What to do if a child gets vaginitis

Vaginitis in children can be treated by keeping the perineum clean, using antibiotic ointments, adjusting diet, avoiding irritants, and seeking prompt medical treatment. Vaginitis in children is usually caused by poor hygiene habits, bacterial infection, allergic reaction, low immunity, pinworm infection and other reasons.

1. Keep the perineum clean

Wash the perineum with warm water every day, wiping from front to back to avoid introducing perianal bacteria into the vagina. Choose breathable cotton underwear, change them daily, and dry them in the sun after washing. Parents need to teach their children how to clean properly after going to the toilet and avoid using soap or shower gel to directly rinse the vaginal area. If there is an increase in secretions, you can gently rinse with saline.

2. Use antibiotic ointment

For bacterial vaginosis, erythromycin ointment or mupirocin ointment can be applied topically as directed by your doctor. For fungal infections, clotrimazole cream should be used. Parents need to control the frequency of medication according to the guidance of doctors to avoid long-term use that may cause bacterial imbalance. During medication, observe whether allergic reactions such as skin redness and swelling occur. When itching occurs, calamine lotion can be used to relieve symptoms.

3. Adjust your diet

Increase probiotic-containing foods such as yogurt to help maintain the balance of flora, supplement vitamin C to enhance immunity, and reduce the intake of high-sugar foods to prevent fungal growth. Make sure to drink enough water every day to promote metabolism, and consume appropriate amounts of vitamin-rich vegetables such as broccoli. Children with allergies need to check for potentially allergenic foods such as milk and eggs.

4. Avoid irritants

Stop using fragrance-containing bath products and choose additive-free baby detergents. Change your swimsuit immediately after swimming and avoid wearing wet clothing for long periods of time. Underwear made of chemical fiber may cause friction and irritation to the skin, so it should be replaced with pure cotton material. Pinworm infection requires simultaneous deworming treatment and high-temperature disinfection of clothing and bedding.

5. Seek medical treatment promptly

If purulent discharge, persistent itching or painful urination occurs, you need to see a pediatrician or gynecologist to check for specific pathogens. The doctor may perform a microscopic examination of the secretions, and in severe cases, oral cefaclor dry suspension or azithromycin granules may be required. Children with recurrent attacks need to check their blood sugar and immune function to rule out special conditions such as vaginal foreign bodies.

Parents should cultivate good hygiene habits in children, clean them promptly after using the toilet, and avoid sharing personal items such as bath towels. Do not use public swimming pools during treatment and choose loose clothing to reduce friction. Observe changes in symptoms and record the pattern of attacks, and review them regularly until recovery occurs. Pay attention to balanced nutrition in daily diet, and exercise appropriately to enhance physical fitness, but avoid strenuous exercise that may cause local sweating and moisture. If symptoms persist for more than 3 days or are accompanied by fever, immediate follow-up evaluation is required.