Vaginal discharge in a girl: causes and treatment. "Non-Childish" Problem

Vaginal discharge is not only in adult women, but also in little girls. Already from the neonatal period, physiological secretions appear from the child's genital tract. Vaginal leucorrhea in girls is divided into 2 groups: physiological and pathological.

Physiological secretions (normally present) are light, have a mucous character and may be with filamentous inclusions.

Pathological leucorrhea is most often abundant, 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 the 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 disease can provoke vulvovaginitis.

Causes of discharge in girls

Very often, against the background of past respiratory diseases, bacterial vulvovaginitis occurs.
With frequent use of antibiotics and dysbacteriosis, the microflora of the vagina is disturbed and bacterial vaginosis develops.
Frequent use in the treatment of antibiotics 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, mycoplasmas, 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 the household.
Often, vulvovaginitis is accompanied by allergic manifestations. In this case, the resulting atopic vulvovaginitis is protracted and with frequent exacerbations.
Fungal vulvovaginitis often indicates diabetes.
Inflammation of the vagina can be traumatic. Small objects can get into the child's vagina during the game and damage the mucous membrane.
Worms (most often pinworms) can be the cause of inflammation of the external genital organs.
Little girls can carry 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 be with an unpleasant odor and even streaks of blood.
Trichomonas infection is characterized by profuse frothy discharge and reddening of the genital tract.
If the inflammation is caused by a fungal infection, curdled discharge is noted, accompanied by itching.
If the discharge is not abundant, but there is redness and severe itching, then this may indicate a helminthic invasion.
Herpetic vulvovaginitis is characterized by vesicles and sores on the external genitalia. There is hyperemia and soreness in the vulva. 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 eruptions on the face, it is recommended to conduct a targeted examination.
With bacterial vulvovaginitis, yellowish discharge appears, accompanied by itching and redness.
Infections of ureaplasma, chlamydia and mycoplasma nature are characterized by slight secretions of a mucous nature. 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, milky or grayish liquid discharge appears, exhaling the smell of rotten fish.

Diagnostics

To identify the cause of inflammation, a bacterial culture of the vaginal flora is performed.
Using the PCR method (polymerase chain reaction), RIF (immunofluorescence reaction), it is possible to detect mycoplasmas, chlamydia and ureaplasma.
The isolation of the herpes virus occurs 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 fecal analysis is done.
If there is a foreign body in the vagina and in order to exclude tumor formations, the walls of the vagina are examined using a special apparatus - a vaginoscope.

Treatment

The specialist prescribes a general or local drug treatment only after determining the cause of vulvovaginitis (causative agent and its sensitivity to antibiotics). For this, an individual approach is used, which takes into account the age of the child, the presence of chronic diseases, etc. The treatment uses antibiotics, antifungal and antiviral drugs.
Eliminates mechanical irritants of the genital tract.
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 the child is obese or

There is an opinion that “female” diseases can occur only in girls and women who are sexually active, therefore, 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 the norm, and in what cases should the baby be shown to a pediatric gynecologist?

Vaginal discharge (Latin name fluor - “whites”) is a phenomenon characteristic of women of various ages, including newborn girls. Discharge from the genital tract is the result of the functioning and self-purification of the organs of the female reproductive system. The basis of the vaginal secretion is the desquamated cells of the constantly renewing epithelium lining the internal genital organs and a clear liquid that sweats through the epithelium of the vagina from the underlying blood and lymphatic vessels, and 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" secretions from the genital tract are light, have a mucous character, may be with the inclusion of thin viscous threads or crumbly impurities. The first physiological discharge from the genital tract can be observed in girls during the neonatal period. In some cases, around the second week of a child's life, quite abundant mucous discharge may appear from the genital slit, sometimes they can be bloody, somewhat reminiscent of menstruation. The discharge may be accompanied by swelling of the nipples of the mammary glands and the appearance of a cloudy, thick liquid from them when pressed - colostrum. This phenomenon is completely safe and is called sexual or hormonal neonatal crisis. Thus, the girl's reproductive system reacts to the presence of a high level of maternal sex hormones that entered the child's body first through the placenta, and then with breast milk. This condition does not require special treatment, it is only necessary to more carefully monitor the hygiene of the baby. Normally, as the concentration of maternal hormones in the blood of a child decreases (usually by the end of the first month of life), the discharge from the genital tract completely disappears.

Starting from the age of 3-4 weeks, the so-called "neutral" period or the period of hormonal "rest" begins in the sexual development of the girl. 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 secretions are 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 which time hormonal changes in the body begin and, under the influence of her own hormones, about a year before the start of the first menstruation, the girl appears physiological discharge from the vagina. With the establishment of the menstrual cycle, these secretions intensify and become cyclical.

Pathological discharge

Pathological leucorrhoea, as a rule, is abundant, mixed with pus, blood, often with an unpleasant odor. In most cases, during the period of hormonal "rest" (at the age of 1 month to 8 years), the discharge is pathological. The main cause of the appearance of pathological whites in early childhood are inflammatory processes of the external genital organs and the mucous membrane of the vagina - 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 peculiarities of the structure of the epithelium in the vagina, babies do not have the conditions for the existence of lactic acid fermentation sticks, which normally in an adult woman creates an acidic environment that prevents the development of pathogenic fungi and bacteria. The girl's vagina is inhabited by conditionally pathogenic (conditionally pathogenic) microorganisms (usually epidermal staphylococcus), the scanty mucous secret of the vagina has an alkaline reaction. In connection with these features, the vaginal mucosa in babies is easily injured, sensitive to all kinds of irritations and susceptible to infection.

The causes of the appearance of pathological discharge can be the following factors:

— decrease in immunity. Any decrease in the protective forces of the child's body that occurs after any disease, it can 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, conditionally pathogenic microorganisms that are part of the vaginal microflora can become pathogenic, i.e. capable of causing disease. In addition, with a decrease in the body's defenses, 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 a violation of the vaginal microflora with the development of the so-called bacterial vaginosis (vaginal dysbacteriosis). 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. "Children's" infections not only reduce the body's immune defenses, but can also be manifested by rashes on the skin and mucous membranes of the vulva and vagina , mucopurulent discharge from the vagina.

— non-compliance with personal hygiene. Pathogens can enter the vagina with dirty hands, untidy clothing, improper washing of the child, sitting without panties on the floor or other contaminated surfaces, and swimming in polluted waters.

— candidiasis ("thrush"). The causative agent of vulvovaginal candidiasis are yeast-like fungi of the genus Candida, they live on the skin and mucous membranes of a person and are considered conditionally pathogenic microorganisms. In cases of reduced immunity, the development of intestinal and vaginal dysbacteriosis, for example, against the background of prolonged 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 for a child: frequent washing in the bathroom or washing the genitals with 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 vulva.

— chlamydial, trichomonas, mycoplasma, herpetic, 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. Thus, infection with yeast-like fungi (thrush) can also occur. Some microorganisms (for example, trichomoniasis) can also enter the baby after childbirth by contact (through hygiene products, shared towels, toilet seat). Mom should always be aware of this possibility of infection and timely take tests for the presence of these infections in order to carry out treatment if necessary. In case of detection of sexually transmitted infections, the mother must definitely show her daughter to a pediatric gynecologist.

— allergic diseases. Sometimes the cause of vulvovaginitis and discharge from the genital tract lies in allergies. The so-called atopic vulvitis and vulvovaginitis most often occur in children with allergic manifestations, exudative diathesis, but it happens that inflammation of the external genital organs is the only manifestation of a general allergic reaction of the body. 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 joins and a sluggishly current inflammatory process occurs, which then aggravates, then 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 allergy manifestations are eliminated (hypoallergenic diet, treatment of intestinal dysbacteriosis).

— entry of a foreign body. The cause of the development of vulvovaginitis can be foreign bodies that have entered the vagina: grains of sand, threads from clothes, pieces of cotton wool, toilet paper. There are times when girls, out of curiosity, introduce various objects into their vaginas, for example, a button, a mosaic, a hairpin, a cap from a pen ... path leads anxious parents with 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 secretions 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.

— injury to the external genitalia , which a girl can get during games or when falling. In this case, against the background of edema and cyanosis of the mucosa and skin around the external genitalia, spotting may be present. In such a situation, the child must be delivered as soon as possible to a medical institution for examination by a doctor who will determine if there are any ruptures of the labia, vaginal walls, anus and, if necessary, treat the wound. Untimely provision of medical care 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 genital organs and the skin around them, a feeling of itching and burning, aggravated by urination, and pathological discharge from the genital slit. Depending on the cause that caused the inflammatory process, the nature of the pathological secretions may be different:

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

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

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

- Trichomonas infection is characterized by abundant mucopurulent discharge of a "foamy" nature with an unpleasant odor.

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

- mild discharge, accompanied by severe itching, may indicate a helminthic invasion.

- infections of ureaplasma, chlamydia and mycoplasma nature are characterized by slight secretions of a mucous nature, 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 mucosa.

- in the presence of a foreign body in the genital tract, abundant purulent discharge appears with an unpleasant putrefactive odor, often with streaks of blood.

Whatever the nature of the discharge from the genital tract of a little girl, one should not engage in self-diagnosis and self-treatment, only a doctor can determine the cause of the disease and prescribe the correct treatment. Mom 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 late diagnosis and treatment of inflammatory diseases of the genital organs in girls can have very serious consequences and cause further infertility.

On reception to the 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 is one year old, before entering kindergarten, school, at 12 years old. Also, the reason for visiting a pediatric gynecologist should be the presence of the following symptoms and diseases:

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

Intimate hygiene for the little ones.

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

- it is necessary to take care of the external genital organs of the girl every morning and evening (babies up to a year should be washed away as they get 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 that inhabit the intestines do not get into the vagina. Mom's hands during the procedure should be cleanly washed with soap and water. It is necessary to wash only that area of the external genital organs that is accessible to the eye, while slightly pushing 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, as its alkaline components disrupt the natural balance of the vaginal microflora, which creates conditions for the reproduction of pathogenic bacteria. In addition, frequent use of soap leads to the destruction of the protective water-fat layer and dries the mucous membrane. All kinds of fragrances and fragrances that may be part of the soap or gel can cause an allergic reaction in the form of itching and redness of the vulvar mucosa. Therefore, soap for the purpose of intimate hygiene should be used as little as possible and only the skin around the vagina should be washed. Due to the risk of developing allergic reactions, it is not necessary to wash the child with herbal infusions without the need. You should also not unnecessarily use a solution of potassium permanganate for washing, as it causes dryness of the skin and mucous membranes;

- It is not recommended to use sponges and washcloths to care for the genitals of the baby, as they can injure delicate baby skin, especially sensitive in this area. In addition, microbes reproduce perfectly on sponges and washcloths, so these hygiene products can themselves become a source of infection;

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

- Baby underwear should be changed daily (and also throughout 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 an accessible language their importance for women's health.

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

Normal situation

Before analyzing any violations, one should understand how the physiological processes in the child's body proceed. In the neonatal period - usually at the 2nd week of life - girls may experience vaginal discharge: mucous, abundant, and even mixed with blood. Along with this, there is engorgement of the baby's mammary glands, and when pressing on the nipples, a thick white liquid is released - colostrum. This is a transient, i.e., transient physiological state, which is called a hormonal crisis.

These changes are due to the influence of estrogens received in utero from the mother. In addition, hormonal substances penetrate with women's milk. But this is quite normal and should not cause concern, because everything will return to normal by the end of the neonatal period. From 4 weeks in the girl's body, a period of relative hormonal rest begins, which continues until puberty. Then the already fully matured 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 up to 8 years old should not have any vaginal discharge. 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 agent is various microbes: bacteria, fungi, protozoa, viruses. Sometimes a specific urogenital infection may 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 the household.

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 children who are breastfed, 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 estrogens in a child who has ceased to receive them with mother's milk, local immunity decreases, which contributes to the development of conditionally pathogenic flora in the vagina. And additional factors often become the following:

Non-compliance with hygiene rules.
Childhood and general infections.
Allergic reactions.
Anomalies of the constitution (diathesis).
Worm infestations.
Intestinal dysbacteriosis.
Pathology of the urinary tract.
Taking antibiotics (mother and child).

Quite often, discharge in girls appears when they start attending preschools. Social adaptation often has a stressful effect on the child's immune system, because it encounters 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 non-compliance 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 secretions, then their characteristic features should be noted:

Color: yellowish, cloudy white, gray, green, brown.
Unpleasant smell: sweet, ammonia, sour, "fishy".
Consistency: liquid, thick, curd-like.
Quantity: Abundant or scanty.

In appearance, one can even say about the likely causative agent of the infection. So, for example, the appearance of green discharge in a girl often indicates the development of pyogenic microbes, including gonococcus. And white and curd-like plaques on the genitals testify in favor of thrush (candidiasis). Liquid, profuse and frothy discharge can occur with trichomoniasis, and gray, creamy and with a fishy smell can occur with vaginal dysbiosis.

If we are talking about vulvovaginitis, then children may complain of itching and burning in the vulva. In addition, dysuric disorders are often observed in the form of frequent urination, pain or pain during urination, which is the result of the penetration of microbes into the urethra. On examination, you can notice redness in the vestibule of the vagina. But with bacterial vaginosis, such manifestations will be absent.

Additional diagnostics

To find out why the discharge appeared in a girl 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. These studies will be:

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

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

Treatment

Pathological discharge in a 5-year-old girl, as well as a similar problem at a different age, always requires 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 the general principles of child care are observed. This is important not only in terms of prevention, but 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 genitals of the child.
When washing, do not be zealous with soap and other means.
Monitor your diet (when breastfeeding) and follow a diet for a girl (exclude possible allergens).
Frequently change underwear and bedding.
Treat infectious diseases promptly.
Sanitize chronic foci of infection.

In addition, you should try to avoid contact with sick people, and try to lead the most healthy lifestyle.

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

Medicines

To treat discharge in girls at the age of four, as well as in older children, should be treated with medication. Therapy should be aimed at the destruction of the causative agent of infection, the normalization of the vaginal and intestinal microflora, increasing the local and general immune defenses of the body. For this purpose, various drugs are used:

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

The appointment of antimicrobial agents is justified only after receiving the result of the analysis for microbial sensitivity. Local treatment with antiseptic solutions (washing), ointments (applications), herbal decoctions (baths) is widely used. What specific drug to use, only the doctor will say, and the woman must follow all his recommendations. In combination with preventive measures, this will be of decisive importance for the elimination of secretions and the complete cure of the child.

I will write a little about the hygiene of girls up to a year old, because. this topic is relevant to every mother and now often causes fear and panic, and not all medical staff can reassure a young mother, medicines are often prescribed unnecessarily with a simple physiological state of the child.
Most often, the question sounds like this: “At the age of three months, my daughter had abundant white discharge from pussy. There used to be, too, but a little, 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 scares mom.

According to physiology, girls produce a small amount of protective lubricant - smegma, therefore, in the folds of the labia, the mother can often see white discharge. 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 onset of menstruation, in which the amount of smegma, i.e. the amount of discharge may increase greatly - 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 suddenly your daughter has itching, anxiety due to discharge, a sharp or unpleasant odor, a greenish or gray tint of discharge, then you need to see a doctor!) .

What to do with secretions from the pussy in girls of the first year of life?

If there is a lot of discharge, clean it carefully. Or, once a day, remove them with a cotton pad (gauze) dipped 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 do harm, because. clog the pores and ducts of the sebaceous glands, prevent the skin from breathing and create a film. An unrefined cold-pressed food is suitable, of which you are sure of the quality (apricot, jojoba, almond or grape seed is best, but quality sunflower or olive is also quite possible). Or use a high quality purified oil with a cleaning certificate (). Ordinary food deodorized and refined oils can give a strong local reaction).
Continue to regularly carry out the usual hygiene of the genital organs (in the direction from the pubis to the anus). After stool, if necessary, wash with natural baby soap, but do not abuse soap and foams, just wash with high quality water. Wash off the remains of the old cream or powder, if they get on this area.
Do not use powder for the external genital area (only on the buttocks).

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

Do not wash them with soap or detergent. And also remove using wet or baby wipes, because. impregnation of wipes contains substances drying and irritating.
Do not try to remove selections often!
It is impossible not to remove selections at all. Smegma protects the organs, but like any sebum, over time it absorbs secretions, sweat and becomes a breeding ground for bacteria and fungi, so you should not bring smegma to the state of turning into old lumps, the appearance of a gray tint or smell, because. further it will cause irritation on the skin, redness, and may lead to "thrush" or bacterial flora.
It is not necessary to try to treat physiological secretions with drugs, even with linex or other probiotics, if there is no suspicion of illness. If the doctor has suspicions about the non-physiological origin of the discharge, let them conduct tests before prescribing treatment. Because microflora can be easily disturbed with inept or unnecessary administration of probiotics in the first year of life.
Do not frequently use soap or other hygiene products for your baby unless absolutely necessary. Refuse bath foam, unfortunately, most often it is the abuse of soap and cosmetics, as well as the reaction to chemical surfactants, that leads to fusion of the labia or excessive secretions. It is better not to use synthetic cosmetics, soap - they dry and irritate, 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 soap from the 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. With physiological secretions, they are not needed, while their use can lead to dryness and irritation.

Also, the cause of an increase in physiological secretions can be:

Mom taking hormonal drugs or hormonal contraceptives during breastfeeding.
Severe thyroid disease in the mother during breastfeeding.
Abuse of soy products during breastfeeding (soybeans without processing and long-term natural fermentation in principle, as well as very young children, children under one year old are allowed soy formula for children, soy yogurt, tofu from 10-12 months), i.e. mom can 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 leucorrhea occurs only in sexually mature girls and in women, girls should not have vaginal discharge. However, this is not quite true. Allocations in girls are also found in childhood, they can be both the norm and talk about pathology. This phenomenon often frightens parents, and they cannot always understand what is happening with 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 has a mucous discharge.

A normal secret that 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 secretions, they are the protection of a young organism, 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 to avoid complications.

What discharge in girls is considered the norm

Light discharge is considered normal, having a uniform consistency and resembling mucus. A variant of the norm is the presence in the secretions of viscous "threads" or lumps that look like crumbs. Such whites are the norm in a newborn girl, they are quite common in the first weeks of a child's life.

A rare case of the norm is the appearance of blood blotches, reminiscent of discharge during menstruation. This process is called the sexual crisis of infants and does not need therapy, but one should not forget to monitor the hygiene of the baby.

After a month of age, a period of rest usually sets in, when hormones do not manifest themselves in any way, and at 7–8 years, the beginning of a restructuring of the hormonal background is possible. The pubertal period begins, the appearance of abundant secretions, changes in the shape of the mammary glands are possible. After 2 - 3 years, menstruation occurs.

The nature of vaginal discharge in a child during puberty

Menarche - the first bleeding in girls, which can usually be seen on shorts at 10 years old - 13 years old. Such spotting appears normally 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 features:

They have no color, or the appearance of yellowish discharge or white is noted, which is one of the non-pathological variants of discharge in children of adolescence.
The consistency is quite watery, reminiscent of snot.
An unpleasant odor should be absent, a sour aroma is normally allowed.
The absence of discomfort in the intimate area - regardless of the age of the girl, white should not cause discomfort, cause 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 genitals, thereby preventing the development of inflammatory processes in the uterus and other pathologies.

If menstruation has already begun

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

In some cases, menstrual flow appears in girls at 9 years old. The reason for this may be a violation of the hormonal background, sometimes in such cases the help of an endocrinologist and the appointment of hormone therapy are required. If by the age of 15 a girl does not have a 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 exertion, anorexia, poor environmental situation in the place of residence.

If the girl has begun 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 its duration is from two to three weeks. These days, whiter is quite a small amount, normally the volume is up to two milliliters per day. The consistency is homogeneous and watery, the color is possible from white to beige.

Ovulation

In the middle of the cycle, it is possible to increase the volume of whites up 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 whiteness becomes smaller, the consistency resembles a cream, or looks like snot.

Shortly before menstruation

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

Causes of abnormal vaginal discharge in children

Whites are not always a natural physiological process. They can signal the presence of inflammatory processes, allergies, infections and other pathologies. Such secretions jeopardize the health of the girl, primarily the reproductive function, and sometimes the quality of life, its preservation.

Weak immunity

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

Stress overload.
Unhealthy food.
Lack of timely treatment of infections.
Frostbite.
Past illnesses.

Parents should take action if the child is sick very often. If ARVI or influenza is diagnosed more than 5 times during the year, the child must be vaccinated.

If fever is not observed during the disease, most often this indicates a lack of body resistance to the disease. This is a serious symptom that requires the intervention of a pediatrician.

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 protective function of the body, but also many other pathologies.

As a preventive measure, you need to teach your child to a healthy lifestyle, avoid unnecessary stress and exercise moderately. Walking in the fresh air is also good for a growing body.

Frequent use of antibiotics

As a result of the frequent use of antibiotics, pathologies in the pelvic organs and not only can develop. These drugs 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 8 years, with this disease, the labia is first affected, 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 do not use intimate hygiene products correctly.
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 discomfort.

Vaginal dysbiosis or dysbacteriosis occurs due to a violation of the normal microflora. Its main symptoms are the appearance of copious secretions that have an unpleasant odor. The causes of the appearance are the same as those of vulvovaginitis. Complications of this pathology can be inflammation in the uterus, vagina, infection of the urinary tract.

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

Childhood 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 that are mainly carried in childhood, but can also appear in an adult:

Chickenpox - the main symptom is fever and rash, weakness. With such a disease, hygiene and patient care are important. 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, as a preventive measure, the child is vaccinated.
Whooping Cough – The main symptom is a cough.
Measles - symptoms of manifestation are fever, cough, fear of light, vomiting, pain, rash
Infections in children are transmitted by airborne droplets and through common objects. As a preventive measure, vaccinations are given, some of them are mandatory.

allergic reactions

The cause of the appearance of pathological discharge and various diseases of the genital organs in children are 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 desire of the child to scratch the affected skin. The mucous membranes of the organ of vision and the oral cavity are often affected. Diagnosis of pathology is made at an early stage of the development of the disease.

Diabetes

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

Diabetes mellitus is a disease in which there is a violation of the metabolism of carbohydrates. The disease is of two types and type 1 diabetes is common in childhood and adolescence.

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

Foreign bodies

The child may unintentionally introduce a foreign object into the vagina, such as toilet paper, thread, or other objects. Symptoms of the presence of a foreign object in the genitals are fever, pain in the vaginal area, the appearance of bleeding or brown smears on linen, purulent discharge. If inflammation occurs and a foreign object causes the mucous membranes to fester, there may be a smell of rot from the intimate area. In this case, you need to urgently contact a pediatric gynecologist, and do not take other actions on your own, they can harm the child.

Worms

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

Symptoms of the appearance of worms in the genitals:

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

The worms can cause pelvic inflammatory disease, a complication such as infection of the fallopian tubes that 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 of children - daily washing, maintaining the cleanliness of the genitals and their health in the future.

In the case of up to a year, children should ideally be washed away after each time the child defecates. Despite the variety of diapers, after a bowel movement, the child must be washed.

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

With age, you need to teach your child to observe hygiene on their own. The absence of this ritual can lead to the development of unpleasant pathologies that are easier to avoid than to get rid of.

We are looking for problems by color and smell

Normal discharge in girls should not cause discomfort and discomfort. Foreign smell, blotches, pain with discharged whites can indicate the development of a serious pathology and parents need to be extremely careful and understanding about this problem.

White discharge

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

Green and yellow highlights

Most often, whites with a greenish or yellowish tint are the first signs 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 bathing and there is redness in the intimate area, there is a pathology.

Usually this disease occurs in preschool children. The reason for this phenomenon is that in the intimate area there are no lactobacilli that create a barrier of the genital organs from infectious diseases.

Not always leucorrhoea with a yellowish tint can talk about inflammatory processes in the body. Often the causes are infection with worms, dirt, the ingress of foreign objects into the genitals, an allergic reaction to tissue or diaper rash.

Such a 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 penis, reddish and brown smears on the linen may also appear, which have the smell of rotten meat. In this case, the child needs 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.

There is pus

Whites, which include pus, are 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 are most often symptoms of gardnerellosis. It occurs as a result of a violation of the microflora of the vagina. The causes that provoke the disease can be infections of the genitourinary system, long-term antibiotic treatment, hormonal disruptions.

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

Prevention

You should not self-medicate and 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 individual hygiene items and linen.
Use hypoallergenic soap.
Teach your child to wash 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 the right therapy in case of a disease can only be selected by a gynecologist. Regular visits to the doctor should not be neglected.

How often to visit a pediatric gynecologist

Taking care of the health of the child should be from birth. Before making an appointment with a pediatric gynecologist, it is necessary to set the child 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 smallest girls may need help.

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