A 3 year old girl has discharge. "Non-Childish" Problem

Many believe that vaginal discharge can only appear in adult women or girls who are sexually active. But a similar problem is often detected in childhood. Moms will certainly be alarmed if girls suddenly have discharge and want to find out more about this problem: why it occurs, how it proceeds and what is required to eliminate symptoms. But the most reliable information can only be obtained from a qualified specialist.

Normal situation

Before analyzing any violations, one should understand how the physiological processes in the child's body proceed. In the neonatal period - usually at the 2nd week of life - girls may experience vaginal discharge: mucous, abundant, and even mixed with blood. Along with this, there is engorgement of the baby's mammary glands, and when pressing on the nipples, a thick white liquid is released - colostrum. This is a transient, i.e., transient physiological state, which is called a hormonal crisis.

These changes are due to the influence of estrogens received in utero from the mother. In addition, hormonal substances penetrate with women's milk. But this is quite normal and should not cause concern, because everything will return to normal by the end of the neonatal period. From 4 weeks in the girl's body, a period of relative hormonal rest begins, which continues until puberty. Then the already fully matured ovaries begin to produce their own estrogens, which, along with other hormones, are responsible for the menstrual cycle.

Reasons for deviations

Thus, we can say that a girl up to 8 years old should not have any vaginal discharge. Otherwise, you need to look for the cause of the violations and try to eliminate them. Many believe that such a symptom indicates an infectious process in the child's genitals. And this is true - starting from the age of three, colpitis or vulvovaginitis becomes a common cause of discharge. Its causative agent is various microbes: bacteria, fungi, protozoa, viruses. Sometimes a specific urogenital infection may develop, for example, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis or chlamydia, the source of which is most often the mother, and the girl becomes infected during childbirth or through the household.

Another common cause is vaginal dysbiosis (in other words, bacterial vaginosis). It develops due to a violation of the natural balance of the microflora of the genital tract. The fact is that in children who are breastfed, the vaginal flora consists mainly of lactobacilli, and later their place is taken by enterococci and bifidobacteria, which have less pronounced protective properties.

Due to the low content of estrogens in a child who has ceased to receive them with mother's milk, local immunity decreases, which contributes to the development of conditionally pathogenic flora in the vagina. And additional factors often become the following:

Non-compliance with hygiene rules.
Childhood and general infections.
Allergic reactions.
Anomalies of the constitution (diathesis).
Worm infestations.
Intestinal dysbacteriosis.
Pathology of the urinary tract.
Taking antibiotics (mother and child).

Quite often, discharge in girls appears when they start attending preschools. Social adaptation often has a stressful effect on the child's immune system, because it encounters new microbial agents that it did not know before. The baby begins to get sick more often, and against this background, discharge may appear. At an older age, the child's non-compliance with personal hygiene plays a role, especially when the first menstruation begins. But each situation requires careful analysis and diagnosis, which is what the doctor does.

The cause of vaginal discharge in childhood is most often vulvovaginitis or dysbiosis, which is facilitated by many other factors, both internal and external.

Symptoms

Any disease has its own clinical signs that help the doctor make an assumption about the diagnosis. If we are talking about pathological secretions, then their characteristic features should be noted:

Color: yellowish, cloudy white, gray, green, brown.
Unpleasant smell: sweet, ammonia, sour, "fishy".
Consistency: liquid, thick, curd-like.
Quantity: Abundant or scanty.

In appearance, one can even say about the likely causative agent of the infection. So, for example, the appearance of green discharge in a girl often indicates the development of pyogenic microbes, including gonococcus. And white and curd-like plaques on the genitals testify in favor of thrush (candidiasis). Liquid, profuse and foamy discharge can occur with trichomoniasis, and gray creamy and with a fishy smell - with vaginal dysbiosis.

If we are talking about vulvovaginitis, then children may complain of itching and burning in the vulva. In addition, dysuric disorders are often observed in the form of frequent urination, pain or pain during urination, which is the result of the penetration of microbes into the urethra. On examination, you can notice redness in the vestibule of the vagina. But with bacterial vaginosis, such manifestations will be absent.

Additional diagnostics

To find out why the discharge appeared in a girl at 4 years old, additional diagnostics should be carried out. The doctor will prescribe the necessary tests to help establish the source of pathological symptoms, determine the type of pathogen and its distribution in the child's body. These studies will be:

General analysis of blood and urine.
Blood biochemistry (antibodies to infections, helminths, inflammation markers).
Smear and analysis of secretions (microscopic, bacteriological, PCR, sensitivity to antibiotics).
Urine culture.
Allergy tests.
Analysis of feces for dysbacteriosis and eggs of worms.

From instrumental studies, ultrasound can be performed (of the kidneys, bladder, small pelvis) to exclude inflammatory diseases and the spread of infection in the vertical direction. In addition, the pediatrician can refer the mother and girl to a consultation with a urologist and a pediatric gynecologist.

Treatment

Pathological discharge in a 5-year-old girl, as well as a similar problem at a different age, always requires adequate treatment. Therapeutic measures are carried out strictly on an individual basis, taking into account the characteristics of the child's body and the type of pathogen identified.

Increased attention is paid to how the general principles of child care are observed. This is important not only in terms of prevention, but allows you to get the best effect from treatment and prevent the progression of the disease. Mom should consider the following recommendations:

Monitor the hygiene and cleanliness of the genitals of the child.
When washing, do not be zealous with soap and other means.
Monitor your diet (when breastfeeding) and follow a diet for a girl (exclude possible allergens).
Frequently change underwear and bedding.
Treat infectious diseases promptly.
Sanitize chronic foci of infection.

In addition, you should try to avoid contact with sick people, and try to lead the most healthy lifestyle.

Normalization of lifestyle and hygienic conditions is of great importance not only for prevention, but also has a positive effect on the outcome of treatment.

Medicines

To treat discharge in girls at the age of four, as well as in older children, should be treated with medication. Therapy should be aimed at the destruction of the causative agent of infection, the normalization of the vaginal and intestinal microflora, increasing the local and general immune defenses of the body. For this purpose, various drugs are used:

Antibiotics.
Antifungal.
Antihelminthic.
Probiotics.
Immunocorrectors.
Vitamins.
Antioxidants.

The appointment of antimicrobial agents is justified only after receiving the result of the analysis for microbial sensitivity. Local treatment with antiseptic solutions (washing), ointments (applications), herbal decoctions (baths) are widely used. What specific drug to use, only the doctor will say, and the woman must follow all his recommendations. In combination with preventive measures, this will be of decisive importance for the elimination of secretions and the complete cure of the child.

General information

Parents' concern about clear, light discharge in girls is absolutely in vain. This is a completely natural phenomenon. Allocations in infants with blood impurities are explained by the ingestion of the hormone estrogen into the blood of an unborn baby. Do not worry, such manifestations pass quickly. During puberty, girls also have whitish,. This is due to an increase in the production of luteinizing hormones. Abundant vaginal discharge in children can be a consequence of experienced stress, obesity, violations of the flora of the genital organs, and allergic reactions. Such manifestations also do not last long. Fear should cause color changes to yellowish, greenish; allocation of a foamy consistency; the appearance of an unpleasant odor. In such cases, you will need to consult a pediatric gynecologist.

What contributes to the occurrence of copious secretions

Yellow discharge in girls, sometimes with blood streaks, having an unpleasant odor, may indicate the development of vulvovaginitis. Another symptom of this disease is redness of the vaginal entrance. This disease occurs due to a number of reasons. Among them:

Dirt in the vagina.
Possible penetration into the genitals of foreign objects. In this case, the discharge in girls of 6 years (and any other age) becomes yellow and has an unpleasant odor. Possibly blood impurities.
The cause of the discharge may also be an allergic reaction of the child's body to hygiene products - improperly selected shampoo and soap.
If you notice redness in an infant, this may be a manifestation of skin irritation due to swaddling or wearing diapers.
In the case of the presence of burning and itching, be sure to pass the necessary tests to identify pinworms.
Frequent use of antibiotics contributes to the development of fungal diseases (vaginosis, candidiasis), the manifestation of which can also be vaginal discharge.
Infectious diseases are also characterized by the presence of secretions.

Actions to help reduce heavy discharge in children

If you have any doubts about the origin of these phenomena, be sure to consult with a qualified specialist, go through all the necessary examinations in order to prevent the development of a serious illness.

Vaginal discharge in girls is a reason for consulting a pediatric gynecologist. In women, vaginal discharge normally appears due to the action of the hormone estrogen. In girls, the cause is infectious pathogens that are activated when immunity is reduced (often during and after bacterial and viral respiratory diseases), due to improper washing. Mothers should understand that girls also have phenomena of a different nature. Opportunistic pathogens are often transferred by little girls from the rectum to the area of the labia and vagina.

The infection develops very quickly due to the peculiarities of the child's genital area - girls in the microflora of the vagina do not have lactic acid bacteria - the main female protectors. Until about 8 years of age, the vaginal microflora is not protected. Closer to the time when they appear (by the age of 11-15, on average), vulvovaginitis (this is what inflammation in the labia and vagina is called) becomes a rare occurrence, if there is no uncontrolled intake of antibiotics, casual unprotected sex and observed adequate intimate hygiene. Usually, the appearance of the first menstruation is preceded by white, odorless discharge in girls that does not cause discomfort.

To make a diagnosis, you need to visit a pediatric gynecologist and take swabs. Be prepared for the fact that the doctor will take an interest in the history of the girl. It is very important to remember the existing chronic diseases, since they can be provocateurs of vulvovaginitis. Based on the results of the tests, if a pathogen is detected, a specific treatment will be prescribed.

As a reference, here are a few causes of vulvovaginitis.

1. Bacterial vulvovaginitis. Its symptoms: hyperemia of the mucous membranes of the genital organs, not abundant yellow discharge in girls, pustular inflammation of the skin around the labia. The coccal flora provokes the disease.

3. Foreign body. Small, and not only small, girls can unknowingly introduce foreign objects into the vagina. Threads, toilet paper, balls, etc. Parents are usually not told about this or simply forgotten. As a result of damage to the walls of the vagina, cervix, as well as the inflammatory process, purulent, bloody and brown discharge may appear in girls, severe pain occurs. With such symptoms, you need to urgently contact a gynecologist who will remove a foreign object from the vagina.

4. Exudative diathesis. This chronic disease can provoke dry mucous membranes and hyperemia of the vulva.

5. Candida mushrooms. Symptoms - cheesy, hyperemia of the mucous membranes. Often there is a discharge in newborn girls and in very young girls. The cause may be prolonged antibiotic therapy, a decrease in immunity. Often, candidiasis occurs against the background of trichomoniasis, chlamydia and herpes.

Discharge in girls 12 years of age and older, after the onset of menarche, may be allergic in nature, that is, it may occur as a reaction to aromatic substances that are added to sanitary napkins, soap, etc.

6. Trichomonas. Infection with trichomoniasis occurs mainly in the household way, sometimes children become infected during childbirth. Symptoms of the disease are green discharge in girls, abundant, frothy. Against the background of trichomoniasis, urethritis often occurs - it is painful for girls to urinate, the urethra looks inflamed.

If you notice unusual discharge in your daughter, whether they bother her or not, it is better to consult a doctor who specializes specifically in pediatric gynecology.

Normal vaginal discharge in girls should not be a cause for concern. By their number, smell and color, one can judge the presence of inflammation in the genital organs, hormonal imbalance, or the presence of an infectious disease.

Vaginal discharge is the norm not only in adult women and sexually mature girls. This feature is also inherent in little girls. Immediately after the birth of a newborn girl, physiological leucorrhoea is secreted from the genital tract, which is divided into normal (physiological) and pathological (associated with one or another deviation, disease).

What kind of discharge is normal in girls?

Discharge from the vagina is characteristic of the female body of any age and they occur as a result of the normal functioning and cleansing of the organs of the reproductive system. This specific secret contains:

epithelial cells;
mucus secreted by glands located in the vagina and its vestibule;
lymph;
leukocytes (formed elements of the blood);
microorganisms of the normal microflora of the vagina;
some other components.

The amount and composition of secretions depend on the state of the body, on the general hormonal background.

A normal secret secreted by the organs of the female reproductive system is considered if:

it is transparent or light;
is mucous in nature;
includes viscous threads or impurities of a crumbly consistency;
does not have a specific, sharp, unpleasant odor.

In some cases, a girl in the neonatal period (in the first few weeks of life) may have a bloody, rather abundant secret, similar to menstruation, from the vagina. This is also accompanied by swelling of the nipples and the release of colostrum from them. This is quite normal, associated with the intake of too much maternal hormones into the body of a newborn: first through the placenta, and then with mother's milk. This condition goes away on its own and does not need any treatment.

Approximately one month after birth, the development of the girl begins a period called "neutral". It lasts up to about 7-8 years, and is distinguished by hormonal "peace", and the physiological discharge from the vagina in the girl is practically absent. Upon reaching prepubertal age, the activity of the sex glands is activated, and the secretion of the vaginal discharge becomes more active, right up to the first menstruation. Then the selections become cyclical.

Causes of discharge in girls

Pathological discharge from the genital slit in girls can occur due to infection with various types of infections, which are activated for the following reasons:

suppression of local and general immunity by respiratory and other diseases of a bacterial and viral nature;
improper and insufficiently frequent hygiene of the genital organs;
diseases of the urinary tract;
hormonal imbalance in the body;
diabetes mellitus (can provoke fungal vulvovaginitis);
transfer of infectious agents from the rectum to the vagina and vulva;
hypothermia;
helminthic invasion;
antibiotic treatment;
mechanical damage to the walls of the vagina and vulva.

In little girls, the lactic acid bacteria characteristic of the microflora of adult women are absent in the vagina. These microorganisms are one of the steps to protect women's health, therefore, in their absence, infections develop especially quickly. In this regard, the introduction of pathological agents into the genitals very often in girls ends with vulvovaginitis, accompanied by abnormal discharge.

Symptoms accompanying discharge in girls

Non-physiological discharge from the genital tract in young girls is most often accompanied by the following symptoms:

itching, redness of the vulva, burning;
the discharge is distinguished by an unpleasant (fishy) odor, this may indicate bacterial vaginosis;
discharge becomes or during infection;
vaginal candidiasis () - differs from vaginal discharge;
vesicles, redness and sores may be present on the external genitalia, which indicates the presence of infection with the herpes virus.

In addition, with the disease and other diseases of the genitourinary system, the girl may experience frequent urge to urinate, pain in the lower abdomen. In especially advanced cases, the body temperature rises. Urination becomes painful.

Diagnosis of pathological secretions

Diagnosis of diseases associated with pathological discharge from the vagina in a girl is carried out by a pediatric gynecologist. After contacting this specialist, a number of examinations and analyzes are prescribed:

general tests - blood and urine;
sowing (smear) from the vagina, to identify bacterial agents that provoked inflammation;
stool analysis to determine intestinal dysbacteriosis and the presence of worm eggs;
examination of the genital tract for the presence of a foreign body;
blood test for hormones;
polymerase chain reaction (PCR), which allows you to identify the type of pathogen (mycoplasma, ureaplasma, chlamydia), as well as to determine whether antibodies to these agents are present in the child's blood.

Treatment of vaginal discharge

Treatment directly depends on the results of the examination of the child. There are such options:

if necessary, foreign objects that irritate the mucous membrane of the vulva or vagina are removed;
after determining the type of infectious agent, local and general drug therapy is carried out. In each case, an individual approach to the treatment of the patient is used, taking into account all the features of the course of the disease, anamnesis, chronic ailments and the age of the girl. For treatment, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral drugs, as well as drugs that relieve inflammation and normalize the vaginal microflora, can be prescribed;
with a detected helminthic invasion, in addition to the child, all family members are also treated to prevent relapses;
hormone therapy for hormonal imbalance;
all foods that can provoke an allergic reaction are excluded from the girl’s diet;
local treatment is prescribed, consisting of baths, washing with antiseptic solutions, decoctions of medicinal herbs. It can also be prescribed therapy in the form of lubrication with ointments or creams;
the key to a speedy recovery is the regular change of underwear and bed linen;
the acute stage of the disease may require bed rest;
if the discharge is provoked by diseases of the excretory (urinary) system, appropriate treatment is carried out, more often with the use of antibiotics. In addition, a special drinking regimen is needed: the patient should drink at least 2 liters of fluid per day, including fruit drinks and decoctions with antiseptic properties.

Prevention of discharge in girls

In order to avoid the appearance of pathological discharge from the genital slit in a girl, it is necessary to adhere to the rules of prevention:

Proper intimate hygiene. It is necessary to wash the genitals after each stool; make sure that in this case the movements are made only from front to back, that is, from the vagina to the anus. This will prevent bacteria from entering the genital tract from the rectum. Water procedures are not desirable to be carried out using soap. It is worth washing only the parts of the genital organs that are accessible to the eye and not trying to crawl deeper with your fingers. It is also not recommended to use washcloths and sponges for hygiene of little girls, as this can damage delicate thin skin.

Older girls should wash their genitals daily in the morning and evening.

Very young girls need to change their diapers as often as possible. Arrange "ventilation" of the genitals, that is, leave the child naked several times a day.
After washing, you need to use a soft clean towel or diaper. Movements should not be rough, but only blotting.
It is necessary to change underwear daily, after the morning toilet. Panties should be made of natural fabrics, not compress or drag the body.
Treatment of chronic diseases of the genitourinary system.
Regular health check-ups.

Discharge from the genital tract occurs not only in adult women, but also in children. Vaginal discharge in newborn girls can even be bloody. For adolescents during the formation of menstrual function, white discharge is characteristic.

But whites can be one of the symptoms of inflammation of the genital tract or an unfavorable state of the body. If you ignore this symptom, then it is fraught with gynecological diseases and even infertility in the future. Therefore, mothers should monitor the discharge of their daughters and contact a pediatric gynecologist in time.

The body of a newly born girl is influenced by maternal hormones. In the ovaries, uterus, cervix, vagina, mammary glands, changes occur similar to those that are characteristic of puberty. Therefore, mucous secretions appear.

In 3% of newborns, bloody or muco-bloody leucorrhoea is possible. This is a reaction to a sharp drop in the level of sex hormones after birth. But inflammatory diseases of the vagina in young girls are rare - the protective effect of maternal estrogens affects.

The period of childhood takes a period of time from 2-3 weeks of a girl's life to 7-8 years.

The reproductive system does not function at this time and there should be no discharge. But right now, inflammatory diseases of the vagina and vulva are most common. There are reasons for this.

1. Immaturity of the immune system.

2. Anatomical features of the child's body:

the vulva is covered with delicate, vulnerable skin that is susceptible to infections;
the vagina is short, folded, close to the anus and urethra;
labia minora are poorly expressed, the entrance to the vagina is poorly covered;
renewal of the surface layers of the epithelium of the vagina is slow, it is poor in glycogen - a source of lactic acid;
Vaginal pH is alkaline or neutral;
instead of Doderlein's sticks, as in adult women, cocci predominate there.

Therefore, discharge in a girl of 4-5 years old most often speaks of inflammation of the vagina.

Discharge from the genital tract in a 12-year-old girl

Puberty takes time from 8 years to 15.

Inflammation of the vulva and vagina is rare. The course of the infection is mild. The girls make no complaints, except for bad-smelling leucorrhoea. This indicates the beginning of hormonal changes in the body of girls and the maturation of immunity.

But during this period, thrush is more likely to worry. From the onset of puberty, leucorrhea may appear due to inflammation of the uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries.

Allocations in adolescent girls can be caused by vegetovascular dystonia. Develop due to sharp hormonal fluctuations. In addition to whiter, girls usually complain of increased fatigue, irritability, poor appetite and sleep.

The appearance of white discharge in girls indicates the beginning of puberty. Such leucorrhoea is not plentiful, may be with a yellow tint, odorless.

Brown discharge in girls

They have this color due to the admixture of blood. They talk about the imminent start of menstruation.

But here the mother should be extremely careful, because brown discharge can occur with inflammatory diseases, injuries of the genital organs, a foreign body in the vagina.

You should pay attention to the time of appearance and duration of coffee secretions. If they precede menstrual flow or continue for several days after, this is a variant of the norm. If their appearance does not depend on the phase of the cycle, the child should be shown to a specialist.

Green discharge in girls

Yellow-green discharge from a girl indicates an inflammatory process of the mucous membrane of the vulva and vagina. The green color of leucorrhoea indicates the presence in the secretions of leukocytes in large quantities, as well as microbes and their metabolic products. Purulent inflammation in the vagina. Such discharge is characteristic of gonorrhea, thrush, trichomoniasis, bacterial vaginosis and other bacterial infections.

Discharge from the genital tract in adolescent girls

From 15 to 18 years, the reproductive system finishes its maturation. The menstrual cycle becomes regular. The egg begins to mature. Normal discharge changes during the menstrual cycle and depends on its phase.

Light transparent scanty in the first 2 weeks after menstruation.
During ovulation, more abundant mucous membranes, transparent stretching.
Two weeks before menstruation, they are light white or with a yellowish tinge in consistency reminiscent of cream.

Discharge in white girls

White discharge in girls may be the norm if:

Brown discharge in girls

They talk about the formation of the menstrual cycle and the imminent onset of menstruation. If you already have menstruation, then such discharge can be 2 days before and after menstruation. In the middle of the cycle due to sharp hormonal surges.

But if they last four days or more, you should consult a doctor. This may indicate hormonal disorders, trauma, a foreign body, or an inflammatory process in the reproductive organs.

1) Transferred common infectious diseases. Influenza, SARS, tonsillitis, otitis media weaken the immune system and contribute to the development of inflammatory processes in the genitals.

In a girl, discharge may appear on the background of stress, malnutrition, lack of sleep, intoxication, diseases of the heart, lungs, nervous system, and intestines. Often vulvovaginitis in girls is combined with pyelonephritis, anemia, asthenia, metabolic disorders, tuberculosis.

2) Allergy. Against the background of atopic dermatitis, bronchial asthma, the discharge is abundant, liquid, mucous, transparent.

3) With endocrine diseases. With diabetes mellitus, thrush develops, with hyperthyroidism, the girl develops abundant light liquid discharge.

4) Children's infections: scarlet fever, diphtheria. In diphtheria, the vagina may be primarily affected. Allocations are mucopurulent with films. If a 3-year-old girl has a mucous membrane of the vagina and labia covered with gray films, when they are removed, a bleeding erosive surface is exposed, then it is worth being examined for diphtheria.

5) For STIs: gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, herpes, chlamydia, mycoplasmosis. Girls at the age of 3, as a rule, become infected from their mother, the infection enters their body even in utero, during childbirth, if the mother of an STI patient violates the rules of personal hygiene: through unwashed hands after the toilet, common washcloths, towels. Sexual transmission is possible in a girl who is sexually active.

With gonorrhea, thick, green-yellow purulent discharges, crusts form on the skin when they dry out.
With trichomoniasis, leucorrhoea is whitish with a greenish tint, smells bad, and is abundant.
With chlamydia, leucorrhoea is not abundant, mucous, less often with pus.
With myco-ureaplasma infection, the discharge is serous-purulent.

6) Violation of the rules of personal hygiene, dirty hands, improper washing or lack thereof, bathing in polluted reservoirs entails the appearance of leucorrhea caused by staphylococcus aureus, streptococcus, E. coli, enterococcus, gardnerella. With a staphylococcal infection, stretching, thick yellow discharge, stains remain on the linen, resembling starch stains. Yellow-green discharge occurs in a girl with inflammation caused by Escherichia coli.

7) Helminthiases and enterobiasis. Helminths lay eggs on the skin of the perineum, enter intestinal bacteria into the vagina. This causes itching, burning, provokes the child to scratch the genitals with dirty hands and even masturbate, which leads to the addition of a secondary infection and the appearance of discharge in girls.

8) Foreign body and genital trauma. Pieces of toilet paper, threads from clothes, small items (pins, caps) children aged 4 years and older can accidentally insert into the vagina during the game and forget about it. Foreign objects cause inflammation, profuse, bloody with pus, leucorrhoea smelling of rot. They are difficult to treat until the foreign body is removed.

9) antibiotic treatment, excessive cleanliness with constant use of soap for washing, excessive consumption of sweets and insufficient consumption of vegetables and fruits can provoke thrush. At the same time, cheesy sour discharges appear. White or green in color.

10) Early onset of sexual activity.

11) Bad habits: alcohol, smoking.

Leucorrhea with inflammation of the uterus and appendages often occur in adolescents who are sexually active. In girls at the age of 6, adnexitis is rare and, as a rule, is combined with acute appendicitis or other surgical pathology: cholecystitis, pancreatitis.

Vaginal discharge in girls - what should mom do?

Do not self-medicate. This is fraught with complications: chronic inflammatory diseases, menstrual irregularities, infertility in adulthood.

It is necessary to contact a pediatric gynecologist. The doctor will examine, take a smear, prescribe additional tests: urine, feces, a smear for enterobiasis, a blood test. He will also send you for a consultation with other specialists: an endocrinologist, a pediatrician, an infectious disease specialist, etc.

To prevent whiter, monitor the hygiene of the child. Wash your hands often girls. Wash children's clothes, especially panties, separately with a special powder or laundry soap.

Teach the girl to eat right, eat more vegetables, fruits and dairy products.

Every woman secretes mucus from the vagina, which is produced by exposure to the hormone estrogen. If a yellow-green discharge appears in a 4-year-old girl, this is a reason to see a doctor. The cause of yellow discharge is infectious diseases that occur with reduced immunity in a girl.

Moms should understand that vaginal discharge in a girl and in a woman is a different phenomenon. Most often, pathogenic pathogens of infection are transferred from the rectum to the area of the labia.

The nature of the vaginal secretion

Small vaginal discharge is typical for women of any age, even for babies and babies. Such white discharge is the result of spontaneous cleansing of the vaginal microflora.

The components of the vaginal secretion in women are:

epithelial cells that make up the vaginal mucosal wall;
mucus produced by the glands of the cervix;
microorganisms;
blood cells (leukocytes) and other components.

In a little girl, discharge is physiological and pathological.

It's good when everyone is healthy

Causes of yellow and green discharge in girls

If the appearance of white discharge becomes abundant, acquires a yellowish or greenish color at the age of 7 and a putrid smell, they speak of pathological discharge in a girl. The formation of yellow discharge with an odor indicates the presence of vulvovaginitis - an inflammatory process of the genital mucosa.

This process occurs due to the multiplication of pathological microorganisms, which is facilitated by a lack of mucous secretion.

Puberty

After a long rest, at about 8 or 9 years old, a new stage of sexual development begins, when the discharge from the organs of the child appears again. This is due to changes in the hormonal background in girls who prepare the reproductive system for the appearance of the first menstruation.
Discharges of a physiological nature in children occur 1-2 years before menarche, and with the formation of the cycle they come regularly. During this period, they are plentiful, mucous, odorless.

Vulvovaginitis

An inflammatory process that occurs in the genital area and involves the genitals is called vulvitis. In little girls, inflammation of the vulva and vagina is often combined - vulvovaginitis. The cause of this disease and discharge in a child is an infection:

nonspecific - viruses, fungi, protozoa;
specific - chlamydia, gonococci, tuberculosis.

Normal discharge in girls of different ages

Sometimes parents notice vaginal secretions during the neonatal period. Do not worry, but figure out what is considered normal discharge, and when you need to visit a pediatric gynecologist.

serious conversations

Up to a year old

In a girl at 6 months, the discharge is the result of the activity of the reproductive system and the cleansing of the vagina from pathological microorganisms. Normally, clear mucus with threadlike elements is secreted.

1-2 years

Starting at the age of 1 month, a period of rest begins in the sexual development of the girl. Sex hormones are present in a minimal amount, the glands of the cervix do not function, so nothing should be released during this period.
The duration of this period continues until the age of 8 years, when a new stage comes - the prepubertal period, and the restructuring of the body begins under the influence of hormones. A year before menstruation, the girl has a discharge of a physiological nature.

For a 5-6 year old child

The reproductive system is not functioning now, so a girl of 2-6 years old should not have any discharge. At this time, diseases of the vagina often occur, for which there are reasons:

Immature immune system.
Anatomical features of the body.

Therefore, orange discharge in girls of 4 and 5 years old indicates an inflammatory process.

Girl 7-8 years old

After a long pause of 7 years, the next stage of sexual development begins - the puberty period, leucorrhoea is released again. This is due to hormonal changes in the body, which prepares the body for the menstrual cycle.

Such secretions have a viscous mucous structure and do not smell.

From an endocrine specialist

What to do if there is odorless purulent discharge on panties

Purulent discharge is not normal. It is urgent to go to the hospital to find out the causes and treatment of the pathology.
Among the common reasons are:

inflammatory process in the ovaries;
colpitis;
inflammation of the cervix;
infectious diseases.

If the following symptoms are observed, you should consult a doctor:

thick discharge with pus;
fetid smell;
itching of the genitals;
there is a burning sensation;
heat.

The gynecologist will examine the child and prescribe vaginal swabs.

The main symptoms of pathologies

Green discharge in girls is not the only symptom of the inflammatory process. Other signs include:

redness of the genital organs and nearby areas of the skin;
swelling;
burning and itching that do not go away, but are aggravated by urination.

Isolation of yellow-green mucus in girls of 3 years old indicates bacterial vulvovaginitis.

Carefree childhood

If the microflora of the vagina is disturbed in a girl aged three to four years, creamy gray whites with a rotten smell of fish appear.

A frothy discharge occurs in a 14-year-old girl with trichomonas infection.

Allergic vulvovaginitis provokes watery leucorrhoea, while the mucous membrane is dry.

Diagnostics of the child's body

Diagnosis of diseases accompanied by pathological discharge from the genital organs is carried out by a pediatric gynecologist. This doctor prescribes a number of studies and tests:

general blood analysis;
a swab from the vagina to identify the bacteria that caused the inflammation;
Analysis of urine;
analysis of feces to determine dysbacteriosis and worms;
examination of the genital organs for the presence of a foreign object;
blood for hormones;
PCR, which detects the type of pathogen and the presence of antibodies to these agents in the blood.

To clarify the causes of pathology

First aid

You can not self-medicate - in this case, complications can be provoked:

development of chronic inflammatory diseases;
menstrual irregularities;
female diseases;
bleeding during pregnancy in the cycle in adulthood.

The mother should immediately take the child to the gynecologist, who will conduct an examination, take smears and tests. If necessary, the doctor will send to other specialists: pediatrician, endocrinologist, etc.
To reduce the likelihood of leucorrhoea, Dr. Komarovsky advises to follow the hygiene of girls:

always wash your hands with soap and water after using the toilet and the street;
wash children's clothes separately with a special powder or laundry soap;
teach your child proper nutrition, buy more vegetables and fruits.

Treatment on an individual basis

If the pathology is found in a baby at the age of 6, then it can be treated by the following methods:

if necessary, remove foreign bodies that irritate the vaginal mucosa;
as soon as the type of pathogen is determined, local or general therapy is carried out with the help of medications. Each case involves an individual approach to treatment in accordance with the characteristics of the disease, anamnesis and at what age pathologies begin. Antifungal, antibacterial and antiviral agents are prescribed as medicines;
the onset of helminthic invasion, except for a newborn boy or girl, is also treated by all family members. This is required to prevent re-infection;
in case of hormonal imbalance, hormone therapy is prescribed;
foods that provoke allergies are excluded from the child’s diet;
prescribe local therapy from baths and washings with antiseptic solutions, herbal decoctions. Sometimes ointments or creams are prescribed;
regular change of underwear contributes to a speedy recovery;
with acute pain and spotting, bed rest may be required;
if bleeding is caused by diseases of the urinary system, then antibiotic therapy is prescribed. You will also need to comply with the drinking regime: drink at least 2 liters of water per day, including fruit drinks and decoctions.

When mom is around - nothing is scary

Medical methods

Why there are pathological discharge in girls at the age of 3 or five years - the doctor determines by conducting medical research. Then he prescribes medication. Such treatment is aimed at eliminating the causative agent of the disease and normalizing the intestinal microflora.

Depending on what kind of discharge appeared, the doctor prescribes various drugs:

ethnoscience

Recipes from the people are aimed at eliminating the disease, the symptoms of which are whites. As a local treatment, douching, suppositories and baths are used.

Take 100 grams of pine buds and 10 liters of boiling water. Pour boiling water over the grass, keep on low heat for half an hour and leave for another 1 hour under the lid. Add a decoction to the bath when bathing. You can buy pine extract.
Take 15 grams of juniper and 1 tbsp of boiling water. Pour boiling water over the grass and insist under the lid for 4 hours. Take 1 tbsp. 3 times/day.

Prevention

For preventive purposes, the baby should:

adhere to the right lifestyle;
avoid contact with infected children;
observe personal hygiene;
in the event of a disease, begin surgical treatment.

Consider what doctors advise:

every day to wash the girl in the morning and in the evening. Babies under 1 year old should be washed after each bowel movement;
washing is carried out from front to back so that the intestinal microflora does not enter the vagina;
use soap when absolutely necessary, because it contains alkaline components that destroy the protective fatty layer;
do not use washcloths and sponges that damage the skin of the child;
after washing the genitals, blot with a towel, and do not rub;
change underwear daily.

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The birth of a daughter brings extraordinary joy to parents. Now they have an assistant, a friend and joy. From the very first day, they closely observe its development and growth. The first smile and the first sounds, a new tooth and firm steps. It is sad, but in addition to joyful events, the girl is accompanied by various ailments.

Parents are very upset when they see green discharge in girls. Lacking experience and knowledge, they try to get rid of them on their own. What will help to respond correctly to the changes that constantly occur in the child's body? Accurate information about the nature of the vaginal secretion inherent in girls of different ages.

Development of the reproductive system

The development of the reproductive organs in girls is accompanied by a natural secret from the vagina. It is the result of the work of internal systems, as well as the product of their purification. Biological studies show that the composition of the vaginal fluid includes the following elements:

Various microorganisms that make up the microflora of the vagina.
Spent epithelial cells located inside the mucous membrane of the vaginal surface.
Mucus that comes out of the cervix.
Leukocytes and other components of the blood.

Parents should not worry if they notice mucous vaginal discharge in their daughter. They should be transparent in appearance or whitish in color. In addition, they do not smell of anything and do not disturb the baby. Often this occurs in the 2nd week of the child's existence.

Sometimes it happens that blood elements are mixed with the secret, like menstruation. Along with this, there is swelling of the nipples of the mammary glands, which, when pressed, release a cloudy substance. This is also normal.

Useful information for parents.

At birth, a girl receives high levels of sex hormones from her mother through the placenta or breast milk. The resulting discharge does not need to be treated somehow. It is enough to keep the baby's body clean.

Starting from the age of one month, the baby, one might say, does not develop sexually. Her hormonal background does not change, being in a state of "rest". This period lasts up to approximately 7 years, after which a new stage of restructuring begins.

Under the influence of hormones of the reproductive organs, an 11-year-old girl develops vaginal fluids of various nature. Over time, they are repeated regularly until the beginning of the menstrual cycle.

The appearance of yellow discharge in a girl, in some cases, indicates puberty. They are not dangerous unless accompanied by an unpleasant odor or discoloration.

Abnormal vaginal secretion in little girls

Allocations of an abnormal nature in newborn babies are often in large numbers. In addition, elements of blood mucus, pus and an unpleasant odor are mixed with them. This also happens during the period of hormonal "sleep", which lasts an average of 7-8 years.

Allocations of a yellow-green hue indicate inflammation of the mucous membrane of the vaginal wall or external intimate organs of the baby. The thing is that in newborn girls, the vaginal mucous wall has a delicate structure. In case of ignoring the rules of cleanliness, allergies or a decrease in immunity, a yellowish secret immediately appears. It is accompanied by redness of the vulva, swelling and itching.

Reminder for mom.

Yellow vaginal discharge in babies should not be ignored. Since they always indicate an infection in the children's organs. Timely treatment will protect the child from serious problems in the future.

Yellow discharge and disease

Infectious diseases in children under 5 years of age occur due to an immature reproductive system. During this period, the vagina lacks lactic acid bacteria that protect the young body. In view of this, pathogenic microbes enter the body and lead to the occurrence of vulvovaginitis. Violation of the microflora on the mucous wall of the vagina causes yellow discharge in the girl. In addition, they are accompanied by swelling and inflammation of the labia.

There are cases when, while visiting a preschool institution, worms are found in a child. Sadly, they provoke inflammation in the vagina. Even a girl who is only 3 years old can suffer from this. Pathogenic microbes enter the vaginal mucosal walls from the intestines. This leads to pain in the perineum, especially during sleep.

A serious cause of unexpected discharge is the ingestion of various objects into the vagina. Babies 4 or 6 years old, in the process of various games, can introduce household items into their genitals. Toilet paper, balls, threads often damage the cervix or vaginal wall. Fever and pain, along with discharge, are indicators of foreign objects in the genitals.

A 10-year-old girl may have yellow discharge without an unpleasant odor. Most often they occur as a reaction to detergents. Modern intimate hygiene gels or soaps contain chemical additives that cause allergies. In this case, it would be nice to choose another option for washing the intimate area.

A serious problem for a girl can be a venereal infection. The acquisition of infection occurs, sometimes, during childbirth from mother to child. In some cases, domestically. An indicator of infection is a green, frothy discharge.

First aid from mother

Of course, no one likes when a child is sick, especially with gynecological ailments at a young age. But, if this happens, the mother comes first to the rescue.

First of all, it is important to teach your daughter how to properly wash herself after going to the toilet. This should be done from front to back to prevent germs from entering the vagina. If you show this regularly, by the age of 9, the child will be able to take care of himself.

It is important to buy high-quality underwear for your daughter, which would not adversely affect the development of the reproductive system.

In case of allergy to detergents, be sure to replace with suitable ones. With a large amount of vaginal secretion, it is advisable to wash the child with potassium permanganate or decoctions of calendula, or chamomile. If the procedures do not help, then it's time to consult a doctor.

Girls as young as 12 are usually able to seek help themselves. Therefore, reasonable and attentive mothers will direct the child in the right direction. Careful observation of the formation of the reproductive system will protect the girl from serious diseases in adulthood.

30.09.2017 Smirnova Olga (gynecologist, GSMU, 2010)

Most gynecologists note that the vast majority of the population classifies any type of discharge in girls of different ages as a pathology, considering them unacceptable before the onset of sexual activity. In fact, parents may notice the presence of vaginal secretions from the time the baby is born. You should not be scared here, but it is better to figure out what and when is considered the norm, and where it does not hurt to visit a doctor to prescribe the appropriate treatment.

What is discharge in girls and what is their norm

Mucus or fluid secreted from the vagina of a girl, as well as an adult woman, is called sexual secretion, vaginal secretions and whites.

From the point of view of physiology, normal discharge in a girl, regardless of age, differs in the following characteristics:

have a practically homogeneous mucous consistency (not watery);
almost transparent;
light, slightly white;
odorless, slightly sour due to the environment of the vagina;
are not accompanied by unpleasant sensations;
indicated in small numbers.

The presence of such marks on a child's shorts should not cause concern. The reproductive system of any person will develop gradually, and these changes are inevitable. It is impossible to say exactly what time the discharge in girls begins. It takes into account heredity, characteristics of the body, and other related factors.

It is generally accepted that discharge in girls should be absent until puberty. But the beginning of puberty does not have a clear framework, it depends on many factors.

In a girl of 10-12 years old, discharge on panties may not indicate deviations if their appearance is normal. Perhaps the child's puberty began much earlier, and so the body is preparing for a major restructuring and menarche. It does not hurt to contact a gynecologist for reinsurance, to take tests, but panic will be inappropriate, since at this time the child reacts very sharply to the world around him and may misperceive the concerns of dad and mom.

Parents almost always sound the alarm, worrying about, not knowing what they mean, and attribute this process to a pathological phenomenon. But the vaginal light secret, which has a mucous consistency, is considered the norm.

In some situations, very little blood is present in the mucus. You should not worry, because from a medical point of view, this phenomenon is safe and is considered the so-called sexual crisis of newborns. Find out in one of our articles.

Discharge in adolescent girls before the onset of the menstrual cycle

Leucorrhoea appears about a year before menarche. This is the age of 10-12 years, but situations are not excluded when menstruation begins much earlier. The appearance of vaginal secretion in this case is caused by hormonal changes that prepare the little lady for the next stage in life. The excreted secretion must have certain features:

have a slightly liquid consistency;
resemble mucus;
have a white color (yellowish and is allowed);
there should be no smell or a slight presence.

Such a vaginal secret confirms the normal development of the child, and his reproductive system adapts to new conditions. And also secretion provides protection of the vagina from harmful agents.

The hospital should only be visited if your daughter complains of discomfort, and redness and swelling are noticeable on the external genitalia.

If menstruation has already begun

If your child has already begun menstruation, then discharge at 13-15 years old in girls will continue to depend on the phase of the menstrual cycle.

Start

With a standard cycle of 28 days for a girl, this period falls on the first day after the end of menstruation and lasts about 14 days. At this time, there is very little vaginal secretion (up to 2 ml per day). It has a watery or slimy consistency, where a small amount of lumps is allowed. The secretion is either colorless or slightly white or beige.

Ovulation

In the middle of the cycle, for several days, there will be a noticeably increased amount of fluid from the vagina (up to 4 ml) on the underwear. As for the appearance, the secret acquires a more viscous mucous character, and the shade may become beige.

Second half of the cycle

The secret is less when compared with the days of ovulation. Its state resembles a creamy character, sometimes the consistency is similar to jelly.

Shortly before menstruation

There is more secretion a couple of days before this moment, and in its state it is similar to the middle of the cycle.

Causes of abnormal vaginal discharge in children

Not in all situations, vaginal secretion occurs for physiological reasons. Consider the causes of pathological secretion. The following factors are practically not tied to age:

Weak immunity

A weakened organism does not fully perform a protective function, therefore, pathogenic microorganisms multiply in the reproductive system. Often the culprit is stress, malnutrition, hypothermia.
Violation of the microflora of the vagina. Here it is worth paying attention to the means used during washing of the genitals, as well as the transferred colds and other diseases.

Frequent use of antibiotics

Such drugs adversely affect the microflora of the vagina, upsetting the balance between lactobacilli and pathogens. As a result, the presence of fungal microflora increases, which provokes the pathological secret of the reproductive system.

Childhood and general infections

Many sexually transmitted infections are increasingly spread through the household. It is also possible that the child could become infected from the mother in the womb, during childbirth.

allergic reactions

Diathesis and allergies can cause the development of atopic vulvovaginitis, which can only be noticed during an exacerbation.

Diabetes

This disease, as doctors say, is increasingly causing fungal vulvovaginitis.

Foreign bodies

The child may accidentally bring a foreign object into the vagina. Most often these are the remains of toilet paper, threads, small balls. As a result, an inflammatory process begins, accompanied by fever, sometimes severe pain. Brown, bloody, or even brown spots may appear on underwear. An unpleasant and sometimes fetid odor is not ruled out.

Worms

Infection occurs during improper washing of the genitals, when harmful bacteria enter the vagina from the intestines.

We are looking for problems by color and smell

Every disease is different for every patient. There are cases when the symptoms practically do not manifest themselves, and mild discomfort occurs only with the next exacerbation. The following information will help parents track unwanted changes in the vaginal secretion in time and take appropriate measures.

White discharge in girls

Most often, the presence of white discharge in girls is considered the norm, provided that all other characteristics of the fluid meet physiological criteria.
But if the secret resembles the consistency of cottage cheese, and the child complains of itching and burning in the area of the external genital organs, then thrush cannot be ruled out, even at 9-11 years old and earlier.

A fungal disease can be transmitted from the mother even during birth, and occur against the background of taking antibiotics, as well as a general weakening of the body. Then parents may notice white discharge on their daughter's underpants. Increased attention is required at a very young age, because children at 2 or 3 years old often cannot describe their feelings.

Discharge in girls green and yellow

The cause is often bacterial vulvovaginitis, which is also called bacterial vaginosis or vaginal dysbacteriosis. It is important to understand the situation here. For example, the discharge from a girl at 4 years old is yellow-green, an unpleasant fishy smell is felt, the child began to act up while washing, constantly scratching the area of the labia, where redness is noted.

The vaginal secret of a yellow tint is not associated with pathological processes, but only if your child is approaching the onset of puberty and does not experience discomfort. Although the cause of discharge in a child at the age of 7 years of yellowish color is unlikely to be the approach of menarche.
According to the statistics of gynecologists, children under 8 years of age are at risk. The fact is that in the microflora of the vagina there are still no lactobacilli that protect the body from infection.

In addition, a girl at the age of 5 and at any other age can cause:

worms;
dirt getting into the vagina;
intimate hygiene products;
foreign objects inside;
improper swaddling;
irritation from synthetics;
diaper rash.

If the yellow tint of the secret is still allowed, then greenish discharge, whether it be any age, 2 years old, 6 or 15 years old, requires medical supervision, smears and other necessary diagnostic methods.

Red and brown discharge from a girl

First you need to make sure that this is not monthly. Sometimes brown, bloody or even purulent discharge may occur on underwear in adolescent girls if a foreign body is present in the vagina. An unpleasant, and sometimes even a fetid odor is not ruled out.

Often the cause of secretion with blood is inflammatory processes, the presence of which may indicate gynecological diseases. But most often, spotting, even with a brown tint, indicates the approach of the first menstruation in a teenager and hormonal fluctuations.

There is pus

Purulent discharge in girls can never be considered the norm. Here you need to quickly go to the hospital and undergo an examination, because any disease is easier to cure at the very beginning, preventing the development of a chronic form.

Common causes:

colpitis;
inflammation of the ovaries;
inflammation of the cervix;
infectious diseases.

Urgently go to the hospital if you experience the following symptoms:

purulent discharge of a liquid or thick nature;
the presence of an unpleasant and even fetid odor;
genitals constantly itch;
tingling and burning sensation is felt;
elevated body temperature.

At the hospital, the gynecologist will perform an examination and order a microscopic examination of vaginal smears.

Prevention

It is extremely dangerous to buy drugs on your own, as well as to use traditional medicine methods to treat discharge in girls. But no one prevents mothers from adhering to certain rules that reduce the risk of pathological secretion:

Carry out hygiene procedures in the morning and before bedtime.
Use only a clean personal towel for the child.
It is better to give preference to warm boiled water.
Choose safe intimate hygiene products that do not cause allergies.
Properly teach your daughter to wash the genitals to avoid infection from the intestines.
Prevent mechanical damage to the vagina caused by washcloths and sponges.
Buy underwear made from natural fabrics, give up synthetics.

How and with what to treat the discharge, only a specialist will determine after examining the child and obtaining the results of the tests. The information presented on the Internet should be used extremely carefully and solely for informational purposes, because any specialist on the network, even Komarovsky, cannot assess the condition of the child and choose the treatment according to the description in words.