Vaginal discharge in a girl: causes and treatment. "Not a childish" problem

Vaginal discharge occurs not only in adult women, but also in little girls. Already from the neonatal period, physiological discharge appears from the child’s genital tract. Vaginal leucorrhoea in girls is divided into 2 groups: physiological and pathological.

Physiological discharge (present normally) is light, mucous in nature and may have thread-like inclusions.

Pathological leucorrhoea is most often profuse, mixed with blood and pus, and has an unpleasant odor. And in most cases they are accompanied by inflammatory diseases of the vulva - vulvitis and vagina - vaginitis. These pathologies are most common in young girls. The acidic environment of the female genital tract is a barrier to all kinds of infections. In a girl’s vagina, the environment is alkaline, containing a small amount of lactobacilli, which perform a protective function. And therefore, any decrease in immunity due to any diseases can provoke vulvovaginitis.

Causes of discharge in girls

Very often, bacterial vulvovaginitis occurs against the background of previous respiratory tract diseases.
With frequent use of antibiotics and dysbiosis, the vaginal microflora is disrupted and bacterial vaginosis develops.
Frequent use of antibiotics in the treatment contributes to the pathological growth of fungal flora and, as a result, fungal (mycotic) vulvovaginitis.
Many childhood infections can be accompanied by the development of vulvovaginitis.
Cases of vulvovaginitis, in which the causative agents are ureaplasma, chlamydia, virus, and mycoplasma, have become more frequent. The reason for this is the prevalence of all these infections among the adult female population. In this case, infection can occur already in the prenatal period. Infection is also possible during childbirth and through household means.
Vulvovaginitis is often accompanied by allergic manifestations. At the same time, the resulting atopic vulvovaginitis is protracted and with frequent exacerbations.
Fungal vulvovaginitis often indicates diabetes mellitus.
Inflammation of the vagina can be traumatic. Small objects can get into a child’s vagina during play and damage the mucous membrane.
Worms (most often pinworms) can cause inflammation of the external genitalia.
Little girls can spread the infection with dirty hands.

Symptoms of “bad” discharge

The main manifestations of the inflammatory process are itching, hyperemia of the vulva and pathological discharge from the vagina. The nature of the discharge directly depends on the causes of the disease.
If there is a foreign body in the genital tract, the discharge will have an unpleasant odor and even streaks of blood.
Trichomonas infection is characterized by copious foamy discharge and redness of the genital tract.
If the inflammation is caused by a fungal infection, a cheesy discharge accompanied by itching is observed.
If the discharge is not abundant, but there is redness and severe itching, then this may indicate a helminthic infestation.
Herpetic vulvovaginitis is characterized by blisters and ulcers on the external genitalia. There is hyperemia and pain in the vulva area. With an atypical course of the disease, scanty vaginal discharge and redness appear. If the mother has manifestations of herpes or the child has frequent colds and herpetic rashes on the face, it is recommended to conduct a targeted examination.
With bacterial vulvovaginitis, a yellowish discharge appears, accompanied by itching and redness.
Infections of ureaplasma, chlamydia and mycoplasma nature are characterized by minor mucous discharge. But at the same time, exacerbations of diseases of the urinary tract and kidneys are possible.
With allergic vulvovaginitis, slight discharge and characteristic thinning of the mucosa are observed.
If the microflora in the vagina is disturbed and bacterial vaginosis occurs, a milky or grayish liquid discharge appears, emitting the smell of rotten fish.

Diagnostics

To identify the cause of inflammation, bacterial culture of the vaginal flora is performed.
Using the PCR (polymerase chain reaction) and RIF (immunofluorescence reaction) methods, it is possible to detect mycoplasma, chlamydia and ureaplasma.
The herpes virus is isolated from the lesion. The presence of antibodies in the blood is also determined.
Be sure to do a stool test
When the intestinal microflora changes, a stool test is performed.
If there is a foreign body in the vagina and in order to exclude tumor formations, the vaginal walls are examined using a special device - a vaginoscope.

Treatment

The specialist prescribes general or local drug treatment only after determining the cause of vulvovaginitis (the causative agent and its sensitivity to antibiotics). To do this, an individual approach is used, which takes into account the child’s age, the presence of chronic diseases, etc. Treatment uses antibiotics, antifungal and antiviral drugs.
Mechanical irritants of the genital tract are eliminated.
With concomitant helminthiases, the underlying disease is first treated not only in the child, but also in all members of his family.
Allergens are completely excluded.
If your child is obese or

There is an opinion that “female” diseases can only occur in girls and women who are sexually active, so the appearance of discharge from the genitals of a little girl causes surprise and great concern among parents. What discharge from the genital tract is normal, and in what cases should the baby be shown to a pediatric gynecologist?

Vaginal discharge (Latin name fluor - “leucorrhoea”) is a phenomenon characteristic of women of different ages, including newborn girls. Discharge from the genital tract is the result of the functioning and self-cleaning of the organs of the woman’s reproductive system. The basis of vaginal secretion is made up of desquamated cells of the constantly renewed epithelium lining the internal genital organs and clear liquid that sweats through the vaginal epithelium from the underlying blood and lymphatic vessels; the secretions also include mucus formed by glands located in the body and cervix and the vestibule of the vagina, microorganisms , blood cells (leukocytes) and other components. The composition and amount of discharge normally depends on the general physical condition of the body, especially its nervous system, psychogenic factors and the hormonal status of the woman. Vaginal discharge is divided into physiological and pathological.

This is fine.

Physiological “clean” discharge from the genital tract is light, mucous in nature, and may contain thin stringy threads or crumbly impurities. The first physiological discharge from the genital tract can be observed in girls during the neonatal period. In some cases, approximately in the second week of a child’s life, quite abundant mucous discharge may appear from the genital slit, sometimes it can be bloody, somewhat reminiscent of menstruation. The discharge may be accompanied by swelling of the nipples of the mammary glands and the appearance from them, when pressed, of a cloudy, thick liquid - colostrum. This phenomenon is completely safe and is called sexual or hormonal neonatal crisis. In this way, the girl’s reproductive system reacts to the presence of high levels of maternal sex hormones that enter the child’s body, first through the placenta and then through breast milk. This condition does not require special treatment, you just need to more carefully monitor the baby’s hygiene. Normally, as the concentration of maternal hormones in the child’s blood decreases (usually by the end of the first month of life), discharge from the genital tract completely disappears.

Starting from the age of 3-4 weeks, a so-called “neutral” period or a period of hormonal “rest” begins in a girl’s sexual development. At this time, the concentration of sex hormones is minimal, the glands of the cervix and the vestibule of the vagina almost do not function, so physiological discharge is not typical for this period. The “neutral” period lasts approximately until the girl reaches the age of 7-8 years, when the next stage of her sexual development begins - the prepubertal period, at this time hormonal changes in the body begin and, under the influence of her own hormones, about a year before the start of her first menstruation, the girl begins to experience physiological discharge from the vagina. With the establishment of the menstrual cycle, this discharge intensifies and becomes cyclical.

Pathological discharge

Pathological leucorrhoea is usually profuse, mixed with pus, blood, and often with an unpleasant odor. In most cases, during the period of hormonal “rest” (from 1 month to 8 years), the discharge is pathological. The main cause of the appearance of pathological leucorrhoea in early childhood is inflammatory processes of the external genital organs and the vaginal mucosa - vulvitis and vulvovaginitis. This is due to some features of the physiology of the children's vagina and vulva. The mucous membrane lining the vagina in young girls is extremely tender and loose. Due to the structural features of the epithelium in the vagina, babies do not have the conditions for the existence of lactic acid fermentation bacteria, which normally creates an acidic environment in an adult woman, preventing the development of pathogenic fungi and bacteria. The girl’s vagina is colonized by conditionally pathogenic (conditionally pathogenic) microorganisms (usually Staphylococcus epidermidis), and the scanty mucous secretion of the vagina has an alkaline reaction. Due to these features, the vaginal mucosa in babies is easily vulnerable, sensitive to all kinds of irritations and susceptible to infection.

The following factors can cause the appearance of pathological discharge:

— decreased immunity. Any decrease in the child’s body’s defenses that occurs after any illness, it could be a viral infection of the upper respiratory tract or an exacerbation of a chronic disease, usually of the kidneys and bladder, leads to an imbalance between the vaginal microflora and the child’s body. Under these conditions, opportunistic microorganisms that are part of the vaginal microflora can become pathogenic, i.e. capable of causing disease. In addition, when the body's defenses are reduced, bacteria from the intestines and from the surface of the skin can easily penetrate into the vagina and cause inflammation. A decrease in local immunity can also lead to disruption of the vaginal microflora with the development of so-called bacterial vaginosis (vaginal dysbiosis). Predisposing factors for the development of vulvovaginitis and bacterial vaginosis are poor nutrition of a child with a lack of vitamins in the diet, hypothermia, stress, etc. “Childhood” infections not only reduce the body’s immune defense, but can also manifest as rashes on the skin and mucous membranes of the vulva and vagina , mucopurulent discharge from the vagina.

— lack of personal hygiene. Pathogenic microorganisms can enter the vagina through dirty hands, untidy clothing, improperly washing a child, sitting without panties on the floor or on other contaminated surfaces, and also when swimming in contaminated bodies of water.

— candidiasis (“thrush”). The causative agent of vulvovaginal candidiasis is yeast-like fungi of the genus Candida; they live on the skin and mucous membranes of humans and are considered conditionally pathogenic microorganisms. In cases of decreased immunity, development of intestinal and vaginal dysbiosis, for example, against the background of long-term or irrational antibiotic treatment, these microorganisms acquire aggressive properties and cause inflammation. An important factor in the development of a fungal infection, according to experts, is improper hygienic care of the child: frequent washing in the bathroom or washing the genitals using shampoos, gels, foam, insufficient rinsing of the girl’s underwear after washing with synthetic detergents, excessive wrapping, leading to overheating and hyperhidrosis (sweating) in the external genital area.

— chlamydia, trichomonas, mycoplasma, herpes, etc. . sexually transmitted infections . A little girl can become infected with these “adult” infections already in the prenatal period or during childbirth, if the causative agents of this infection were present in the mother’s body during pregnancy. In this way, infection with yeast-like fungi (thrush) can occur. Some microorganisms (for example, trichomoniasis) can be transmitted to the baby after birth by contact (through hygiene products, shared towels, toilet seat). Mom always needs to remember this possibility of infection and get tested for these infections in a timely manner in order to carry out treatment if necessary. If a mother discovers a sexually transmitted infection, she must take her daughter to a pediatric gynecologist.

— allergic diseases. Sometimes the cause of vulvovaginitis and discharge from the genital tract lies in allergies. So-called atopic vulvitis and vulvovaginitis most often occur in children with allergic manifestations and exudative diathesis, but it happens that inflammation of the external genitalia is the only manifestation of the body’s general allergic reaction. Against the background of increased irritability, vulnerability and increased susceptibility of the skin and mucous membranes to infection, with an allergic mood of the body, a secondary infection easily attaches and a sluggish inflammatory process occurs, which either worsens or almost disappears. Such girls are often predisposed to viral and viral-bacterial infections of the respiratory tract, intestinal tract, and genitourinary organs. Usually the situation improves when contact with the allergen is stopped and the causes that contribute to the intensification of allergies are eliminated (hypoallergenic diet, treatment of intestinal dysbiosis).

— entry of a foreign body. The cause of the development of vulvovaginitis can be foreign bodies that get into the vagina: grains of sand, threads from clothes, pieces of cotton wool, toilet paper. There are cases when girls, out of curiosity, insert various objects into their vaginas, for example, a button, a mosaic, a hairpin, a pen cap... Often the child gets scared and hides this incident from his parents or simply forgets about it, and only the appearance of genital discharge paths leads worried parents and their baby to the doctor. Only a pediatric gynecologist can detect and remove a foreign body using special pediatric gynecological instruments.

— obesity and diabetes. The appearance of discharge from the genital tract can occur against the background of diseases associated with metabolic disorders and is a fairly common symptom in obese girls. Vulvovaginitis, especially caused by the growth of fungal flora, may be the first manifestation of diabetes mellitus.

— trauma to the external genitalia , which a girl can get during games or when she falls. In this case, against the background of swelling and cyanosis of the mucous membrane and skin around the external genitalia, bloody discharge may be present. In such a situation, the child must be taken to a medical facility as soon as possible for examination by a doctor, who will determine whether there are any tears in the labia, vaginal walls, or anus and, if necessary, treat the wound. Failure to provide medical care in a timely manner can lead to rapid infection of wound surfaces and the development of complications.

Symptoms of inflammation

So different…

The main manifestations of the inflammatory process are hyperemia (redness) and swelling of the external genitalia and the skin around them, a feeling of itching and burning that increases with urination and pathological discharge from the genital opening. Depending on the cause that caused the inflammatory process, the nature of the pathological discharge may be different:

- Bacterial vulvovaginitis is characterized by yellowish and yellowish-greenish discharge, accompanied by itching and redness.

- when the balance of microflora in the vagina is disturbed and bacterial vaginosis develops, milky or grayish creamy discharge appears, emitting the smell of rotten fish.

- if the inflammation is caused by a fungal infection, a cheesy white discharge accompanied by itching is noted.

- Trichomonas infection is characterized by copious mucopurulent discharge of a “foamy” nature with an unpleasant odor.

- with herpetic vulvovaginitis, scanty vaginal discharge may be accompanied by the appearance of blisters and ulcers on the external genitalia.

- light discharge accompanied by severe itching may indicate a helminthic infestation.

— infections of ureaplasma, chlamydia and mycoplasma nature are characterized by slight mucous discharge, often occurring against the background of exacerbation of diseases of the urinary tract and kidneys.

- with allergic vulvovaginitis, slight mucous-watery discharge is observed against the background of characteristic thinning and dryness of the mucous membrane.

- if there is a foreign body in the genital tract, abundant purulent discharge appears with an unpleasant putrefactive odor, often streaked with blood.

Whatever the nature of the discharge from the genital tract of a little girl, you should not engage in self-diagnosis and self-medication; only a doctor can determine the cause of the disease and prescribe the correct treatment. The mother should carefully monitor the condition of her girl’s genitals and, when the first symptoms of inflammation appear, immediately contact a pediatric gynecologist. It is important to understand that untimely diagnosis and treatment of inflammatory diseases of the genital organs in girls can have very serious consequences and cause further infertility.

Go to an appointment with a gynecologist!

Although an examination by a pediatric gynecologist is not included in the list of specialists required to visit, for preventive purposes it is advisable to show the girl to this specialist during the first month of life, then when the baby turns one year old, before entering kindergarten, school, and at 12 years old. The following symptoms and diseases should also be a reason to visit a pediatric gynecologist:

redness and swelling of the skin and mucous membranes of the external genitalia;
any discharge from the genital tract;
restless behavior of the child when urinating (due to a feeling of itching and burning),
the presence of urinary tract and kidney infections (detection of bacteria and an increased number of white blood cells in urine tests);
suspicion of abnormal structure of the child’s external genitalia;
the presence of acute or chronic pain in the abdomen or changes in its shape and size;
the presence of endocrine diseases (diseases of the thyroid gland, adrenal glands, diabetes mellitus), obesity;
presence of allergic diseases;
detection of inguinal hernias, especially bilateral ones;
the presence during pregnancy or currently in the mother of the child of fungal, chlamydial, ureaplasma, mycoplasma, trichomonas, herpetic, etc. infections.

Intimate hygiene for the little ones.

When caring for a young girl, compliance with the rules of personal hygiene is extremely important. To keep the baby healthy and avoid the occurrence of inflammatory diseases of the genital organs, every mother of a girl needs to monitor the cleanliness of her daughter’s genitals, know and follow the rules of hygiene procedures, taking into account the structural features of the female body:

- it is necessary to care for a girl’s external genitalia every morning and evening (babies up to one year old should be washed as they become dirty after each bowel movement and after each diaper change)

— the girl should be washed with warm running water from front to back, so that the bacteria inhabiting the intestines do not enter the vagina. During the procedure, mother’s hands should be washed clean with soap. It is necessary to rinse only the area of the external genitalia that is visible to the eye, while slightly spreading the labia and avoiding friction. You should not try to remove “impurities” deeper from the vagina with your fingers or anything else.

- It is not recommended to use soap to wash the child, since its alkaline components disrupt the natural balance of the vaginal microflora, which creates conditions for the proliferation of pathogenic bacteria. In addition, frequent use of soap leads to the destruction of the protective water-fat layer and dries out the mucous membrane. All kinds of fragrances and fragrances that may be included in soap or gel can cause an allergic reaction in the form of itching and redness of the vulvar mucosa. Therefore, for the purpose of intimate hygiene, soap should be used as rarely as possible and only wash the skin around the vagina. Due to the risk of developing allergic reactions, you should not wash your child with herbal infusions unless necessary. You should also not unnecessarily use a solution of potassium permanganate for washing, as it causes dryness of the skin and mucous membranes;

— to care for the baby’s genitals, it is not recommended to use sponges and washcloths, as they can injure the delicate baby skin, which is especially sensitive in this area. In addition, microbes multiply well on sponges and washcloths, so these hygiene products themselves can become a source of infection;

- after washing, the genital area is not wiped, but blotted with a towel; it must be clean, soft and necessarily individual (it is better if it is a clean diaper, which after one use will go in the wash). First, the area of the genital slit and labia is dried, then the skin around them, then the inguinal folds and, lastly, the area of the anus. After this, to protect the skin of the perineum from inflammation, you can apply cream under the diaper or use special protective creams;

- Children's underwear must be changed daily (and also during the day as it gets dirty). Panties for girls should not be tight and should be made of natural cotton fabric.

It is very important from a very early age to instill in the future woman the necessary skills to maintain intimate hygiene and to explain to the baby in accessible language their importance for women’s health.

Many people believe that vaginal discharge can only appear in adult women or girls who are sexually active. But a similar problem is often identified in childhood. Mothers will certainly be alarmed if discharge suddenly appears in girls, and they will want to find out more about this problem: why it occurs, how it proceeds and what is required to eliminate the symptoms. But the most reliable information can only be obtained from a qualified specialist.

Normal situation

Before analyzing any violations, you should understand how physiological processes occur in the child’s body. During the newborn period - usually at 2 weeks of life - girls may experience vaginal discharge: mucous, profuse and even mixed with blood. Along with this, engorgement of the baby’s mammary glands is noted, and when pressure is applied to the nipples, a thick white liquid is released - colostrum. This is a transient, i.e., transient physiological condition called a hormonal crisis.

These changes are due to the influence of estrogens received in utero from the mother. In addition, hormonal substances pass through human milk. But this is quite normal and should not cause concern, because everything will return to normal by the end of the newborn period. From the 4th week, a period of relative hormonal rest begins in the girl’s body, which continues until puberty. Then the fully mature ovaries begin to produce their own estrogens, which, along with other hormones, are responsible for the menstrual cycle.

Reasons for deviations

Thus, we can say that a girl should not have any vaginal discharge until she is 8 years old. Otherwise, you need to look for the cause of the violations and try to eliminate them. Many believe that such a symptom indicates an infectious process in the child’s genitals. And this is true - starting from the age of three, colpitis or vulvovaginitis becomes a common cause of discharge. Its causative agents are various microbes: bacteria, fungi, protozoa, viruses. Sometimes a specific urogenital infection can develop, for example, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis or chlamydia, the source of which is most often the mother, and the girl becomes infected during childbirth or through household means.

Another common cause is vaginal dysbiosis (in other words, bacterial vaginosis). It develops due to a violation of the natural balance of the microflora of the genital tract. The fact is that in breastfed children, the vaginal flora consists mainly of lactobacilli, and later their place is taken by enterococci and bifidobacteria, which have less pronounced protective properties.

Due to the low content of estrogen in a child who has stopped receiving it through mother’s milk, local immunity is reduced, which contributes to the development of opportunistic flora in the vagina. And additional factors are often the following:

Failure to comply with hygiene rules.
Children's and general infections.
Allergic reactions.
Constitutional anomalies (diathesis).
Helminthic infestations.
Intestinal dysbiosis.
Pathology of the urinary tract.
Taking antibiotics (by mother and child).

Quite often, discharge appears in girls when they begin to attend preschool institutions. Social adaptation often has a stressful effect on the child’s immune system, because it is faced with new microbial agents that it did not know before. The baby begins to get sick more often, and against this background, discharge may appear. At an older age, the child’s failure to comply with personal hygiene plays a role, especially when the first menstruation begins. But each situation requires careful analysis and diagnosis, which is what the doctor does.

The cause of vaginal discharge in childhood is most often vulvovaginitis or dysbiosis, which is facilitated by many other factors - both internal and external.

Symptoms

Any disease has its own clinical signs that help the doctor make an assumption about the diagnosis. If we are talking about pathological discharge, then their characteristic signs should be noted:

Color: yellowish, cloudy white, gray, green, brown.
Unpleasant odor: sweetish, ammoniacal, sour, “fishy.”
Consistency: liquid, thick, curd-like.
Quantity: abundant or scanty.

By appearance, you can even tell about the probable causative agent of the infection. For example, the appearance of green discharge in a girl often indicates the development of pyogenic microbes, including gonococcus. And white and curd-like deposits on the genitals indicate thrush (candidiasis). Liquid, thick and foamy discharge can occur with trichomoniasis, and gray, creamy and fishy discharge can occur with vaginal dysbiosis.

If we are talking about vulvovaginitis, then children may complain of itching and burning in the external genital area. In addition, dysuric disorders are often observed in the form of frequent urge to go to the toilet, pain or pain when urinating, which is the result of the penetration of microbes into the urethra. On examination, you may notice redness in the area of the vaginal vestibule. But with bacterial vaginosis, such manifestations will be absent.

Additional diagnostics

To find out why a girl’s discharge appeared at 4 years old, additional diagnostics should be carried out. The doctor will prescribe the necessary tests to help establish the source of pathological symptoms, determine the type of pathogen and its distribution in the child’s body. Such studies will be:

General blood and urine analysis.
Blood biochemistry (antibodies to infections, helminths, markers of inflammation).
Smear and analysis of secretions (microscopic, bacteriological, PCR, antibiotic sensitivity).
Urine culture.
Allergy tests.
Analysis of stool for dysbacteriosis and worm eggs.

From instrumental studies, ultrasound can be performed (kidneys, bladder, pelvis) to exclude inflammatory diseases and spread of infection in the vertical direction. In addition, the pediatrician can refer the mother and girl to a consultation with a urologist and pediatric gynecologist.

Treatment

Pathological discharge in a 5-year-old girl, as well as a similar problem at another age, always require adequate treatment. Therapeutic measures are carried out strictly on an individual basis, taking into account the characteristics of the child’s body and the type of pathogen identified.

Increased attention is paid to how general principles of child care are followed. This is important not only in terms of prevention, but also allows you to get the best effect from treatment and prevent the progression of the disease. Mom should consider the following recommendations:

Monitor the hygiene and cleanliness of the child’s genitals.
When washing, do not overdo it with soap and other products.
Monitor your diet (if breastfeeding) and follow a diet for a girl (exclude possible allergens).
Change underwear and bed linen frequently.
Treat infectious diseases in a timely manner.
Sanitate chronic foci of infection.

In addition, you should try to avoid contact with sick people, and try to lead as healthy a lifestyle as possible.

Normalization of lifestyle and hygienic conditions is of great importance not only for prevention, but also has a positive effect on the outcome of treatment.

Medicines

Discharge in girls aged four years, just like in older children, should be treated with medication. Therapy should be aimed at destroying the causative agent of the infection, normalizing the vaginal and intestinal microflora, increasing the local and general immune defense of the body. For this purpose, various drugs are used:

Antibiotics.
Antifungal.
Antihelminthic.
Probiotics.
Immunocorrectors.
Vitamins.
Antioxidants.

The prescription of antimicrobial agents is justified only after receiving the result of a microbial sensitivity test. Local treatment with antiseptic solutions (rinsing), ointments (applications), and herbal decoctions (baths) are widely used. Only the doctor will tell you which specific drug to use, and the woman must follow all his recommendations. In combination with preventive measures, this will be decisive in eliminating the discharge and completely curing the child.

I’ll write a little about the hygiene of girls under one year old, because... this topic is relevant to every mother and now often causes fear and panic, and not all medical staff can calm the young mother; medications are often prescribed unnecessarily for the simple physiological condition of the child.
Most often the question sounds like this: “At three months old, my daughter began to have copious white discharge from her pussy. There used to be, too, but not a lot, but now there are a lot. What to do? What is this?"
White discharge in a girl at 3 months, 4 months, 7 months, 8 months and 9 months is a very common question that frightens mothers.

According to physiology, girls produce a small amount of protective lubricant - smegma, so mother can often see white discharge in the folds of the labia. There are several physiological periods in girls: from 3 to 4.5 months, from 7 to 9 months and at the beginning of adolescence before the appearance of menstruation, during which the amount of smegma, i.e. the amount of discharge may increase significantly - this is normal and does not require treatment or intervention! The discharge will remain white or white-yellow in color, without an unpleasant or pungent odor (if your daughter suddenly has itching, anxiety due to the discharge, a strong or unpleasant odor, a greenish or gray tint to the discharge, then you need to consult a doctor!) .

What to do with vaginal discharge in girls in their first year of life?

If there is a lot of discharge, clean it carefully. Or remove them once a day using a cotton pad (gauze pad) soaked in natural (preferably filtered) oil! When choosing an oil, pay attention to the fact that it is natural; synthetic oils such as Johnson Baby or massage oils from a pharmacy will cause harm. will clog the pores and ducts of the sebaceous glands, prevent the skin from breathing and create a film. A non-refined, cold-pressed food product of which you are confident is suitable (apricot, jojoba, almond or grape seed is best, but high-quality sunflower or olive oil is also possible). Or use high quality purified oil with a purification certificate (). Regular food grade deodorized and refined oils can cause a strong local reaction).
Continue regular genital hygiene (from the pubis to the anus). After stool, if necessary, wash with natural baby soap, but do not overuse soap and foam, just wash thoroughly with water. Wash off any remaining cream or powder if it gets on this area.
Do not use powder on the external genital area (only on the butt).

What should not be done about discharge in girls at this age?

Do not wash them with soap or detergent. And also remove using wet or baby wipes, because... the impregnation of the napkins contains drying and irritating substances.
Don't try to remove the discharge too often!
It is impossible not to remove selections at all. Smegma protects organs, but like any sebum, over time it absorbs secretions, sweat and becomes a breeding ground for bacteria and fungi, so you should not let smegma turn into old lumps, appear gray or smell, because further this will cause irritation on the skin, redness, and can lead to “thrush” or bacterial flora.
There is no need to try to treat physiological discharge with medications, even Linex or other probiotics, if there is no suspicion of illness. If the doctor has suspicions that the origin of the discharge is not physiological, let them conduct tests before prescribing treatment. Because The microflora can be easily disrupted if probiotics are administered inappropriately or unnecessarily in the first year of life.
Do not frequently use soap or other cleaning products for your child unless necessary. Avoid using bubble bath; unfortunately, most often it is the abuse of soap and cosmetics, as well as a reaction to chemical surfactants, that leads to fusion of the labia or excessive discharge. It is better not to use synthetic cosmetics or soap - they dry and irritate and can create a film on the skin. Now there is an excellent selection of natural soaps from scratch, including children’s soaps without essential oils (not to be confused with handmade soaps made from base or gel, which contain various unknown chemical surfactants that are clearly not suitable for children).
Do not use potassium permanganate and herbal decoctions for washing. For physiological discharge, they are not needed, and their use can lead to dryness and irritation.

Also, the reason for an increase in physiological secretions can be:

Taking hormonal medications or hormonal contraceptives by the mother during breastfeeding.
Severe thyroid diseases in mothers during breastfeeding.
Abuse of soy products during breastfeeding (soy without processing and long-term natural fermentation in principle, and also very young children, children under one year old are allowed soy formula for babies, soy yogurt, tofu from 10-12 months), i.e. mother can have tofu , miso, soy sauce, soy yogurt, tempeh, but it is advisable to limit soy milk, soy asparagus, soy oil, soy protein, soy flour, soy sausage, soy meat).

There is an opinion that vaginal leucorrhoea occurs only in mature girls and women; girls should not have vaginal discharge. However, this is not quite true. Discharge in girls also occurs in childhood; they can be either normal or indicate pathology. This phenomenon often frightens parents, and they cannot always understand what is happening to the child’s body. As soon as possible, you should contact a pediatric gynecologist to understand what is happening.

When does discharge start in girls?

Vaginal discharge can appear in a girl at a very early age; even a newborn baby may experience mucous discharge.

A normal secretion, which does not indicate the presence of a disease or inflammatory processes, has the following composition:

Renewing epithelium.
mucus that appears as a result of the work of the uterus.
various microorganisms, leukocytes and other components.

Therefore, we can conclude that there is nothing wrong with the discharge; it protects the young body, despite the lack of reproductive function due to young age. However, you should contact a gynecologist to make sure that the child is healthy and not neglect routine examinations. These measures preserve the girl’s health and reproductive function in adulthood and help avoid complications.

What kind of discharge in girls is considered normal?

Light discharge that has a uniform consistency and resembles mucus is considered normal. A variant of the norm is the presence in the discharge of viscous “threads” or lumps similar to crumbs. Such leucorrhoea is normal in a newborn girl; it is a fairly common occurrence in the first weeks of a child’s life.

A rare case of normal occurrence is the appearance of blood spots, reminiscent of menstruation. This process is called infant sexual crisis and does not require therapy, but one should not forget to monitor the baby’s hygiene.

After one month of age, there usually begins a period of rest when hormones do not manifest themselves in any way, and at 7–8 years, hormonal changes may begin. Puberty begins, heavy discharge and changes in the shape of the mammary glands may appear. After 2–3 years, menstruation occurs.

The nature of vaginal discharge in a child during puberty

Menarche is the first bleeding in girls, which can usually be noticed on their underwear at 10–13 years of age. Such spotting normally appears 2 years after the shape and size of the mammary glands begin to change.

A year before this phenomenon, leucorrhoea may appear. Normally, they have the following signs:

They have no color or the appearance of yellowish or white discharge is noted, which is one of the non-pathological variants of discharge in children of adolescence.
The consistency is quite watery, reminiscent of snot.
There should be no unpleasant odor; a sourish aroma is normally allowed.
No discomfort in the intimate area - regardless of the girl’s age, leucorrhoea should not cause discomfort, itching or burning.

Such discharge in girls 10–12 years old confirms the normal development of the reproductive system and pelvic organs. In addition, vaginal mucus is a barrier to the penetration of harmful microorganisms into the genital organs, thereby preventing the development of inflammatory processes in the uterus and other pathologies.

If your period has already started

The onset of menstruation between the ages of 11 and 14 is considered normal. Possible diseases found in a little girl in childhood, hereditary factors, nutrition, amount of stressful situations and emotional health affect the onset of menstruation.

In some cases, girls begin to experience menstruation at the age of 9. The reason for this may be a hormonal imbalance; sometimes in such cases the help of an endocrinologist and the prescription of hormonal therapy are required. If by the age of 15 a girl does not have her period, this is a reason to contact a pediatric gynecologist. Perhaps the cause of this pathology is ovarian dysfunction, emotional overload, disruption of the thyroid gland, heavy physical activity, anorexia, and poor environmental situation in the place of residence.

If a girl begins menstruation, the further appearance of discharge will depend on the phase of the cycle.

Start

Usually the menstrual cycle lasts almost 1 month, namely 28 days. This period begins on the first day after the end of menstruation and lasts from two to three weeks. These days there is a fairly small amount of leucorrhoea; normally the volume is up to two milliliters per day. The consistency is homogeneous and watery, the color can range from white to beige.

Ovulation

In the middle of the cycle, the volume of leucorrhoea may increase to four milliliters per day. The consistency changes and the mucus becomes more viscous.

Second half of the cycle

At the end of the cycle, the amount of leucorrhoea becomes smaller, the consistency resembles a cream, or is similar to snot.

Just before your period

Before the onset of menstruation, the volume of secretion increases, the consistency resembles that of the discharge that was in the middle of the cycle.

Causes of pathological vaginal discharge in children

Leucorrhoea is not always a natural physiological process. They can signal the presence of inflammatory processes, allergies, infections and other pathologies. Such discharge threatens the girl’s health, primarily her reproductive function, and sometimes her quality of life and its preservation.

Weak immunity

Weak immunity, unable to fight germs and viruses, leads to the appearance of various diseases, including the reproductive system. The main reasons that affect the ability of the immune system to protect the body:

Stress overvoltage.
Unhealthy eating.
Lack of timely treatment of infections.
Frostbite.
Previous illnesses.

Parents should take action if the child gets sick very often. If ARVI or influenza is diagnosed more than 5 times during the year, the child requires mandatory vaccination.

If no elevated temperature is observed during an illness, this most often indicates a lack of body resistance to the disease. This is a serious symptom that requires pediatrician intervention.

One of the symptoms of weak immunity is lethargy and drowsiness of the child throughout the day, pale skin and increased fatigue. However, these signs can indicate not only a weakening of the body’s protective function, but also many other pathologies.

As a preventive measure, you need to teach your child a healthy lifestyle, avoid unnecessary stress and engage in moderate physical activity. Walking in the fresh air is also beneficial for a growing body.

Frequent use of antibiotics

As a result of frequent use of antibiotics, pathologies can develop in the pelvic organs and beyond. These medications affect the microflora in the vaginal area, upsetting the balance. The result is the appearance of various diseases, such as bacterial vulvovaginitis and vaginal dysbiosis.

In most cases, the main cause of vulvovaginitis is bacteria. This disease can appear not only in adult women, but also in girls.

At the age of up to 8 years, this disease first affects the labia, then the vagina. In adults, this pathology has symptoms exactly the opposite.

Reasons that can provoke this pathology:

Hormonal diseases.
Taking antibiotics.
diseases of the genitourinary system.
Penetration of infection into the genitals from the rectum. This reason is most common in children who incorrectly use intimate hygiene products.
Foreign body in the pelvic organs.

The main symptom of the disease is pathological secretions from the vagina, which have a pungent odor, discomfort and unpleasant sensations.

Vaginal dysbiosis or dysbacteriosis occurs due to a disruption of the normal microflora. Its main symptoms are the appearance of copious discharge that has an unpleasant odor. The reasons for its appearance are the same as for vulvovaginitis. Complications of this pathology can include inflammation in the uterus, vagina, and infection of the urinary tract.

If symptoms appear that indicate a violation of the vaginal microflora, you should contact a pediatric gynecologist.

Children's and general infections

Childhood infections are those diseases that are transmitted at an early age, up to about 6 years. After recovery, the body will develop immunity to this disease.

The main infections, which are mainly transmitted in childhood, but can also appear in adults:

Chickenpox - the main symptom is fever and rash, weakness. With this disease, it is important to maintain hygiene and care for the patient. As a preventive measure, you can get vaccinated.
Diphtheria - the main symptom is the presence of a gray film that appears on the mucous membranes. Treatment is carried out in a hospital setting, and the child is vaccinated as a preventive measure.
Whooping cough – the main symptom is cough.
Measles - symptoms include fever, cough, fear of light, vomiting, pain, rash
Infections in children are transmitted by airborne droplets and through shared objects. As a preventive measure, vaccinations are given, some of which are mandatory.

Allergic reactions

The cause of the appearance of pathological discharge and various diseases of the genital organs in children is allergic reactions and diathesis.

Allergic diathesis is one of the most common types of this disease. At the age of 3 months - 6 months, this disease occurs most often. The main symptom of the disease is peeling of the skin, redness and the child’s desire to scratch the affected areas of the skin. The mucous membranes of the organ of vision and oral cavity are often affected. Diagnosis of pathology is made at an early stage of disease development.

Diabetes

This pathology can cause fungal vulvovaginitis in a girl, which is a genitourinary infection and is accompanied by yellow or green pathological leucorrhoea with an unpleasant odor, as well as discomfort.

Diabetes mellitus is a disease in which carbohydrate metabolism is impaired. There are two types of the disease, and type 1 diabetes is common in childhood and adolescence.

The main cause is genetics, but pathology can develop as a result of exposure to other factors. Artificial feeding, stress, previous surgeries, carbohydrate nutrition, and high birth weight can trigger the development of diabetes. The largest number of cases of morbidity with pathological discharge was identified in girls aged 4 to 8 years, when the child is actively growing and hormonal levels are changing.

Foreign bodies

A child may unintentionally insert a foreign object such as toilet paper, string, or other objects into the vagina. Symptoms of the presence of a foreign object in the genitals are fever, pain in the vaginal area, bleeding or brown smears on the underwear, and purulent discharge. If inflammation occurs and a foreign object causes the mucous membranes to fester, a rotten smell may appear from the intimate area. In this case, you need to urgently contact a pediatric gynecologist, and do not take other actions yourself, they can harm the child.

Worms

Infection with worms can occur as a result of improper washing technology and lack of hygiene if bacteria penetrate from the intestines into the genitals. The intestines are the only source of worms that can enter the vagina. They are dangerous because they can introduce intestinal flora into the genitals, which can lead to vaginosis and dysbacteriosis.

Symptoms of the appearance of worms in the genitals:

Unpleasant sensations.
Unpleasant smell of discharge.
Discomfort, burning.

Worms can cause pelvic inflammation and complications such as infection of the fallopian tubes, which leads to loss of fertility. Treatment is carried out by gynecologists and infectious disease specialists, who should be consulted if symptoms appear.

Poor hygiene

Intimate hygiene for children - daily washing, which maintains the cleanliness of the genitals and their health in the future.

In the case of children under one year old, ideally, they should be washed after each time the child defecates. Despite the variety of diapers, the child needs to be washed after defecation.

Soap should contain a neutral pH level, it should not be neglected, but frequent use is also not recommended.

As your child ages, you need to teach your child how to maintain hygiene on their own. The absence of this ritual can lead to the development of unpleasant pathologies, which are easier to avoid than to get rid of.

We look for problems by color and smell

Normal discharge in girls should not cause discomfort or discomfort. Foreign odor, inclusions, pain during discharge of leucorrhoea can indicate the development of a serious pathology and parents need to be extremely careful and understanding about this problem.

White discharge

Typically, white discharge is not a pathology and is present in girls of any age and in women. However, in cases where the leucorrhoea looks like cottage cheese, has inclusions and lumps, as well as a foreign smell of sour milk, this is thrush, or candidiasis. This fungal disease is accompanied by itching and burning and spreads quickly if left untreated. Young children cannot always say how they feel, so parents need to be attentive and monitor the child’s behavior and health.

Green and yellow discharge

Most often, leucorrhoea with a greenish or yellowish tint is the first sign of bacterial vulvovaginitis. If a child constantly touches the labia, wanting to comb them, it is unpleasant for him to be in the water while swimming and there is redness in the intimate area, there is a pathology.

This disease usually occurs in preschool children. The reason for this phenomenon is that in the intimate area there are no lactobacilli that create a barrier to the genitals from infectious diseases.

Leucorrhoea with a yellowish tint may not always indicate inflammatory processes in the body. Often the causes are infection with worms, dirt, foreign objects entering the genitals, an allergic reaction to fabric or diaper rash.

This pathology requires diagnosis and clarification of the causes of development.

Red and brown

This phenomenon may signal the onset of menstruation. However, in the case of a foreign body inside the genital organ, reddish and brown smears may also appear on the underwear, which have the smell of rotten meat. In this case, the child requires immediate help from a gynecologist, since this symptom indicates the development of an inflammatory process.

If there is a restructuring of hormones, you can observe the appearance of red discharge; as a rule, they signal the imminent onset of menstruation.

Pus present

Leucorrhoea, which includes pus, is not the norm for females of any age.

The most common causes are colpitis, inflammatory processes in the cervix and ovaries, as well as diseases caused by infection.

Slime or foam

Mucous or abundant foamy discharge of a pathological nature is most often a symptom of gardnerellosis. Occurs as a result of a violation of the vaginal microflora. The causes of the disease may be infections of the genitourinary system, long-term treatment with antibiotics, and hormonal imbalances.

The main symptom is the appearance of foamy or mucous discharge with an unpleasant odor, as well as pain when urinating.

Prevention

You should not self-medicate or use various folk remedies, which are often not effective.

There are certain methods of prevention:

Carry out hygienic washing procedures 1-2 times a day.
Use personal hygiene items and linen.
Use hypoallergenic soap.
Teach your child to wash himself properly without introducing infection from the intestines.
Use underwear made from natural materials.
Avoid damage to the external and internal parts of the genital organs.

Treatment options and correct therapy in case of illness can only be selected by a gynecologist. Regular visits to your doctor should not be neglected.

How often to visit a pediatric gynecologist

You should take care of your child’s health from birth. Before making an appointment with a pediatric gynecologist, it is necessary to set the child up in a positive way in order to avoid psychological shocks and moral trauma.

You can make an appointment with a gynecologist with a child of any age; sometimes even the youngest girls may need help.

If there are no complaints or chronic pathologies, you need to visit a doctor once a year.