Itchy Vaginal Area

A.,
my daughter had the same thing. Red and itchy. The first time it happend I took her to the doc. He said that I needed to just give her a rins bath/shower or a bath with no bubbles. I did that, and it cleared up almost over night.
Ang

Does she take tub baths? My little girl did something similar and it was the shampoo and bubblebath products.The doc. called it vaginitis. Cream was prescribed. I stopped using the products and the problem cleared itself up.

Do you have pets? Have you considered worms? I know it sounds funny, but a girlfriend of mine has a dog and around the age of 7 her daughter ended up with constant itch... her daughter was able to describe that the itch felt like it was inside, so my friend told her to use a washrag to cover her fingers and itch where ever it itched... I guess she ended up itching in the vagina and low and behold on that washrag was a little worm... the doctor explained that it was likely from the dog and that it could have easily transfered after petting near the tail or mouth and then using the bathroom with dirty hands. I know it sounds strange, but you never know. Also, they can just do a smear and see yeast under microscope easily... did they say it was or wasn't yeast? If it is yeast, for myself, I always use a little chloraphyl on a tampon (you can get it at a nutrition store) its what makes a plant green, but its good at balancing pH which keeps yeast from growing, you could maybe use some on a pad or pull-up... it stains green though! Good luck.

Try using some corn starch. It could be that she is sweating down there. I have had that problem before. Of course I am older, but it is worth a try.

Hi A., so sorry to hear about your five year old.. My daughter was also givin nystatin many times and it just does not work!!! I have to remind her doctors every time my daughter gets itchy from her antibiotics that we need liquid dyflucan and that drug really gets the job done. I have spoke with many mothers about this and we all can not believe dr's still perscribe nystatin!!! In the mean time try baking soda baths. hope things get better. -A

If you over treat for a yeast infection you can develop vaginitis which has similar symptoms. Ask the Dr. and good luck.

I have had a similar experience with my 11 year old daughter and was told it is a vaginal strep infection. NOT fungal. They said to use antibacterial cream until I could get in to see her doctor and get some antibiotics for here. We just started, so I'll let you know how she fares

Try having her eat some YoBaby yogurt made by Stoneyfield Farms. You can get it at Wal-mart or Hart grocers. It is organic and has a combination of 6 live cultures which are very good for fighting infections or keeping your immune system up! I will pray for her.

Try switching to a perfume and dye free detergent like All Free and Clear and using "Dryer Balls"(you can find these at Walgreens, Target, etc) instead of dryer sheets or fabric softeners. The fragrances and dyes can be really irritating to skin even if you have been using the same thing for a while. It helped me to switch. Hope that helps!

My daughter (5) has gone through this. It was her bubble bath and not wiping good. Also sitting for long periods of time in the tub to play after bathing drys and irritates that area. She is still in a pull-up at as well. So we use vasaline and play before we bathe.

Well I had it real bad at different times--try some powder-- they have nystatin powder or just some baby powder in her panties--along with the nystatin cream--and not applying sparingly--and also give her some yogurt-her bodies antibodies are all off wack so to speak--make sure that it has the active yogurt cultures-- as much as you can get her to eat the better-- they also have it in milk and even some granuales (usually found in the pharmacy) if she doesnot like the flavor or to eat yogurt--make sure that she has cotton panties-- and even try to go without them if she can-- around the house--and no blue jeans they are the worst for a yeast infection-- I know from too much experience

Good luck

My daughter was prone to Yeast infections and contact dermatitis. Her pediatrician recommended a thin coat (less than a pea) of hydocortizone in addition to the other type products you are using. You will want to use that only for a few days, applying before the other products. If should knock out the itching right way.

try plain yoghurt externally just smear it on 2/3 times a day and make sure she doesnt bath with scented soaps

My daughter had a similar problem with the itching but NO discharge or odor and her doctor recommened an Anti-Fungal cream I think it was Lotrium. I thought it was really strange to use a foot fungas on her vagina area but it worked for my daughter. I would call and ask the doctor about trying it. Just make sure you only apply it to the outside of the vagina area. Good Luck!

I recently had a similar problem that lasted for 3 months. I finally had a full exam & it was a bacterial infection that was causing the yeast infections (therefore the itching). They put me on antibiotics to clear the bacterial & also a prescription for the yeast infection that I never had to use as it cleared up immediately after infection was gone.

My daughter had the same thing. We had to switch bath soap even though it was the same stuff we had used for almost 9 years with her. Turns out, they had changed the way they made it and it was causing the problem. We now use Dove Sensitve Skin and it seems to have helped tremendously.

A close friend of mine had a similar problem. It turned out to be a combination of fungal and yeast infection. Clotrim/Beta Dipropionate Cream was prescribed by her physician. It is a combination of Betamethasone and Clotrimazole. The cream stopped the itch almost upon contact and within 3 days, she reported that all of her symptoms had disappeared.

Keep following the doctors advise. Did they run a culture? Usually they won't know right away if a yeast or bacteria is present. It can take a couple days for a lab to process that. However if she has sensitive skin there are several options. See if some of these make a difference.

Do not let her use any soap, shampoo or bubble bath in the bath tub. Have her take a shower to actually clean up and use a cleanser for sensitive skin. You might also try an anti-bacterial cleanser for sensitive skin for her body and only water & a clean wash cloth for the vaginal area. Sitting in the soaps can irritate sensitive areas.

100% Cotton panties during the day. None at bed-time so that she can "air-out".

Change to an allergy-free/scent free laundry products for her. She may not have been allergic before, but she could be now.

If it's a bacterial imbalance irritating her skin, have her eat more yogurt. It certainly won't cause anymore harm and it's good for her.

If it's an allergic reaction. Benedryl and maybe Benedryl cream may help too.

I hope this helps. If she has very sensitive skin this may be a full time battle.

Have her eat some of the yogurt that is flavored with fruit, as long as it has active yeast. This helps whenever my sisters and I think this is going on. Also putting on some triple antibiotic ointment should help.

It could be a bacterial infection.

Have u thought about it that she might be having a reaction to things like the soap she is using taking a bath, or the laundry detergent? I personally went thru something like this back in high school. It was the soap I was using. I had to switch to something with a moisturizer (like Dove) and it was fine. Maybe talk to your Dr about that? Or just do a trial thing and see. Also I have heard some kids can get it from to many bubble baths?

Other thought - could it be her panties or pants are not fitting very well - maybe they are to tight and there is more perspiration going on in the area that is causing thing to have the oder.

Hi A., my 9 yr. old stepdaughter had the same problem last summer. I took her to the Dr. and he RX some anti-fungal-anti-itch medicine which helped a bit but what I discovered was when we went to put it on she hadn't been wiping herself very good and that was alot of her problem. Plus I think she is getting ready to go through puberty and she has some discharge. Also, she told me that sometimes it got to be just a habit to scratch and grab herself. I also have noticed that she has put on weight around her thighs and maybe she is sweating in that area so we also have used powder to help with the discomfort. She doesn't do it too often any more. Maybe your granddaughter needs help with hygiene, I have a 5 yr. old boy who still has problems with wiping his bottom after going poop. All of the replies seem like good ideas, try the hygiene tips and no harsh bath products, those sound like a good place to start. Good Luck!
M. (mom of 6, 5-19)

Grandma

two things that I can think of to try.if your granddaughter likes yogurt( non frozen kind is better) see if she'll regularly eat it. like once a day. Or aveno baths might help as well. a cheap version of aveno try about 1c of rolled oats,has same effect for soothing and drying out the situation. also.........you didn't mention but does she take bubble baths??? we used to have similar problems with bubble bath.also cotton panties might be a good idea rather than silkies. good luck.......grandkids are far more precioous than those kids of ours!!!

I too am raising grandchildren & can relate on the 24/7 thing! I would definitely take her to a specialist OBGYN doctor immediately. When my daughter was small my doctor told me not to encourage her to set & play in sand as cats use it as a potty & she could get infections from it....I wouldn't let it go any longer & would check even the toilet paper used as some of the scented kind used to break her out....we could only use Northern toilet paper! Sometimes it can be an allergic reatciton to a fabric in panties...some are not all cotton...I'd definetely contine to check to find the answer quickly....good luck & yes, raising a second family is a blessing ...sometimes in disquise...but a blessing no less!!

Go to your local health food store and get all natural laundry soap, dryer sheets, and baby shampoo for the bath (or you can order this on shaklee.com- i love shaklee products). You might also cut out certain foods you think she might be sensitive too. Google food sensitivities and try to eliminate some of the common food sensitivities that she eats a lot. My entire family is sensitive to chemicals and certain foods. My daughter gets a rash ring around her vagina and anus when she eats strawberries. I also only use shaklee products or if I run out and go to walmart I buy Dreft. Also, try mixing the vagisil with A&D ointment. That seemed to be the most soothing for my daughter- both applied together.

I don't know if you received any help yet, but my doctor told me for both my son (2 1/2) and daughter (6 1/2) to also have them eat yogurt. They like the gogurt in the tubes because they come in fun flavors. I'm told that the yogurt provides the good bacteria that we need. All I know is that it does help them. Hope this will help you as well.

A.,
Gosh, that's horrible. poor girl. It sounds like everyone gave you good advice. The doctor was the best step, but no relief, I'd get a second opinion possibly. Start researching the internet for answers. The only other thing, is to allow her to sit in the open air, sounds weird, but sometimes, dark, moist, places, are what is needed for growth, and if it is exposed to light, and air, maybe???? I don't know. Watch her when shes not looking, what does she do? Is itching the only symptom? The other advice the other moms gave you about, detergents ect.... even if it's the sheets, just watch everything she does, and maybe your intuition will click???? I don't know, that's what I do sometime, sit, watch, deep think, rehash, over until I come up with something else. Good Luck, I hate to say this, but could she be having an emotional problem? I always rule out physical before going there, I'd hate for physical reasons to be overlooked. It's just another avenue.
D. E.

Try giving her yogurt to eat three times a day for a week. Also, you make try sitz-baths in vinegar and water twice a day.

If she is taking bubble baths, stop immediately. She may have issues with the sodium lauryl sulfate or the sodium laureth sulfate. Actually and sulfate or phosphate will cause skin irritations. Switch to truly natural products with no chemicals. See if that helps. If you are interested in trying this, I have a few suggestions.

Best Wishes,

J. H.
____@____.com

my 8 year old was just diagnosed with vaginal strep--they cultured the discharge at the dr. and she is now on antibiotics and it is clearing up very well. Hope this helps :)

My daughter had a similar issue from early on. We used desitin and it cleared up very promptly. She perspired a lot and cause diaper rash like soreness and itching. It may be worth a try.

I want to say that never use petroleum jelly or oils for vaginal lubrication. This can create a breeding ground for bacteria to grow. And avoid vaginal contact with products that can irritate the vagina, such as feminine hygiene products, perfumed or deodorant soaps, powders, lotions, and bubble baths.

<a href="http://www.yeastinfectioncure101.com/&quot;&gt;Yeast Infection Treatment</a>

I notice that the remedies are all topical. Try to eliminate sugar and processed flour as much as possible. Even avoid juices. I know this may be difficult with a 5 year old because they looooove sugar. My niece is having a similar problem and she is a big sugar eater.(she just turned 6) Ask someone at a health food store for advice as well. Acidophilus (they make a kids kind) is a good bacteria for the instestines and genital area. It wards off the yeast as well. I hope this helps.
M.

I suddenly became allergic to soap and can't use it down there. I use the Summer's Eve Feminine Wash for sensitive skin, since I made the switch I don't itch anymore. Maybe that's the problem? Allergies can start at any time. Another thing I have to watch out for is perfumes... perfumed toilet paper, laundry detergent, dryer sheets. I use the stuff free of all dyes and perfumes for everything. Maybe try rewashing all her clothes in vinegar to get out any extra soap? I don't know, just a few ideas.

Hi A.,

I myself have had to go off all perfumed soaps because of the same problem- it's a nightmare. It started like that too- just overnight, no warning, after 25 yrs. of using regular soap! Medicines quite frankly don't work, despite the doctors prescribing them. My three-yr. old has similar skin to me, and she starts itching like crazy if I use any perfumed, kiddy soaps in her bath. She gets red and inflamed, too. With a little girl you can actually skip soap entirely, and just rinse well with water.

My daughter was also diagnosed w/vaginal strep. I had to take her to a dermatologist though to get it diagnosed. they simply did a swab of the area and tested it. It was an awful 3 months before they got it diagnosed...oatmeal baths worked really well also! But once we finally got it diagnosed and her on the right meds, it was cleared up within a week!

My little girl use to have problems like this and I would let her soak in Aveno bath for a little while and it seemed to help! I don't know if it will or not but it might! Good Luck!!

This may be your answer!!My 3 1/2 year old daughter had the same problem. The doctor recommended a baking soda sitz bath(10-15 minutes) to remove any soap or other irritants left on skin. Working instantly. The main culprit is any soap or bubble bath causes irritation to her vaginal area. Unfortunatly she inherited this from me- I have the same problem(my whole life) which is not common and the ONLY soap either of us can use in the genital area is Dove bar soap. I have actually read articles on this, it is a real medical condition! If I use any other soap(ivory, dial, etc..)I will have terrible itching and burning similar to a yeast infection within 2 days. Give it a try and good luck!

take her off all juices. does she take bubbles baths if so stop them . I HAD THE SAME THING WITH MY GRAND DAUGHTER AND IT WAS HER APPLE JUICE AND ONE A WEEK HER BUBBLE BATH WAS MAKING HER THAT WAY ALSO TRY TO WASH JUST HER CLOTHES BY THEM SELF AND TRY A 2ND RINSE ON THEM IT COULD BE TO MUCH TOMOTES SUCES OR THINGS LIKE THAT . i HOPE YOU FINE OUT SOON GOD BLESS YOU ALL

I have known dryer sheets to cause urinary tract infrections, but sho knows. Maybe if you have not changed soaps, maybe this could be the culprit. However, I did notice that you said they have only been with you for 3 months, so it is possible that you might have some soap/detergent that is bothering her. My daughter sometimes digs if her underwear is bothering her as well. But I would suggest just washing her underwear in gentle soap with no dryer sheets and see if that helps at all.

Try giving her NO fluids except water, and push the water a lot every day. If it's a lack of H2O, she should get some serious relief in about a week. If that's not it, get a 2nd opinion from another doctor.

I can't think of much except a change of panties. Is she wearing all cotton and are they big enough? Secondly, have you changed toilet paper brands recently?

When I was a little girl, I had a SEVERE allergy to certain scented soaps and bubble baths. I realize this may fall into the category of questions already asked, but it very well could be from certain bathtime products. The one in particular that was the most aggrivating was Mr. Bubbles powder bubble bath. I had to use mostly sensitive skin and scentless products for about a year, and the allergy just seemed to fade.
Well, I hope this helps. If not, it seems you got a lot of responses, so I hope you've found a solution either way.
Good luck!

hi. i would recommend finding a pediatrician; pediatric gyn or a gyn who has an interest in pediatrics. the typical methods used on adults may not work on children. you can visit the american college of ob/gyns website (acog)at www.acog.org to find a physician in your area. i have three kids under five and understand the chaos/fun. i hope this helps and good luck.

Hello. I read your situation about your granddaughter and wondered several things. Have you researched perhaps the toilet paper she is using, at home & at school? What do the bathrooms at school look like-what condition are those toilets in? Her panties: are they cotton or something else? Also, what kind of soap is she using on her bottom. Check whatever she is washing her hands with or perhaps her desk-seat at school, especially. Has anyone cleaned them lately, if they need cleaning and if they have, what is being used. I have always followed an investigation tactic when problems like this happen. Go over all activities & events, from daybreak to bedtime. Something is causing this situation and maybe you can get control of things by finding something usual out. The Pediatrician should prescribe something to calm her/relax her so she doesn't scratch so much when she's at home, giving the area some relief. Dryness may also be occuring for some reason. Her hands & fingernails must always be clean & trimmed well. Also, did the doctor check her mouth, etc. for "Thrush"? My daughter one time had it in her mouth and on her bottom, at the same time. The doctor treated it orally and externally. At one point later in life, she also needed to be treated with Diflucan, orally. Just some thoughts. I had 4 children years ago and of course, anything & everything practically happened to them making me the relentless detective, nurse, doctor, Mom I still am! Hope you figure out your culprit.

Have you tried Yoplain Yogurt when I have that problem I go and get alot. The doctors are not the smartest when it come to that problem because most of them are men.

check for pinworms. my daughter had them about a year ago and it was horrible. they usually originate in the intestine and exit through the anus and with girls it is not uncommon to for the worm to move into the vaignal area. after a really bad episode of itching and even some pain, my daughter allowed me to take a look and I actually saw the worm in there. (it was a tiny white string looking thing and it was moving) it freak me out, still does to think about it. i knew that i had to get it out so I got a q-tip and removed it. it was instant relief for her. i called the on call dr and he called in a prescription. i can't remember the name of it. but she took the medicine and we haven't had a problem with them since.

hope it's not pinworms but it wouldn't hurt to check.

Do you give her bubble baths? If so, that could be the cause of the infection. Some girls and women are really sensitive to this and other things (including myself), so I know this is one of the big NO NO's for me. Even if someone else (another one of the granddaughters) has taken one, I would make sure and wipe down the tub really well before her bathtime.

I know that when I have had these infections in the past, my doctor has given me a prescription for a pill that you take once to get it to go away (sometimes it takes two of them). It is called Diflucan. I don't know if they make anything similar for children though.

Sounds to me like it could be a bacterial infection. Cranberry, juice, lots of yogurt/acidopholis. good luck!

Try yogurt or acidopholus milk. Good luck.