09/18/2025
Bubble baths, bath bombs, and pool time can trigger itching and burning of the ge****ls, especially among girls less than 12 years old. Let me potentially save you a trip to the doctor: the diagnosis is often vulvovaginitis.
Vulvovaginitis is a common pediatric condition that involves irritation of the ge****ls. It tends to happen to pre-pubertal girls due to the presence of delicate skin that can be very sensitive to moisture, soaps, chemicals, perfumes, friction, tight clothing, and heat.
If your daughter is showing signs of itching or burning discomfort, there are several treatment options that you can try from home:
• Soak in clean, warm water 2-3 times per day while symptoms persist. No soap, vinegar, or baking soda is required. 🧼 Make sure that the bathtub is rinsed free of any recent bleach or cleaning products.
• If the private area is swollen and tender, use cool compresses for a few minutes at a time. Vaseline, petroleum jelly, zinc oxide diaper cream, or A&D ointment can definitely help to soothe and protect the skin. Do not use antibiotic ointment.
• Use alcohol-free unscented wipes if wiping with toilet paper feels too harsh on sore skin. 🧻
Here are some tips to avoiding vulvovaginitis in the first place:
• After swimming, change into dry clothes as soon as possible.
• Do NOT use bubble bath, bath bombs, or scented soap! 🚫 In fact, only use soap when absolutely necessary - like if you see visible dirt - and make sure that it’s a mild, unscented soap such as Dove. Use it at the very end of bath time and rinse it off completely with fresh water. 🚿
• Do not scrub private parts. Just allow the water to soak the area. Gently pat dry.
• Wear plain cotton underwear. Wash underwear with unscented detergent and rinse well to remove any remaining chemicals. Avoid fabric softeners or any extra “freshening” products.
• Wear a nightgown or very loose pajama pants to bed. If possible, sleep without underwear!
• Avoid one-piece leotards, skinny jeans, tights, or leggings, especially in humid weather. Find comfy clothes that allow air to circulate. 👖
• Remind your child how to properly wipe! Wiping from the front to the back is important to keep bacteria where they belong. 🦠
Most of the time, vulvovaginitis will resolve on its own within a week of using the above methods. The key is staying clean and dry while avoiding harsh soaps and chemicals. Call your pediatrician if symptoms persist beyond a week or if your daughter experiences belly pain, bleeding, or fevers. ☎️ An appointment may be necessary to rule out other things such as UTI, pinworms, or yeast infection.
I can’t wrap this up without encouraging all of you to teach your children about personal privacy and stranger safety. Explain that nobody should ever be “helping” them with their private parts unless Mom or Dad says it’s okay (like for potty time at daycare or during a doctor’s visit). Teach them proper terminology for their body parts. Empower all boys and girls to speak up if they suspect any inappropriate acts against them. 💪
