Common Vulval Problems in Adolescents and How to Get Help

If you’re a teenager (or the parent of one), it’s important to know that vulval problems are very common and nothing to be embarrassed about. Around half of young girls who attend children’s A&E with gynaecological concerns do so because of vulval discomfort, itching, soreness, or discharge. These symptoms can feel worrying, but most causes are mild, temporary, and improve with simple care or short-term treatment if needed.

During childhood and adolescence, the vulva goes through significant change. Before puberty, vulval skin is thinner and more sensitive because oestrogen levels are low. As puberty progresses and oestrogen rises, the skin becomes thicker and more resilient, pubic hair develops, and the vulva gains more natural protection. This means that vulval symptoms can look and behave differently in children, teenagers, and adults.

Common Vulval Problems in Adolescents

Vulvovaginitis

This is one of the most common causes of vulval soreness, itching, and discharge in younger girls and teenagers. It is usually due to irritation rather than infection. Bubble baths, perfumed soaps, shower gels, wipes, tight clothing, synthetic underwear, and not wiping from front to back can all irritate sensitive skin. Symptoms often settle with gentle vulval care, avoiding irritants, and wearing loose cotton underwear.

Lichen sclerosus

This is a skin condition that can cause white patches, itching, soreness, or splitting of the vulval skin. It can look alarming but is treatable, usually with a prescribed steroid cream. Symptoms often improve after puberty, but follow-up is important to prevent flare-ups and scarring.

Labial adhesions

In younger children, the inner lips of the vulva can sometimes stick together. This is linked to low oestrogen levels and irritation. It is usually harmless and often resolves on its own. Treatment is only needed if it causes symptoms such as difficulty passing urine or repeated infections.

Normal vulval variation

Vulvas vary hugely in size, shape, colour, and symmetry. Labia can be small, large, uneven, or change during puberty. All of this is normal. Social media and pornography can create unrealistic expectations and anxiety about appearance. Labiaplasty is not recommended for teenagers, and reassurance is usually all that is needed.

Infections and STIs in Teenagers

As hormone levels change, teenagers may develop thrush or bacterial infections, which can cause itching, soreness, or changes in discharge. Once someone is sexually active, sexually transmitted infections such as HPV or herpes can also affect the vulva.

It’s important to know that many vulval symptoms are not related to sex at all. You do not need to be sexually active to experience itching, soreness, or discharge. The HPV vaccination programme has also dramatically reduced genital warts in teenagers.

Looking After the Vulva: Simple Vulval Care

Good vulval care is one of the most effective ways to prevent and treat symptoms.

The vulva does not need special products or intensive cleaning. In fact, over-washing is a common cause of problems.

• Wash once daily at most, using plain warm water. If soap is needed, choose a bland, unperfumed emollient or soap substitute rather than standard soap or shower gel.

• Avoid bubble baths, scented products, wipes, douches, deodorants, and intimate washes. These often disrupt the skin barrier and cause irritation.

• Pat the area dry gently with a towel rather than rubbing. A hairdryer on a cool setting can help if skin is very sore.

• Wear loose-fitting clothes and cotton underwear. Avoid tight leggings, jeans, and synthetic fabrics if symptoms are ongoing. Sleeping without underwear can also help.

• Change out of wet clothing, swimsuits, or sports kit promptly.

• Wipe from front to back after using the toilet to reduce irritation and infection risk.

• If skin is sore or itchy, a simple emollient (such as petroleum jelly or a prescribed moisturiser) can be used as a barrier and soap substitute.

• Steroid creams should only be used if prescribed and as directed by a clinician.

When to See a Doctor

It’s a good idea to book an appointment if:

• Symptoms keep coming back or don’t improve with gentle care

• There is persistent itching, pain, or soreness

• You notice white patches, ulcers, bleeding, or skin splitting

• There is ongoing smelly or unusual discharge

• Passing urine is painful or difficult

• You are worried about how your vulva looks or feels

Seeking help early can prevent symptoms becoming long-term and can be very reassuring.

• Is vulval itching normal during puberty?

  Yes. Hormonal changes, sensitive skin, and irritation from products or clothing commonly cause itching during puberty. Most cases improve with gentle vulval care.

• Should teenagers use intimate washes?

  No. Intimate washes and scented products often cause irritation. Plain water or a simple, unperfumed emollient is best.

• Is discharge always a sign of infection?

  No. Clear or white discharge is often normal during puberty. Persistent, smelly, or coloured discharge should be checked.

• Can vulval problems happen if you’re not sexually active?

  Yes. Most vulval problems in children and teenagers are not related to sex.

• When should a teenager see a doctor about vulval symptoms?

  If symptoms persist, recur, cause pain, affect urination, or if there are skin changes such as white patches, ulcers, or bleeding.

About the Author

Dr Georgina Standen is a Women’s Health GP and Medical Director of Sirona Health. She specialises in adolescent gynaecology and hormonal health. She supports teenage girls and their families with period problems, hormonal symptoms and gynaecological concerns using a calm, evidence-based and developmentally appropriate approach.

Sirona Health offers consultations in Stroud, Cirencester, Tetbury, Fairford, Lechlade, Calne, Corsham, Chippenham, Malmesbury and Bath, along with nationwide secure online appointments.

Book a consultation