Volume 24, Issue 2 , Pages 129-137, April 2010
Vulvovaginitis in childhood
Symptoms related to vulvitis and vulvovaginitis are a frequent complaint in the paediatric age. Knowledge of the risk factors and the pathogenetic mechanisms, combined with thorough clinical examination, helps to distinguish between dermatological diseases, non-specific vulvitis and vulvovaginitis proper. On the basis of microbiological data, the most common pathogens prove to be Streptococcus pyogenes, Haemophilus influenzae and Enterobius vermicularis; fungal and viral infections are less frequent. The possibility of isolating opportunistic pathogens should also be considered. In rare situations, the isolation of a micro-organism normally transmitted by sexual contact should prompt a careful evaluation of possible sexual abuse.
Current treatments for specific and non-specific forms are outlined, together with pointers for the evaluation of recurrence.
Keywords: vulvovaginitis, vulvitis, pathogens, opportunistic pathogens, sexually transmitted diseases
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PII: S1521-6934(09)00124-2
doi:10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2009.09.010
© 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Volume 24, Issue 2 , Pages 129-137, April 2010
