is the key to a speedy recovery. The following symptoms may be the reason for contacting a doctor:

• Burning in the genital area;
• Discomfort during urination;
• Purulent discharge from the vagina.

After collecting anamnesis and obtaining the necessary information, the doctor begins to examine the baby. First of all, it is necessary to exclude the presence of a foreign body in the vagina, and also to take the material for the subsequent microscopic examination. With a tampon soaked in physiological saline, the doctor takes a swab, but does not touch the hymen. With a lubricated clinical picture, a blood test is additionally assigned. Even a slight deviation from the norm of certain indicators allows you to suspect vulvovaginitis in children. Both an increase in ESR, and a change in the number of leukocytes indicate the onset of the inflammatory process. Based on the results of the examination and physical examination, the doctor makes a diagnosis.

Medication

It is necessary to generalize all methods that provide effective therapy of the disease in small patients. In the presence of helminthic invasions use "Pirantel" or "Vermox". Severe itching in the genital area is considered an indication for the use of sedatives and antihistamines (Tavegil, Diazolin). Regardless of the cause of the disease and its course, small patients are prescribed general restorative treatment, which consists of the intake of vitamins and immunostimulants.

Nonspecific vulvovaginitis in children require antibiotics at age dosages. The doctor may prescribe "Ampicillin" or "Cefalexin". These funds are taken orally, the course of treatment is 10-14 days. Also shown is the use of vaginal sticks and special ointments ("Levomekol", "Furazolidon", sintomycin emulsion) with vulvovaginitis in children. Comments of doctors about these drugs are extremely positive. If antimicrobial therapy is ineffective, the doctor may prescribe medications with estrogens. They are used for two to three weeks.

When detecting microorganisms of the genus Candidae in the smear, antifungal medications in the form of ointments or creams ("Nystatin") are used for treatment. Therapy of viral vulvovaginitis should be aimed at increasing the body's resistance to the effects of pathogenic factors and suppressing the vital activity of bacteria causing the disease. Among the medicines used, Acyclovir is the most effective.

Home Treatment

Folk healers offer several recipes to combat such pathologies as vulvovaginitis in children. For example, you can make herbal lotions. To do this, you can use chamomile, sage, mint. Procedures are recommended to be repeated on a daily basis. The healing effect of tea has St. John's wort. To make it, you need to pour a teaspoon of dry herb with a glass of boiling water, leave for 15 minutes. Take the broth should be 1/2 cup three times a day. Unconventional therapy is in addition to the main course of treatment, and before its beginning it is necessary to consult with the doctor.

Preventive measures

Can I be safe from the diagnosis of a child's vulvovaginitis? The causes of the pathological process should be known to every parent and try to prevent them. However, only to avoid disease-provoking factors is not enough. It is necessary to follow simple rules for caring for a child.

1. After each act of defecation, doctors recommend to wash the baby under running water. After the procedure, the genitals should be soaked with a diaper or a clean towel.
2. A child should be bathed daily. You can use children's cosmetics.
3. It is important to change your underwear daily. Preference is best given to sets of natural fabrics. Synthetic underwear does not allow air to pass through and does not absorb skin secretions, which creates favorable conditions for the reproduction of bacteria.
4. In order to increase the immunity of the baby, pediatricians recommend walking outdoors more often, and hardening. Particular attention should be paid to nutrition and rest.

Vulvovaginitis is a disease whose development can be prevented. If, despite all the efforts, it was not possible to avoid the disease, it is necessary to see a doctor. Do not try to cure or ignore vulvovaginitis alone in children. Photos of the complications of the pathological process are fearful. The disease is very dangerous and can lead to the formation of synechia, as well as more serious consequences.