Vulvovaginitis- presentation of more common problems in pediatric and adolescent gynecology

Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol. 2018 Apr:48:14-27. doi: 10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2017.08.014. Epub 2017 Sep 5.

Abstract

Vulvovaginitis is one of the most common gynecological complaints presenting in the pediatric and adolescent female. The common causes of vulvovaginitis in the pediatric patient differ than that considered in adolescent females. When a child present with vulvar itching, burning and irritation the most common etiology is non-specific and hygiene measures are recommended. However these symptoms can mimic more serious etiologies including infection, labial adhesion, lichen sclerosis, pinworms and foreign body must be considered. Yeast infection is rare in the pediatric population but common in the adolescent. In the adolescent patient infections are more common. Yeast and bacterial vaginosis are commonly seen but due to the higher rate of sexual activity in this population sexually transmitted infections must also be considered.

Keywords: Bacterial vaginosis; Labial adhesion; Lichen sclerosis; Vulvovaginitis; Yeast infection.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Age Factors
  • Candidiasis, Vulvovaginal / diagnosis*
  • Child
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Gynecology / methods
  • Humans
  • Sexual Behavior
  • Sexually Transmitted Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Vulvovaginitis / diagnosis*
  • Vulvovaginitis / etiology