The vulva includes all the outer genitals in females including the vagina and urethra (where wee drains from).
Some conditions that affect the vulva in tamariki include:
Vulvovaginitis is irritation of the vagina and vulva (the outer female genitals). Mild vulvovaginitis is common in tamariki.
Symptoms of vulvovaginitis include:
See the KidsHealth page on vulvovaginitis to learn more about what causes it and how to manage it [1]
Labial fusion is when the two flaps (the labia minora) on either side of the vaginal opening are joined together. Labial fusion is common. In most cases, it resolves as your child grows, and no treatment is needed.
If your child has labial fusion, you will see the labia joined together instead of two separate labia. There usually will be a small opening along the join to allow wee to drain. Most tamariki with labial fusion will have no other symptoms.
See the KidsHealth page on labial fusion to learn more about what causes it [2]
Worms are common in preschool and school-aged tamariki. The most common type of worm is a threadworm, also called a pinworm. Worms are a type of parasite that infects the digestive tract.
Signs and symptoms of worms in tamariki include:
See the KidsHealth page on threadworms to learn more about what causes them and how to manage it [3]
Lichen sclerosus is a skin condition that generally affects the skin around the vulva and anus. It is uncommon but can affect tamariki before puberty.
Signs and symptoms of lichen sclerosus include:
See the KidsHealth page on lichen sclerosus to learn more about what causes it and how to manage it [4]
Because the skin around the vulva can be thin in younger tamariki, it can become easily irritated and inflamed. There are several ways you can help to care for this skin to lessen the chance of irritation.
See the KidsHealth page on vulval skin care for more information [5]
Illustrations by Dr Greta File. Property of KidsHealth.
This page last reviewed 31 August 2023.
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Links
[1] https://www.kidshealth.org.nz/vulvovaginitis-children
[2] https://www.kidshealth.org.nz/labial-fusion-children
[3] https://www.kidshealth.org.nz/threadworms
[4] https://www.kidshealth.org.nz/lichen-sclerosus-children
[5] https://www.kidshealth.org.nz/vulval-skin-care-children
[6] https://www.kidshealth.org.nz/contact?from=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kidshealth.org.nz%2Fprint%2F2828%3Flanguage%3Dko