Urology - Vulvovaginitis Flashcards
What age group is commonly affected by vulvovaginitis?
3 - 10 years old
Much less common after puberty
Why does vulvovaginitis become less common after puberty?
Oestrogen helps keep the skin and vaginal mucosa healthy and infection resistant
What causes vulvovaginitis?
Sensitive and thin skin and mucosa around the vulva and vagina in young girls
Exacerbated by
- Wet nappies
- Use of soaps or chemicals for cleaning in the area
- Tight clothings trapping moisture or sweat in the area
- Poor toilet hygiene
- Constipation
- Pressure on area e.g. horse riding
- Chlorinated swimming pools
- Threadworms
How does vulvovaginitis present?
Young girls before puberty
- Soreness
- Itching
- Erythema around the labia
- Vaginal discharge
- Dysuria
- Constipation
Why should you be careful using a urine dipstick in vulvovaginitis?
May show leukocytes but no nitrites
Leads to misdiagnosis as a UTI
How is vulvovaginitis managed?
Typically already treated for a UTI and thrush with little symptom improvement
No medical treatment needed
- Avoid washing with soap and chemicals
- Avoid perfumes or antiseptics
- Good toilet hygiene, wipe front to back
- Emollients
- Loose cotton clothing
- Treat constipation and worms if present
- Avoid activities that make it worse
In severe cases of vulvovaginitis what can be used?
Oestrogen cream
