Prevention of vulvovaginitis in infants and children

  Infant vulvovaginitis is often combined with vaginitis, often manifested by crying and scratching the vulva, increased vaginal discharge, mostly purulent and smelly, stimulating the vulva causing congestion and itching, and even causing labia minora adhesions.  Young girls are susceptible to vaginitis mainly because of poor vulva development, labia minora cannot cover the vaginal opening, lack of estrogen, low resistance of vaginal epithelium, pollution with diapers and feces, wearing crotch pants and sitting anywhere, etc. All of these can cause pathogenic invasion and inflammation.  Treatment focuses on removing the above causes, washing the vulva cleanly, using antiseptic and anti-itching lotions and creams externally, and taking antibiotics orally for more serious conditions. If the two sides of the labia minora are found to be adherent, they should be separated in the hospital to achieve good treatment purpose.