Vulvovaginitis in childhood

作者：Dei Metella^*; Di Maggio Floriana; Di Paolo Gilda; Bruni Vincenzina

来源：Best Practice & Research in Clinical Obstetrics & Gynaecology, 2010, 24(2): 129-137.

DOI：10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2009.09.010

• vulvovaginitis
• vulvitis
• pathogens
• opportunistic pathogens
• sexually transmitted diseases

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.