- Parents Home
- Para Padres
- Allergy Center
- Asthma Center
- Cancer Center
- Diabetes Center
- Diseases & Conditions
- Doctors & Hospitals
- Emotions & Behavior
- First Aid & Safety
- Flu Center
- Food Allergy Center
- General Health
- Growth & Development
- Heart Health
- Homework Help Center
- Infections
- Newborn Center
- Nutrition & Fitness Center
- Play & Learn Center
- Pregnancy Center
- Q&A
- Recipes
- School & Family Life
- Sports Medicine Center
- Videos
- Kids Home
- Para Niños
- Asthma Center
- Cancer Center
- Diabetes Center
- Feelings
- Getting Help
- Health Problems
- Health Problems of Grown-Ups
- Heart Center
- Homework Center
- How the Body Works
- Illnesses & Injuries
- Kids' Medical Dictionary
- Movies & More
- Nutrition & Fitness Center
- Puberty & Growing Up
- Q&A
- Recipes & Cooking
- Relax & Unwind Center
- Stay Safe Center
- Staying Healthy
- Staying Safe
- Videos
- Teens Home
- Para Adolescentes
- Asthma Center
- Be Your Best Self Center
- Cancer Center
- Diabetes Center
- Diseases & Conditions
- Drugs & Alcohol
- Expert Answers (Q&A)
- Flu Center
- Homework Help Center
- Infections
- Managing Your Medical Care
- Managing Your Weight
- Nutrition & Fitness Center
- Recipes
- Safety & First Aid
- School & Work
- Sports Center
- Stress & Coping Center
- Videos
- Your Body
- Your Mind
A to Z: Vaginitis
Vaginitis is an inflammation of the vagina.
More to Know
Vaginitis is the most common gynecologic problem in young girls. It can be caused by irritants like soap, or be related to a yeast infection, bacterial infection, or a sexually transmitted disease (STD). It usually causes itching, burning, or pain with urination (peeing).
Occasionally, poor hygiene or toileting causes vaginitis. Before puberty, the lining of the vulva is very thin and sensitive, making it more susceptible to infection.
A discharge happens with most vaginal infections. While some vaginal discharge is normal just before puberty, vaginal secretions along with itching, an unusual odor, or a change in color (brown, gray, or green) are signs of a vaginal infection.
Keep in Mind
If an irritant is found to be the cause, it's important to avoid it in the future, whether it's soap or bubble baths, laundry detergents, fabric softeners, nylon underwear, or sand (from a sandbox or a day at the beach).
If vaginitis is related to an infection, the health care provider may recommend a topical medicine (medicine applied to the skin) or oral medicine (medicine taken by the mouth), depending on the cause.
All A to Z dictionary entries are regularly reviewed by KidsHealth medical experts.
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice,
diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
© 1995- The Nemours Foundation. KidsHealth® is a registered trademark of The Nemours Foundation. All rights reserved.
Images sourced by The Nemours Foundation and Getty Images.