What is Vulvitis and How Does It Affect Girls?

What is Vulvitis and How Does It Affect Girls?

Last update: 26 July, 2018

Vulvitis is a type of inflammation that affects both women and girls. It has many different causes. In this article, we’ll discuss its main symptoms and how to prevent it.

Knowing what vulvitis is and how it affects girls is very important when it comes to preventing discomfort. This condition can affect women and girls of all ages.

It’s important to start off by clarifying that vulvitis is not a disease. It’s simply inflammation of the vulva.

Inflammation of the vulva can be caused by several different reasons. The good news is that it can also be prevented. All you need to do is take care of the little one’s hygiene.

What is vulvitis and how does it affect girls?

Vulvitis is usually caused by irritation. The skin that covers the vulva is very sensitive. Another aspect to keep in mind is that girls are prone to suffer from it. Since they have lower levels of estrogen than adult women, the skin of their vulvas is thinner and drier.

Why does this inflammation occur?

This type of inflammation may be caused by irritation, allergic reactions, trauma and infection. Moisture and heat can also trigger vulvitis.

Here are other common causes of vulvitis:

  • Irritation caused by perfumed toilet paper.
  • Irritation caused by prolonged exposure to chlorine from swimming pools.
  • Using underwear that is made out of synthetic material.
  • Irritation caused by soap used to wash the child’s private parts.
  • Spending a lot of time in a bathing suit after getting out of the pool.
  • Riding a bicycle for a long period of time.
  • Wearing sweaty underwear for long periods of time.
  • Incorrect hygienic habits after using the bathroom.
  • When it comes to girls between the ages of three and six, it could be caused by anal proximity.
What is Vulvitis and How Does It Affect Girls?

Characteristic symptoms of vulvitis

The following are common symptoms of vulvitis:

  • Itching or burning that doesn’t get better.
  • Reddening or swelling of the vulva.
  • Blisters may appear.
  • Cracks and dryness around the vulva.
  • In some cases, vaginal discharge may occur.

“The type of inflammation may be caused by irritation, allergic reactions, trauma and infection.”

Treatment and prevention of vulvitis

The treatment for vulvitis is very easy to carry out and the discomfort that it causes usually disappears quickly. Remember that vulvitis is not a disease, it’s simply inflammation of the vulva.

Once you’ve confirmed that your daughter has vulvitis, here are some tips you can use to reduce the inflammation:

  • Suspend the use of soaps if you suspect that they’re the cause of the irritation. Avoid perfumed toilet paper.
  • Provide underwear made out of natural materials such as cotton.
  • Dry their intimate parts properly after showering.
  • Change their swimsuits or sportswear quickly after they’ve finished their activities.
  • Make sure they maintain good hygiene.
  • Doctors sometimes recommend using cortisone cream to relieve symptoms such as itching in the case that it’s very intense.
What is Vulvitis and How Does It Affect Girls?

In order to prevent vulvitis, it’s important for mothers to explain to their daughters about certain aspects of the female anatomy as well at its characteristics. Girls between the ages of 7 and 14 should be taught about the importance of maintaining good hygiene of their intimate areas.

Mothers should also explain to their daughters about the delicate care that their intimate parts require.

In conclusion, teaching your daughters how to clean their private parts and how to maintain proper hygiene is important when it comes to preventing vulvitis.

As a mother, it’s also important for you to find the best types of soaps for your daughter.


All cited sources were thoroughly reviewed by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, currency, and validity. The bibliography of this article was considered reliable and of academic or scientific accuracy.


  • Galvin M.L. Vaginitis. Febrero 2020.
  • Goje O. Vulvitis. MSD Manual. Abril 2021.
  • Ortiz Movilla R, Acevedo Martín B. Vulvovaginitis infantil. Revista de Pediatría Atención Primaria. Diciembre 2011. 13 (52).
  • Stanford Children’s Health. Vulvitis. Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford.

This text is provided for informational purposes only and does not replace consultation with a professional. If in doubt, consult your specialist.