M.O. asks from Denver, CO on September 21, 2009
Smelly Vagina
For the past week or so my daughter has had an intermittent odor coming from her vagina. It's pretty pungent. I can't make any connection to when the odor shows. She'll go days without it, then all of the sudden I'll change her diaper and it smells foul. Since we started potty training she's spent the vast majority of her days naked, and the odor still shows up, sometimes. All of the skin and tissue looks normal, no inflammation or redness, just the smell. We have not changed detergent or soap or anything. We have started using pampers easy ups, but I honestly don't remember if the odor started before or after we began using them.
Any ideas on what this could be and how I should treat it? We bought some Summer's Eve feminine wash for her today, we'll see if that works.
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N.L. answers from Denver on September 22, 2009
I bet I know I what this is, and it's not a yeast infection. I think it's Bacterial Vaginosis. Does her vagina smell fishy? It is caused by some poo getting into the vagina, which makes since, since she is potty training. It causes an infection. It's the main reason why us girls are supposed to wipe front to back. She has to go to the doctor and get on antibiotics.
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J.N. answers from Salt Lake City on September 22, 2009
EEK!! Hope I'm catching you in time -- DONT use the feminine wash on her! Some experts say we shouldn't even use it as adults - it can throw off our balance and lead to infections. And even products safe for adults aren't necessarily safe for little ones.
It sounds like it could be a yeast infection. I would have the doctor check her, especially if it's being going on for a while. Better to find out and treat it correctly, or have the peace of mind knowing that everything is clear, than to wait and worry and possibly end up with something worse.
S.S. answers from Provo on September 22, 2009
Have her checked. She may have inserted something into her opening when she was naked and running around. It may be an infection.
N.L. answers from Denver on September 22, 2009
I bet I know I what this is, and it's not a yeast infection. I think it's Bacterial Vaginosis. Does her vagina smell fishy? It is caused by some poo getting into the vagina, which makes since, since she is potty training. It causes an infection. It's the main reason why us girls are supposed to wipe front to back. She has to go to the doctor and get on antibiotics.
C.C. answers from Pueblo on September 22, 2009
Hi M.,
2 of my daughters had the same problem and they both had bladder infections, the smell would come from tinkling in their panties or pullups and then not changing into a clean pair. I would give your daughter some cranberry juice, make sure its 100% juice and take her to the doctor for testing.
C.
K.K. answers from Salt Lake City on September 22, 2009
I would stop using the Pull Ups and see if it doesn't go away. They are slightly different from diapers and it really could be from them. If you are serious about potty training, you should stop using the pull ups anyway. They will just impede your progress as they feel about the same to a child. Just start using training underwear (Gerber makes them).
If the odor does not go away, after discontinuing the use of pull ups, then definitely take your child to the doctor. I wouldn't use the feminine wash unless the pediatrician says that it is ok.
Also--double check that she is getting clean in between potty trips. Toilet paper does not clean as well as diaper wipes.
J.F. answers from Colorado Springs on September 22, 2009
I would definitely take her to the doctor and not do anything like a feminine wash--they are not made for children.
J.D. answers from Denver on September 22, 2009
Call your ped before you give her an adult feminine wash with chemicals, please! It's most definitely connected to the potty training, if you've never seen/smelt it before. I'd see how wiping's going. My DD used to leave tiny bits of toilet paper behind and we wouldn't catch it till bath time. That could certainly cause irritation, if that's happening for your daughter. One of those douche/washes can truly mess up the good bacteria she has working in her vagina and do more harm than good. Call her doc.
K.S. answers from Salt Lake City on September 22, 2009
Before trying any home remedy, take her to the doctor and ask him or her what could be the cause and what the best course of treatment might be.
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