Vaginal Itching or Irritation

Symptoms

DEFINITION

• Genital area burning or itching in young girls
• No pain or burning with urination

Cause

• Main cause in young girls: a soap irritation of the vulva or outer vagina (soap vulvitis) from bubble bath, shampoo or other soap

See More Appropriate Topic (instead of this one) If

• Pain or burning with urination, see URINATION PAIN
• Itching of the anus is main symptom, see PINWORMS

Should I Call?

WHEN TO CALL YOUR DOCTOR

Call Your Doctor Now (night or day) If

• Your child looks or acts very sick
• Could be from sexual abuse
• Vaginal bleeding

Call Your Doctor Within 24 Hours (between 9 am and 4 pm) If

• You think your child needs to be seen
• Vaginal discharge
• Fever is present

Call Your Doctor During Weekday Office Hours If

• You have other questions or concerns
• Over age 10 (reason: soap vulvitis is unusual)
• Vaginal irritation persists on treatment over 2 days

Parent Care at Home If

• Probable soap vulvitis and you don't think your child needs to be seen

Care at Home

HOME CARE ADVICE FOR SOAP VULVITIS

1. Baking Soda-Warm Water Soaks:  
   • Soak for 20 minutes to remove irritants and to promote healing.
   • Add 2 oz. baking soda per tub of warm water (Reason: Baking soda is better than vinegar for girls not into puberty).
   • During soaks, be sure she spreads her legs and allows the water to cleanse the genital area.
   • Repeat baking soda soaks treatment 4 times per day for 2 days.
2. Steroid Cream:  Apply small amount of 1% hydrocortisone cream to the genital area after soaks for 1 or 2 days.
3. Avoid Soaps: Avoid bubble bath, soap and shampoo to the vulva because they are irritants. Only use warm water to cleanse the vulva or baby oil to remove secretions.
4. Expected Course: If the symptoms are due to soap vulvitis, they should all clear within 1 to 2 days with proper treatment.
5. Call Your Doctor If:
   • Irritation persists on treatment over 48 hours
   • Vaginal discharge or bleeding occurs
   • Passing urine becomes painful
   • Your child becomes worse

And remember, contact your doctor if your child develops any of the "Call Your Doctor" symptoms.