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Definition
- Irritation of the vulva (external genitals) from soap or other irritants
- Mainly occurs in young girls before school age
- Also called chemical vulvitis
Health Information
Symptoms
- Genital itching in young girls (before puberty)
- Usually no pain or burning when passing urine
Cause
- Main Cause. Bubble bath, shampoo or soap in bath water. Soap can cause the genital area to become red, sore or itchy. This is called "soap vulvitis". Using a soapy washcloth can also be the cause.
- This only occurs in young girls before puberty. Breast buds are the first sign of puberty. The average onset of puberty is 10 years.
- Sometimes, it is due to poor hygiene or back to front wiping.
- If the vagina becomes infected, a vaginal discharge also will occur.
Diagnosis
- Usually the diagnosis is easy for young girls using bubble bath.
- If irritation also causes pain when passing urine, the urine needs to be checked.
- This is the only way to know if a bladder infection has also occurred.
Care Advice
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Overview:
- Genital itching in young girls is most often caused by soap (especially bubble bath). This vulva area is sensitive to the drying effect of soap.
- Only cleanse the genitals with warm water.
- After puberty, soap can be tolerated.
- Here is some care advice that should help.
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Baking Soda Baths - Young Girls Only:
- Soak for 10 minutes to remove germs and to help with healing.
- Add 2 ounces (60 ml) baking soda per tub of warm water.
- Reason: Baking soda is better than vinegar for young girls.
- During soaks, be sure she spreads her legs. This allows the water to cleanse the genitals.
- Repeat baking soda soaks 2 times per day for 2 days.
-
Steroid Cream:
- Put a tiny amount of 1% hydrocortisone cream on the genitals.
- No prescription is needed.
- Use after soaks for 1 or 2 days. Do not use more than 2 days.
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Prevention - Do Not Use Soaps:
- Do not use bubble bath, soap and shampoo in the bath water. They can cause the genitals to be red, sore or itchy.
- Only use warm water to cleanse the genitals.
- Baby oil can be used to remove any dried body fluids.
- After puberty, soap can be used.
-
What to Expect:
- If soap is the cause, the pain should go away within 24 hours.
- Itching or skin redness may last 2 days.
Call Your Doctor If
- Itching lasts over 48 hours using this care advice
- Vaginal discharge or bleeding occurs
- Passing urine becomes painful
- You think your child needs to be seen
- Your child becomes worse
Author: Barton Schmitt MD, FAAP
Copyright 2000-2020 Schmitt Pediatric Guidelines LLC