Vaginitis refers to inflammation or infection of the vagina, but
it can also affect the vulva, the area outside the vagina
(vulvovaginitis). Vaginitis in teen girls most commonly occurs
when the normal balance of yeast and bacteria in the vagina
becomes disrupted for some reason, by direct chemical irritation
or if a teen is sexually active. STDs can cause vaginitis. In
addition, cases of vulvar irritation and inflammation may be
linked to the increased popularity of waxing pubic hair.
Vulvovaginitis in girls who haven't gone through puberty yet
often has different causes. At this age, because of a lack of
estrogen, which doesn't increase until puberty, the skin in and
around the vagina can be thin, delicate and easily irritated.
These younger girls may develop symptoms of vaginitis because
they don't wipe once they become potty trained, wipe improperly
(back-to-front instead of front-to-back), wipe too vigorously or
take bubble baths, etc. Symptoms of Vaginitis The most common
symptoms of vaginitis can inclu