Child vulvovaginitis

Vulvovaginitis is the most common gynecological problem in prepubertal girls, helped by lower introitus protection to external agents and the presence of anatomical (proximity of anus, minor and major labia less developed,…) and hormonal factors (low estrogen concentration) This is compounded by the effect of local irritants and sometimes co-existence of poor hygiene. Most vulvovaginitis in girls are nonspecific, although specific pathogenic bacteria (enteric, respiratory, or sexually transmitted) can be isolated and they can be also secondary to other causes as oxiurasis, or intravaginal foreign bodies. In this article we will analyze the etiology, pathogenesis, clinical features and management of this disorder in childhood, and we will have some clinical and microbiological considerations of different diseases with specific etiology.