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 considered in this article.
Features of the disease
Vulvovaginitis is a serious disease characterized by inflammation of the walls of the vagina and directly of the vulva itself. According to statistics, it is diagnosed in 60% of cases in girls under the age of 8 years. The reasons for the development of the pathological process are various. Most often, the disease is due to the anatomical features of the structure of the vaginal mucosa. In newborns, it is covered with several layers of squamous epithelium. It contains glycogen, and the secret has an acid reaction. At about the fourth week of life, desquamation of the epithelium is observed, since the estrogenic effect of the maternal body ceases. The mucous ball becomes thinner, as a result of which microbes can freely enter the body.
During puberty, vaginal epithelization is again enhanced, but already under the influence of its own estrogens. Various damage to the mucous membrane of the genital organs (burns, the introduction of a foreign body) violate the established 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 produced secretion increases, and inflammation develops.
Why else can an ailment arise?
The onset of the inflammatory process can be both infectious and non-infectious in nature. In the first case, the pathogenic flora (gonococci, trichomonads, tubercle bacillus, chlamydia) acts as the cause of the disease. Such vulvovaginitis is called specific. In the second case, conditionally pathogenic microorganisms, viruses, candida, etc. contribute to the development of the disease. Vulvovaginitis in children can occur against a background of decreased immunity, with endocrine disorders or helminthic invasion. Otherwise, it is called non-specific.
In children under one year of age, the disease may be due to infection from the mother during delivery. It is not detected immediately, so the inflammatory process sometimes becomes chronic. The causative agents of infection can be any microorganisms located on the mucous tract of the mother. However, more often, vulvovaginitis in children up to a year develops due to non-compliance with hygiene rules. If the baby suffers from atopic dermatitis, which is not uncommon among infants, the inflammatory process can be allergic.
After a year, the child begins to actively get acquainted with the outside world. He can easily injure the vagina by stuffing toys into it. In preschool and primary school age, the disease occurs due to a decrease in immunity and infection with the flow of blood from other foci. In the role of the latter are usually chronic tonsillitis, otitis media and sinusitis.
Mycotic vulvovaginitis
This form of the disease is most often diagnosed in newborn children and girls of puberty. It is characterized by the appearance of a cheesy plaque on the genitals, under which eroded areas are found. Also, mycotic vulvovaginitis in children can be accompanied by itching in the vagina, hyperemia of the skin.
Treatment is usually carried out at home. To combat the disease, it is recommended to douch with a weak solution of sodium bicarbonate. In especially serious cases, the doctor may prescribe Levorin tablets for 10 days.
Trichomonas vulvovaginitis
This form of the disease is most often detected in newborn children and girls after 12 years, when a mature epithelium has already formed in the vagina. The presence of glycogen in it determines the most favorable environment for parasitization of Trichomonas. Among the main symptoms of the pathological process, hyperemia of the vulvar mucosa, small edema can be distinguished. Another characteristic feature is plentiful foamy whites, which have an unpleasant odor.
For the treatment of the disease using the drug "Metronidazole". For small patients, he is prescribed 2 tablets twice a day. Trichomonas vulvovaginitis in a child 5 years of age and older requires a different treatment regimen. The first two days give 2 tablets of Metronidazole, and the next 5 - one pill. Be sure to douche with disinfectant solutions.
Viral vulvovaginitis
Bacterial, or viral vulvovaginitis, sometimes develops with smallpox and diphtheria, as well as against the background of acute respiratory infections. Most often, its cause is the penetration of strepto-staphylococcal infection into the body. As a result, the body's reactivity drops, and the balance between the vaginal flora and its mucosa is disturbed. The inflammatory process is characterized by a moderate course, redness of the vulva and labia is possible.
For the treatment of the disease, sanitation of foci of infection is indicated. Douching with a weak sodium bicarbonate solution is prescribed locally. The procedure is recommended to be repeated daily until the symptoms characteristic of the disease "bacterial vulvovaginitis" completely disappear.
The child can be cured if you notice the manifestation of the disease in a timely manner. Sometimes its development is provoked by E. coli, which is often introduced into pinworms. Among the manifestations of pathology, itching in the genital area, thickening of the anal folds, yellowish-green discharge are noted . In this case, the treatment is aimed at destroying the culprit of the disease - pinworms. 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 an 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, as well as take material for subsequent microscopic examination. With the help of a swab moistened in physiological saline, the doctor takes a smear, but it does not touch the hymen. With a blurred clinical picture, a blood test is additionally prescribed. 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 white blood cells indicate the onset of the inflammatory process. Based on the results of the examination and a physical examination, the doctor makes a diagnosis.
Drug treatment
It is necessary to summarize all the methods that provide effective treatment of the disease in small patients. In the presence of helminthic infestations, Pyrantel or Vermoxum is used. 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 a restorative treatment, which consists of taking vitamins and immunostimulants.
Nonspecific vulvovaginitis in children require the use of antibiotics in age dosages. Your doctor may prescribe Ampicillin or Cephalexin. 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, Furazolidone, syntomycin emulsion) for vulvovaginitis in children. Reviews of doctors about these drugs are extremely positive. If antimicrobial therapy is ineffective, the doctor may prescribe estrogen medications. They are used for two to three weeks.
If microorganisms of the genus Candidae are found in a smear, antifungal preparations 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 inhibiting the vital activity of bacteria that caused the disease. Among the medicines used, Acyclovir is most effective.
Home treatment
Folk doctors offer several recipes to combat such a pathology as vulvovaginitis in children. For example, you can make herbal lotions. For this, a pharmacy chamomile, sage, mint are suitable. Procedures are recommended to be repeated daily. The therapeutic effect has tea from St. John's wort. To prepare it, you need to pour a teaspoon of dry grass with a glass of boiling water, leave for 15 minutes. Take a decoction should be 1/2 cup three times a day. Alternative therapy is in addition to the main course of treatment, and before starting it, you need to consult a doctor.
Preventive measures
Can a child be protected from the diagnosis of vulvovaginitis? The causes of the pathological process should be known to every parent and try to prevent them. However, just avoiding the factors provoking the disease is not enough. Simple rules for caring for a child must be followed.
- After each act of defecation, doctors recommend washing the baby under running water. After the procedure, the genitals should be wet with a diaper or a clean towel.
- It is necessary to bathe the child daily. You can use children's cosmetics.
- It is important to change underwear daily. It is better to give preference to sets of natural fabrics. Synthetic underwear does not pass air and does not absorb skin secretions, which creates favorable conditions for the reproduction of bacteria.
- In order to increase the immunity of the baby, pediatricians recommend more often to walk in the fresh air, to conduct hardening. Particular attention must be paid to nutrition and the child's rest regimen.
Vulvovaginitis is a disease that can be prevented. If, despite all efforts, it was not possible to avoid the ailment, it is necessary to consult a doctor. Do not try to cure or ignore vulvovaginitis in children on your own. Photos of complications of the pathological process inspire fear. The disease is very dangerous and can lead to the formation of synechia, as well as more serious consequences.