As parents of younger children, we spend lots of time helping our child pee and poop. As our children get older and learn how to toilet for themselves and graduate from diapers to pull-ups to underwear, they are still learning how to care for that part of their body. That learning period includes the vulvovaginal region, which can be sensitive to fragrance, sweat and other irritants, especially before puberty.

First, let’s talk about anatomy

We use the word “vulva” to describe the external or outside part of the genital area. The “vagina” is used to describe the inside or internal structure.

Common irritants in young children

A common irritant is actually urine. If a child’s underwear smells like urine, there is a chance urine is backflowing into the vagina rather than into the toilet bowl. When possible, we recommend age-appropriate toilet heights and encourage a wider leg stance when peeing to ensure urine flows from the urethra into the toilet bowl rather than back into the vagina.

Another potential irritant to the vulva can come from clothing, so we encourage timely changing of any moist or tight clothing such as swimsuits or leotards when possible.

Other irritants include anything with fragrance — soaps, wipes, detergent, lotions and other products — that may come in contact with the vulva. For young kids who are just starting to toilet independently, toilet paper can also be a cause of irritation.

What to do if there is irritation

If there is ever vulvar irritation — redness, discomfort or white discharge — we recommend removing irritants and applying a barrier cream such as petroleum jelly to help protect the vulva from day-to-day activity including sweat, urine and friction.

We recommend baths initially without soap. For example, you can wash hair and body right before leaving the bath to allow the water to clear debris such as sweat and dead skin and to minimize vulvar contact with soap, especially fragranced bubble baths. Kids can sit in a “butterfly” or “frog leg” position to help encourage clearance of irritants from the vulvovaginal area. If needed to remove dirt or buildup, a warm washcloth with water can be used on the vulva. The vagina itself does not need to be cleaned.

Supporting healthy vulvar care is part of helping children build body awareness and confidence while keeping them comfortable as they grow.