What are the symptoms of vaginitis in infants and young children?

The main symptoms of vaginitis in infants and young children are vulvar redness and swelling, abnormal secretions, discomfort during urination, local itching and restless crying. Vaginitis in infants and young children may be related to factors such as poor hygiene habits, allergic reactions, bacterial infections, fungal infections, or pinworms. It usually presents with symptoms such as vulvar congestion, abnormal secretions, painful urination, and scratching behavior.

1. Redness and swelling of vulva

In the early stages of vaginitis in infants and young children, redness and swelling of the vulva and surrounding skin are common, which may be related to diaper friction or irritation from secretions. Parents should pay attention to changing diapers in time, washing them gently with warm water and keeping them dry. If the redness and swelling persist or worsen, it may be complicated by bacterial infection, and you need to seek medical examination.

2. Abnormal secretions

The presence of yellow-green purulent discharge or white curd-like discharge in the vagina indicates bacterial vaginosis or candida infection respectively. Parents should avoid self-medication when they find abnormal secretions. They can flush with normal saline and seek medical advice promptly. The doctor may recommend the use of nystatin suppositories or antibiotic ointments.

3. Discomfort in urination

Crying and resistance in infants and young children when urinating may be caused by inflammation irritating the urethra orifice. Parents can observe whether the frequency of urination increases. After urinating, parents can use a soft cotton towel dipped in warm water to gently wipe it to relieve discomfort. If it is accompanied by fever, you need to be alert to urinary tract infection, and routine urine examination is required to confirm it.

4. Local itching

Frequent scratching of the perineum in children may be caused by allergies or parasites. Itching at night is common with pinworm infection, and the perianal area needs to be checked for eggs. Parents should cut their children's nails short to prevent scratches and use chlorpheniramine tablets or albendazole tablets as directed by the doctor if necessary.

5. Crying and restless

Persistent fussing and crying may be a nonspecific sign of pain or discomfort. Parents need to comprehensively observe whether it is accompanied by symptoms such as fever and loss of appetite, avoid using irritating lotions, choose pure cotton breathable underwear, and seek medical treatment for vaginal secretion culture when necessary.

In daily care, you need to pay attention to the cleaning of the perineum, wipe it from front to back after defecation, and avoid using alkaline shower gel. Choose breathable diapers and change them regularly, and wash clothes with high-temperature sterilization separately. If symptoms recur or bloody discharge, fever, etc. occur, you should promptly seek medical advice from a pediatrician or pediatric gynecologist to avoid unauthorized use of adult gynecological drugs. Appropriately increase foods containing probiotics such as yogurt and reduce high-sugar foods to prevent fungal growth.