Question: Dear Dr, my niece currently had discharge from his private part.Her age is 4 year old and overweight.I noticed when I saw her panties, it looks like the white discharge in color. Usually, I saw that discharge from adult women. Therefore, I really need several information in order to convince her mom to see the doctor because her mom always said that she did not clean her private part when I raised these issue. However, I felt that, there is something else. In order to convince her mother, In need to get answers for these questions:
1) What will be possible disease related to that?
2) What will be long term effects if there is no early treatment?
Thanks for developing this website
Answer: The most common cause of vaginal discharge in pre-pubertal girls is vulvovaginitis – which is the inflammation of the vagina and the opening of vagina (vulva). It may be caused by infection or chemical irritants. Sometimes, foreign body may be the cause for vaginal discharge as well. In mild cases, it does not require treatment but attention to hygiene. The child may get better by improving hygiene habits, reducing irritants ( not to bathe in bubble bath, washing soap residue). Avoid tight clothing and wipe after wash to avoid dampness. It may recur but will get better as the child grows older. However if symptoms persist, it is best to see a doctor for examination and treatment. If left untreated, symptoms will be worse and there will be complication depending on the underlying cause. Warning signs include fishy smell of the discharge, greenish/greyish or bloodstain, scratching, pain on passing urine. Perhaps it’s best to tell the mother that if symptoms persist, it is wise not to take chance and a visit to a doctor is advised.