Inflammatory pathologies of the genital organs are found not only in women, but also in little girls. One such disease is vulvovaginitis. The main causes of the pathological process, its forms and methods of treatment will be discussed in this article.
Features of the disease
Vulvovaginitis is a serious disease characterized by inflammation of the walls of the vagina and 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 different. 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. Glycogen is present in its composition, and the secret has an acidic reaction. Approximately at the fourth week of life, desquamation of the epithelium is observed, since the estrogenic influence from the maternal organism ceases. The mucus ball becomes thinner, as a result of which microbes can freely enter the body.
During sexual intercoursematuration, the epithelialization of the vagina increases again, but already under the influence of its own estrogens. Various injuries of the genital mucosa (burns, introduction of a foreign body) disrupt the established balance. As a result, the balance between the cells of the epithelium of the vagina and the microorganisms living in it is destabilized, the number of leukocytes and the secretion produced increases, and inflammation develops.
Why else might illness occur?
The inflammatory process that has begun can be both infectious and non-infectious. In the first case, the pathogenic flora (gonococci, Trichomonas, 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 the background of a decrease in immunity, with endocrine disorders or helminthic invasion. Otherwise, it is called non-specific.
In children under one year old, the disease may be the result of 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 that are on the mucous membranes of the mother's genital tract. However, more often vulvovaginitis in children under one year old develops due to non-compliance with hygiene rules. If the baby suffers from atopic dermatitis, which is not uncommon among infants, the inflammatory process may be allergic.
After a year, the child begins to actively meetwith the surrounding world. He can easily injure the vagina by inserting toys into it. In preschool and primary school age, the disease occurs due to a decrease in immunity and infection along with blood flow from other foci. The latter are usually chronic tonsillitis, otitis and sinusitis.
Mycotic vulvovaginitis
This form of the disease is most often diagnosed in newborns and girls of puberty. It is characterized by the appearance of a curdled plaque on the genitals, under which eroded areas are found. Also, mycotic vulvovaginitis in children may be accompanied by itching in the vaginal area, flushing of the skin.
Treatment is usually done at home. To combat the disease, it is recommended to douche 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 newborns and girls after 12 years of age, when mature epithelium has already formed in the vagina. The presence of glycogen in it causes the most favorable environment for parasitizing Trichomonas. Among the main symptoms of the pathological process, one can distinguish hyperemia of the vulvar mucosa, small edema. Another characteristic sign is copious frothy leucorrhoea, which has an unpleasant odor.
Metronidazole is used to treat the disease. For little patientsit 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 each. 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 diseases. Most often, its cause is the penetration into the body of a strepto-staphylococcal infection. As a result, the reactivity of the body falls, and the balance between the flora of the vagina and its mucosa is disturbed. The inflammatory process is characterized by a moderate course, redness of the vulva and labia is possible.
Rehabilitation of foci of infection is indicated for the treatment of the disease. Local douching with a weak solution of sodium bicarbonate is prescribed. The procedure is recommended to be repeated daily until the complete disappearance of the symptoms characteristic of the disease "bacterial vulvovaginitis".
A child can be cured if the manifestations of the disease are noticed in a timely manner. Sometimes its development is provoked by Escherichia coli, which is often introduced into the body by pinworms. Among the manifestations of the pathology, there is itching in the genital area, thickening of the anal folds, yellowish-green discharge. 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 isguarantee of a speedy recovery. The following symptoms may be a reason to see a doctor:
- burning in the genital area;
- discomfort during urination;
- purulent vaginal discharge.
After collecting an anamnesis and obtaining the necessary information, the doctor proceeds to examine the baby. First of all, it is necessary to exclude the presence of a foreign body in the vagina, and also to take material for subsequent microscopic examination. Using a swab dipped in saline, the doctor takes a swab, but it does not touch the hymen. With a blurred clinical picture, an additional blood test is prescribed. Even a slight deviation from the norm of certain indicators makes it possible to suspect vulvovaginitis in children. Both an increase in ESR and a change in the number of leukocytes indicate the onset of an inflammatory process. Based on the results of the examination and physical examination, the doctor makes a diagnosis.
Medicated treatment
It is necessary to summarize all the methods that provide effective therapy for the disease in young patients. In the presence of helminthic invasions, Pirantel or Vermox are 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 general strengthening treatment, which consists of taking vitamins and immunostimulants.
Non-specific vulvovaginitis inchildren require antibiotics in age dosages. The 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", synthomycin emulsion) for vulvovaginitis in children. Reviews of doctors about these drugs are extremely positive. If antimicrobial therapy is ineffective, the doctor may prescribe drugs with estrogens. They are used for two to three weeks.
When microorganisms of the genus Candidae are found in a smear, antifungal drugs 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 the bacteria that caused the disease. Among the medicines used, Acyclovir is the most effective.
Treatment at home
Folk healers offer several recipes to combat such pathologies as vulvovaginitis in children. For example, you can make herbal lotions. Chamomile, sage, mint are suitable for this. Procedures are recommended to be repeated daily. St. John's wort tea has a healing effect. 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. Non-traditional therapy is an addition to the main course of treatment, andbefore starting it, you must consult a doctor.
Prevention measures
Is it possible to protect a child from the diagnosis of "vulvovaginitis"? Every parent should know the causes of the pathological process and try to prevent them. However, it is not enough just to avoid the factors provoking the disease. It is necessary to follow simple rules for caring for a child.
- After each act of defecation, doctors recommend washing the baby under running water. After the procedure, the genitals should be blotted with a diaper or a clean towel.
- You need to bathe your baby every day. You can use baby cosmetics.
- It is important to change your underwear daily. It is better to give preference to sets made of natural fabrics. Synthetic underwear does not allow air to pass through 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 walking more often in the fresh air, hardening. Particular attention should be paid to the child's nutrition and rest regimen.
Vulvovaginitis is a preventable disease. If, despite all efforts, it was not possible to avoid the disease, you should 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.
