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.