Key points about vulva conditions in children
- the vulva includes the outer genitals in females
- vulval conditions are common in tamariki
- they may cause symptoms such as itch or redness around the vulva
- good vulval skin care can help lessen the chance of some vulval conditions
What is the vulva?
The vulva includes all the outer genitals in females including the vagina and urethra (where wee drains from).
This illustration shows the anatomy of the vulva with the different parts labelled.
Source: KidsHealth
transcribeTranscript
The illustration shows a labelled anatomical illustration of the vulva. At the top, the illustration is titled Vulva Anatomy.
Parts that are labelled include the:
- Clitoris
- Labia minora (inner lips)
- Labia majora (outer lips)
- Urethra (urinary opening)
- Vagina
- Anus
At the bottom left is the KidsHealth logo with the website: kidshealth.org.nz
Common vulval conditions in children
Some conditions that affect the vulva in tamariki include:
- vulvovaginitis
- labial fusion
- threadworms
- lichen sclerosus
Vulvovaginitis
What is vulvovaginitis?
Vulvovaginitis is irritation of the vagina and vulva (the outer female genitals). Mild vulvovaginitis is common in tamariki.
Symptoms of vulvovaginitis include:
- itch
- redness of the skin around the vulva
- discomfort when passing urine
- discharge from the vagina
This illustration compares a normal vulva with vulvovaginitis, where the vulval area is irritated and inflamed.
Source: KidsHealth
transcribeTranscript
The illustration shows two side-by-side medical anatomical illustrations of the vulva.
- On the left, the illustration is labelled Normal vulva. All areas appear healthy.
- On the right, the illustration is labelled Vulvovaginitis. It shows the same vulva anatomy, but the surrounding area is shaded red to indicate irritation and inflammation. A label reads: Vulva area irritated and inflamed.
At the bottom left is the KidsHealth logo with the website: kidshealth.org.nz
Labial fusion
What is labial fusion?
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.
This illustration compares a normal vulva with partial and full labial fusion.
Source: KidsHealth
transcribeTranscript
The medical illustration shows three side-by-side illustrations of the vulva.
- On the left, the illustration is labelled Normal vulva. It shows normal labia minora with the vaginal opening visible. A label points to the Labia minora.
- In the centre, the illustration is labelled Partial labial fusion. It shows the labia minora partially stuck together, covering part of the vaginal opening. A label reads: Labia minora partially fused.
- On the right, the illustration is labelled Full labial fusion. It shows the labia minora fully fused together, with the vaginal opening completely covered. A label reads: Labia minora fused.
At the bottom left is the KidsHealth logo with the website: kidshealth.org.nz
Worms
What are worms?
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:
- a very itchy bottom, usually worse at night
- in girls, itching and redness can also be around the vulva and vagina
- tamariki may complain of a ‘shooting pain’ in the vagina
- not sleeping well
- not wanting to eat as much
- being irritable
Lichen sclerosus
What is lichen sclerosus?
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:
- a rash of white patches on the skin
- itch
- pain when weeing
- constipation due to painful cracks in the skin around the bottom
- red and irritated skin (in the beginning) that turns into white, thickened patches of skin later
Is vulval skin care important in children?
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.
Acknowledgements
Illustrations by Dr Greta File. Property of KidsHealth.
