Thrush in girls: causes and treatment

Could there be a thrush in girls? This is a common question. We will understand it in more detail.

Vaginal candidiasis or thrush is a problem that almost every woman has encountered. However, this disease can affect not only adults, but also children.

Description

Candidiasis is a group of diseases that are caused by pathogenic effects on the mucous membranes of the yeast of the genus Candida. This fungus can enter the body in a variety of ways. Under normal conditions, its presence may not be manifested in any way, since during normal functioning of the immune system, the number of fungal microorganisms is controlled naturally. However, in cases when a certain malfunction in the immune system occurs, the number of representatives of the pathogenic flora begins to increase, which manifests itself in the form of the occurrence of certain diseases. There is also thrush in girls.

Ways of infection with fungal infections of the genital tract

This is a disease that does not belong to the category of sexually transmitted diseases, since yeast-like fungi of this kind are one of the permanent inhabitants of the human body. In connection with this candidiasis, not only adult women who live sexually active, but also girls who receive fungi during birth through the genital tract of the mother, especially in cases when she had an untreated form of this disease, can get sick.

In most cases, thrush in girls begins to appear after the first menstruation. However, there is a small percentage of cases when candidiasis begins to be an independent disease even before the age of seven. Thrush in a girl per year is not ruled out.

Some features increase the risk of developing vulvitis in girls. This is influenced by the state of the immune and endocrine systems, as well as the physiological structure of the genitals in childhood:

• there is not enough pronounced folding of the mucous membranes of the genital tract;
• sex hormones in the blood and tissues are produced in insufficient quantities;
• epithelial cells of the mucous membrane of the genital tract are updated in slow motion;
• the presence of a neutral or alkaline environment of the vagina;
• the labia in the posterior parts does not close enough;
• coccal flora predominates in the vagina;
• local immunity is still underdeveloped.

In addition, the vaginal secret of young girls is still with a low level of protective factors, due to the immaturity of the immunity of interferons produced little.

Hygienic reasons

The main factors that can cause this are:

1. The presence of a variety of allergic diseases.
2. Non-observance of the rules of intimate hygiene.
3. Enterobiosis - infection with intestinal parasites.
4. Frequent respiratory diseases that contribute to a sharp decrease in immune defense.

Candida fungi, which cause thrush in girls, can enter the child’s body through household items, so they must have personal hygiene items, such as a towel and soap, from birth. In addition, parents should tell the girl that they should not use other people's objects, even those that belong to family members.

Hormonal adjustment

During puberty , hormonal changes occur in the body, therefore, it is during this period that many girls suffer from thrush. This is due to the fact that the vaginal epithelium suffers a shortage of female sex hormones, which affects the structure of the mucous membrane. The number of beneficial bacteria that inhabit it decreases, and fungi, on the contrary, begin active reproduction.

Sex

Sexual contact often causes thrush in a teenage girl. The thing is that adolescents are poorly acquainted with the rules of sexual hygiene, therefore, with unprotected contacts, the causative agents of fungal infections find a direct way into the girl's vagina. Particularly high risks of morbidity are those groups of adolescents who are inclined to lead an erratic sex life. Why else can a thrush appear in a teenage girl?

Non-hygiene reasons

In order for causative agents of candidiasis to actively colonize the vaginal mucosa, some factors provoking this process are necessary. One of them may be a weakening of the body, which is caused by immunodeficiency, hypovitaminosis or an imbalance in the vaginal flora. These conditions, as a rule, are a consequence of some diseases, under the influence of which immunity is reduced. These include:

1. Any chronic infections.
2. Violations of the circulatory system.
3. Frequent diseases of ENT organs.
4. Intestinal dysbiosis.
5. Pathological processes occurring in the endocrinological system of the body.
6. Anemia (iron deficiency).
7. Deficiency of vitamins or minerals.
8. Neuropenia
9. Agranulocytosis.

Even in cases where concomitant diseases do not affect the decrease in immunity, thrush in girls can provoke the use of certain medications that she takes in the fight against these ailments. Medicines that can cause pathology include:

• corticosteroid drugs;
• oral contraceptives;
• cytostatics;
• antibacterial drugs.

Thrush in a girl after antibiotics occurs very often. These medicines can reduce the level of immunoglobulin, which is a substance that supports the functioning of the immune system. Antibiotics, plus everything, lead to the death of not only pathogenic microflora, but also affect beneficial microorganisms, for example, lactobacilli, which are part of the natural flora of the vagina. What provokes thrush in a 5 year old girl?

Household ways of candidiasis in girls

Prerequisites for the occurrence of candidiasis can also be household factors, which include:

1. The use of low-quality linen made of synthetic materials.
2. Disregard for personal hygiene.
3. Washing with aggressive hygiene products that violate the microflora and vaginal acidity.

The girl should wear natural cotton linen that does not constrain movements and does not create a “greenhouse effect”. Genital hygiene should be carried out daily so that fungal microorganisms and bacteria do not multiply in their folds. It is necessary to wash yourself as often as possible, using natural products, such as a decoction of chamomile or calendula and baby soap.

Symptoms of the disease

Thrush in girls at 2 years of age most often takes the form of vulvovaginitis, in which inflammation extends to the vulva and mucous membrane of the vagina. Symptoms are almost the same as in adult women:

1. The occurrence of severe itching in the perineum, which may be accompanied by severe burning, redness and soreness.
2. Swelling of the external genitalia of the girl.
3. Small rashes on the mucous membranes may be observed.
4. Abundant discharge from the genital tract, with a thick consistency, resembling cottage cheese.
5. The formation of white plaque on the genitals.
6. In the absence of a therapeutic effect, cystitis is possible - inflammation of the bladder, when pathogenic microorganisms from the vagina penetrate into the bladder through the urethra.

Initially, even before the onset of all symptoms, thrush can be recognized by a characteristic itch, which can be aggravated in a sitting position. Itching intensifies at night, which causes sleep disturbances and irritability and nervousness. In the presence of severe symptoms, some girls may experience sections of the vulva with bleeding wounds from intensive combing. If this disease is not treated, especially at an early age, when the girl has not yet begun to live a sexual life, more complex forms of candidiasis and, as a result, inflammatory processes of the internal genital organs - the uterus and appendages may develop.

Diagnostic methods for determining

To make a correct diagnosis and establish the exact cause of vulvovaginitis, you need to contact a pediatric gynecologist who conducts the following activities:

1. Inspection
2. Ultrasonography.
3. Laboratory tests.

If, after an external examination of the girl, the doctor suspects the presence of a fungal infection, he prescribes the following laboratory tests:

1. A smear on the culture medium.
2. Microscopy
3. PCR assays.
4. Immunological studies.

These methods help to correctly diagnose vaginal candidiasis in a girl, as well as determine what kind of fungus is caused by such a disease. In addition, these studies are crucial when choosing drugs that will be used in treatment, and to which one or another pathogen will be sensitive.

An ultrasound scan is performed to determine the potential complications of vaginal candidiasis in girls.

Treatment of thrush in girls

Despite the fact that the yeast infection does not pose a particular danger to the health of young girls, it must be treated seriously, observing all the recommendations of the doctor. This is important in order to avoid the complications and consequences of candidiasis.

If the treatment is organized correctly, the symptoms of this disease disappear after a few days. Nevertheless, it should be treated most carefully to avoid relapse. A prerequisite for therapy is the elimination of the underlying causes of the disease.

How to treat thrush in girls, not everyone knows.

There are certain areas of therapy. Local methods include:

1. The use of drugs based on natamycin, clotrimazole or levorin. Such drugs are usually available in the form of vaginal suppositories. However, it is possible to use them only in those cases when the girl lives a sexual life.
2. Antimycotic ointments, which are usually applied directly to the genital area or in the form of applications.
3. Baths with decoctions of antiseptic herbs - chamomile, etc., as well as with the use of soda solutions.

Systemic therapy

Methods of systemic treatment of thrush include:

1. In severe cases, tablets are used. These include such drugs as Diflucan, Amfogyukamin, Nizoral, Flucostat and others. These medications should be used at the doses indicated by the doctor, and follow the rules of admission, in order to avoid the appearance of allergic reactions and side effects.
2. Correction of immunity. If the development of vaginal candidiasis in a girl is associated with a decrease in the body's immune defense, in this case, to eliminate the disease, it is necessary to increase immunity. To do this, you can use drugs such as tincture of eletherococcus, Rhodiola rosea, as well as complexes of vitamins and minerals.
3. Normalization of microflora. This goal is achieved by taking probiotics, which are drugs such as Linex, Acelact, Bificol, Lactobacterin, etc.

Possible consequences of candidiasis at an early age

Is thrush in a girl at 3 years old dangerous?

Pathology at an early age does not lead to complications if treated under the supervision of a doctor. But if you start the disease, the following complications may occur:

1. Generalization of thrush, when new foci of infection appear, including in the field of internal organs.
2. Impaired bowel function.
3. The formation of adhesions in the pelvic area of ​​the girl, which eventually leads to infertility.
4. Thrombolic disorders.
5. Failures of the menstrual cycle.

Any disease is better to prevent in time than to treat. Therefore, subject to the rules of hygiene and other recommendations for the right lifestyle, thrush, as a rule, does not develop in girls.