Cause

• Main Cause in Young Girls.  Bubble bath, shampoo or soap in bath water. Soap can cause the genital area to become red, sore or itchy.  This is called “soap vulvitis”.  Using a soapy washcloth can also be the cause.
• This only occurs in young girls before puberty. Breast buds are the first sign of puberty. The average onset of puberty is 10 years.
• Sometimes, it is due to poor hygiene or back to front wiping.
• If the vagina becomes infected, a vaginal discharge will occur.

1. What You Should Know:
   • Genital itching in young girls is most often caused by soap (especially bubble bath). This area is sensitive to the drying effect of soap.
   • Only cleanse the genitals with warm water.
   • After puberty, soap can be tolerated.
   • Here is some care advice that should help.
2. Baking Soda Baths - Young Girls Only:
   • Soak for 10 minutes to remove germs and to help with healing.
   • Add 2 ounces (60 ml) baking soda per tub of warm water.
   • Reason: Baking soda is better than vinegar for young girls.
   • During soaks, be sure she spreads her legs. This allows the water to cleanse the genitals.
   • Repeat baking soda soaks 2 times per day for 2 days.
3. Steroid Cream:
   • Put a tiny amount of 1% hydrocortisone cream on the genitals.
   • No prescription is needed.
   • Use after soaks for 1 or 2 days. Do not use more than 2 days.
4. Prevention - Do Not Use Soaps:
   • Do not use bubble bath, soap and shampoo in the bath water. They can cause the genitals to be red, sore or itchy.
   • Only use warm water to cleanse the genitals.
   • Baby oil can be used to remove any dried body fluids.
   • After puberty, soap can be used.
5. What to Expect:
   • If soap is the cause, symptoms should go away within 2 days.
6. Call Your Doctor If:
   • Itching lasts over 48 hours using this care advice
   • Vaginal discharge or bleeding occurs
   • Passing urine becomes painful
   • Your child becomes worse