My five year old daughter was complaining last night that she had "stuff" in her underwear that she saw when she went to go to the bathroom. I looked, and indeed, she had some dried discharge (for lack of a better word) on her underwear (It would be what a adult woman might expect, but she has never had this before; her underwear is always fairly clean!). I asked her if it hurt when she went potty and she said no (I was thinking urinary tract infection maybe?). I made sure she wiped really well and left it at that. Then again this morning, it was the same thing. I'm not sure if this is just what happens around this age or if it's a hormonal thing, or if I should see the doctor. It wasn't a lot, just something she hadn't had before. Thanks for any input!
Thank you so much moms! What a great resource this is. I just talked to her about wiping the correct way and made sure it wasn't getting worse or stinky (!). It has now cleared up and I think it's just part of being a little girl. But, if she continues to have trouble or it comes back and is not "normal" I'll definitely go to the doc. You guys are AWESOME! :)
My daughter had this challenge at the same age. First I realized she wasn't wiping very good to begin with. Had to reteach her. Because she wasn't wiping good she ended up having a yeast infection. Once she learned what to do and how to do it right, she quit having the discharge. If it smells funny, take her to the doctor. If not, show her how to wipe again and hope it doesn't turn into an infection. Good luck and God Bless.
If it dried yellow or greenish or smells bad, it may be an infection. If it is clear, or just murky looking, it is normal. We are exposed to many sources of estrogen these days in our food, plastics, etc. Things we used to see in older girls, we are now seeing in girls much younger. Trust your gut and see a physician if you feel it is warranted. Family doctors and even some pediatricians are well versed in child gyn issues.
It could be an yeast infection. Definitely have her checked.
When my daughter was still in diapers, she had a yeast infection. The Dr. gave an ointment that helped clear it up. Wouldn't hurt to take her in. Also, watch how much sugar she's eating, as I'm sure you know doesn't lend itself kindly to that situation.
my middle dd told me she had "food" (gross term! lol) in her underwear at 3, it was just normal discharge. If its itchy, red or sore, take her in, but it may just be a bit of mucous. keep an eye on it, and if it bothers her take her in, but if not, I'd let it be. Gyno exams for little kids are pretty harsh (or can be, from what Ive seen) and I would only take her if it hurt, smelled bad or cause itching etc. Bubble bath can cause yeast... I use a tiny bit of baby shampoo, and not too often just incase.
It is a hormonal thing... There are various shifts in hormones at various ages (1, 5, 8ish, and then the BIGGIE!). Ask her if she's itching or feels "funny"...if there isn't a smell...I wouldn't worry. If it gets worse, see the doctor.
Good luck! We have a 2 year old, I know I'm "in for it"
- Mama, Public Health Guru & Women's health consultant
If it seems like normal discharge (not bad smelling green, etc.) I would just watch it. I have two girls (6 and 4) and they both get discharge occasionally, but my 4 yo more often. I think it's just how her body is. Also, they tend to get more discharge when they are stuffy in their sinuses/nose. Has she been stuffy? I think some girls just get discharge, but if it is a lot or seems off, it never hurts to visit the dr.
K.
I would take her in. Could be a yeast infection or something else. Maybe call the nurse too tonsee if your daughter should be seen.
