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HOME CARE ADVICE FOR SOAP VULVITIS (until you talk with your doctor) |
- Definition: Soap Vulvitis is the most common cause of pain with urination in young girls.
- Burning or stinging with passing urine
- Vaginal itching or irritation may also be present
- Prepubertal girl less than 10 years old
- Uses bubble bath, bathes in soapy water or washes genitals with soap
- To be sure she doesn't have a bladder or kidney infection, she usually needs to have her urine checked. The following treatment will reduce symptoms while awaiting your appointment.
- Baking Soda-Warm Water Soaks:
- Soak for 10 minutes to remove irritants and to promote healing.
- Add 2 ounces (60 ml) baking soda per tub of warm water (Reason: Baking soda is better than vinegar for girls not into puberty).
- During soaks, be sure she spreads her legs and allows the water to cleanse the genital area.
- Repeat baking soda soaks treatment 2 times per day for 2 days.
- Avoid Soaps:
- Avoid bubble bath, soap and shampoo to the genital area because they are irritants.
- Only use warm water to cleanse the vulva area.
- Baby oil can be used to remove any dried secretions from the labia.
- After puberty, soap can be tolerated.
- Increased Fluids: Give extra fluids to drink (Reason: to produce a dilute, nonirritating urine).
- Pain Medicine: To reduce painful urination, give acetaminophen every 4 hours OR ibuprofen every 6 hours as needed (See Dosage table).
- Contagiousness: Even if your child has a bladder infection, it is not contagious. Your child does not need to miss any school or child care.
- Call Your Doctor If:
- Pain with urination becomes severe
- Fever occurs
- Your child becomes worse
And remember, contact your doctor if your child develops any of the "Call Your Doctor" symptoms.
