Vulvovaginitis in the prepubertal child.

In prepubertal children the majority (25% to 75% of diagnoses made in referral centers) of complaints of vulvar inflammation and secondary vaginitis are benign in nature. This nonspecific vulvovaginitis responds well to hygiene measures and education. A child with persistent, purulent, or recurrent vaginal discharge deserves a complete assessment with cultures. When these complaints arise, clinicians must always be alert to the possibility of sexual abuse in children and therefore must conduct a sensitive and thorough history in addition to the examination.