Reasons for Bad Vaginal Smell in Kids

Q: Hi, my daughter is 2 years old. There is a bad odor in her vagina. I thought it is a lack of hygiene but it smells even half an hour after bath. Is there anything I can do? Please advice.
By: Helen

Reply:

There can be many reasons for this bad odor coming from the vagina.

Lack of Cleanliness

This has to be put as the commonest cause. Young girls poop in the diaper itself. There are chances that some fecal soiling of the vagina may occur.

Always clean the baby as soon as possible after she defecates. Clean her liberally with flowing tap water. This would be the best way to wash off all dirtiness.

It is alright to just wipe off small babies, but a 2 year old eats proper food. So she needs to be washed nicely and liberally with tap water.

Let her be without the diaper for few hours in a day. This is to keep the area well aerated.

How to Wash?

There are certain rules to be followed while washing. These are as follows:

  • Always clean from front to back, whether you’re wiping it with a tissue or washing with water.
  • It’s better to wash the area gently with water, and not use alcohol wipes. These may irritate the baby’s skin. Furthermore, cleaning is not very complete with their use.
  • Avoid using hot water. Water at room temperature would be the best.
  • Dab dry after washing with a clean towel. Avoid using blow dryers, which may render the soft skin down there dry and itchy.

Bacterial Vaginosis

Just as grown up girls have this infection, baby girls may also have it. The condition has a typical fishy odor. You will also be able to notice some signs of inflammation, like-

  • Redness in the area around the vagina
  • Little bumps may be there
  • Baby cries when she is wiped or cleaned as she has some pain

Treatment would be taking antibiotics for some time. It would be better to take her to a doctor for checkup. After the diagnosis is confirmed, she can start her medicines.

Yeast or Candida Infection

The odor here is like that of rotten bread or alcohol. Signs of inflammation may be present. Some itchiness is often there around the vaginal orifice.

The condition is always treated by putting anti-fungal topical cream and observing good hygiene in the area. Letting the girl be without the diaper for some time in a day would be essential to ensure that the area is clean and dry.

Accumulation of moisture in the area is the main reason for such infections.

Rarely, baby girls may put some small toy (like a Barbie shoe) in her vaginal canal. This foreign body rots in the vaginal canal and gives out a smell.

This can be ascertained only after check up by a doctor.

Change in Vaginal pH

Toddler girls are often found to be playing in bubbles baths for long hours. Long stay in soapy water is not recommended, an it may change the pH of the vaginal area.

As the pH changes, certain fungi and bacteria present over the skin there, get a  chance to proliferate.

Similarly, the use of perfumed soap, gels, oils or emollients is not recommended for that area.

Take Care,

Buddy M.D.

Medical Advice (Q&As) on “What Causes Bad Vaginal Odor in Children?

  1. rose

    I have a baby girl. She is just 3 yrs 3 months old. There is a bad odor in her vagina. I consult with doctor, but there is no changes after taking medicine. I am really worried about her. What shall I do?

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      Does she have any redness or swelling in the vaginal area? Any rash or bumps there?

      Any pain in her vaginal canal? You may know it if she cries while you clean her bottom.

      Also let us know what medicines were given for this problem.

      Reply
      1. Charlie

        Hello, my daughter is 3 years now and she has a foul smell in her virgina, she redness around that area and also has pain as she cries when I have to wipe her..,I am worried about her, she hasn’t been to the doctor yet..

        Reply
        1. Buddy M.D. Post author

          Likely to be an infection. See a doctor at the earliest. Antibiotics may be required.

          Also, take care you wash her from front to back after poop. Washing with ample water would be better. Avoid wipes till the area is red and painful.

          Reply
  2. chaminda

    Hi, my daughter is 1 and a half years old. There is a bad odor in her vagina. What will be the reason for this and how can I come to a decision if this is a vaginal infection or otherwise?

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      If this is an infection, she will have pain or itch down there. You may note some redness or even swelling in the vagina and/or near by areas.

      Reply
  3. Roxy

    Good day, I have 5 year old twin girls and my one daughter has a bad vaginal odor even right after her bath. I still use baby soap and normally put some savlon in bath water. I use baby detergent for their washing but still the odor persist. At times she complains that it burns and I would apply Vaseline. Any advice as what to do please?

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      She might be having some mild infection in her vagina or may be the outer genital area.

      You need to go to a doctor for a physical exam. It is difficult to comment about the infective pathology without actual inspection.

      Reply
  4. zulaa

    Hello, my daughter is almost 2 years. There is a bad odor,like a fish in her vagina area. We don’t use diapers. She doesn’t cry when I cleaning that area. How to stop to smell bad? Please help me.

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      This is likely to be a mild infection. She may require treatment with antibiotics.

      It is advisable you see a pediatrician for examination.

      Reply
  5. Ebinum

    My daughter has bad odor in her vagina. Has no pain. Sometimes scratches her vagina. Uses diaper. Not reddish and no rashes. What is the solution?

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      May be a mild infection.

      Use cotton diapers only, and change them more frequently. You may leave her without the diaper for some time during the day, may be 2 to 3 hours.

      This would also help in early toilet training.

      Mild infections would need no treatment. It may go away on its own, in a week’s time.

      Reply
    1. Sarah Bloombe

      Hiya, I’m 11 years old and I have seriously bad vaginal odor. It really bothers me because 5 minutes after I shower and wash myself properly the smell starts. When I change my underwear, I notice that it’s always clean except for a sticky, white, foamy discharge left. What should I do to put an end to my problems, please help because it really bothers me. I’ve been getting bullied because I smell like fish (it isn’t my body smell, it’s just my vagina).

      Reply
      1. Buddy M.D. Post author

        Do you have any pain, itch or redness down there? Self examine the area for and redness or swelling with a mirror.

        If not, this may be your normal vaginal secretions. As you grow up, secretions down there become more in quantity and give out a typical smell. The smell may be different in each individual. As long as there’s no itching or pain there, it’s likely to be normal. Just keep the area down there clean.

        Reply
      2. Jenn

        Sounds like BV. Bacteria vaginosis. It causes a strong foul fishy odor. With foamy discharge. Could be green, yellow or greyish. U would need antibiotics to get rid of it. Dont be embarrased a lot of women go thru this. Almost all women go they this at Least once in their lives. For the mean time u can Soak in a Clean bathtub with warm water and Apple cider vinegar. Like 1/4 cup. It will help with the smell. I hope this helps.

        Reply
      3. Heather

        Hi I’m not a doctor, but I am the mother of 3 teenage girls. One of my daughters is having some similar problems. You could just a hormonal imbalance, my daughters prolactin is off cause she has a brain tumor (I am NOT saying could have one) You could try summer eves vaginal wash and the spray, also change your underpants 2-3 times a day. and also try a scented body powder. And get a small bottle of perfume that your could use if you believe that your vagina is smelling. I believe the best thing would be for you to talk to your parents about what’s going on and go to your doctor for an exam. There are many reasons why you are having these problems. And the smell could even be caused by your uterus. DO NOT USE A DOUCHE. They can cause pelvic inflammatory disease. Also this is just advice on how to deal with those a** holes. hold your head up high don’t give them any satisfaction cause if they think that they have a power over you they will not stop. (but in truth I would really love it if you knocked their teeth down their evil throats) I hate bullies! I do hope the best you. Have a blessed day, And good luck.

        Reply
      4. Jessica Berube

        I’m 11 years old and I have a bad fishy odor in my vagina when I come home from school I go to the bathroom and see a white sticky substance left on my underwear I’ve had this for a while but I don’t feel comfortable to tell my mom or my doctor I’m hoping it isn’t anything serious but I’m very scared that there might be something wrong.

        Reply
      5. Dr. Elizabeth Bell

        amazing that an 11 year old would have the capacity to use the phrases “vaginal odor” and “discharge including the word “vagina”

        Reply
    2. Akindele olayinka Joy

      My 8years old daughter Virgina smells, when I took her to the hospital the doctor said I should use flagil for 1week but still smells. What next will I do?

      Reply
      1. Buddy M.D. Post author

        Any redness, itching or discharge/ stain over underwear down there? Can you describe the smell?

        Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      Does she have any problem, like itching, pain or discharge there? If yes, this may be an infection for which you need to see a doctor.

      Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      Since there is no symptom bothering her, the smell is likely to be related to her diet.

      Some food stuff like garlic, pungent sauces etc. may contribute to smells in vaginal fluids.

      Reply
  6. Mpumi

    My daughter is 11 yrs and has a bad odour with the white discharge. I make sure she baths properly, which foods can she avoid eating?

    Reply
  7. Leschelle

    My daughter is 19months old and has a funny odor by her private parts. No rash no inflammation and no itchy mess. She uses diapers at night and nappy pants in the day she is changed regularly. What could this bed I am conserned. Could you please give advise.

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      Unlikely to be an infection.

      If it is any infection, you’ll see the area swollen or red, or find blisters or rashes there. Your baby may itch or complain of pain. Since there is no such symptom, this is likely to be normal.

      The smell may be due to the diaper. Let her be without diapers, in open panties, as much as possible. Let air circulate in the area. This should solve your problem.

      Reply
  8. Tayy

    My 9 year old daughter has a terrible vaginal odor and some discharge clear liquid white stuff I think it’s from her medicine clonidine 0.3 but the smell gets worse every day even after she showers overnight the smell comes back and she already has pubic hair

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      Any redness, itching or pain down there?

      Clonidine may be giving excess secretions. However, it doesn’t give any itching or pain.

      Reply
  9. Tie

    My 10 yr old has a bad odor like overnight popcorn or worst. Soon as she open her legs you can smell it. She has chronic constipation that she takes medicine for. I have brought so many underwear and night pants. I don’t want her to be embarrassed or ashame of herself. She also just got pubic hairs and bumps I am thinking from the hair. What can I do to make her feel more comfortable with herself or should I let her see her primary care doctor?

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      Does she have any itch, pain, redness or swelling down there?

      If not, this is likely to be related to her diet. Let her consume more of fresh fruits and green leafy vegetables. Avoid junk food, excess fried, fatty stuff, caffeine.

      Reply
  10. Jenna

    I have this smell down there after I take a shower a little while later there is a bad odor no swelling,redness,itch but today there was a little pain after my shower what is my problem.
    P.S. I’m 11 years old

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      Are you sexually active? Do you use tampons? Self examine with a mirror to visualize the area and let us know if the area is red or swollen?

      Reply
  11. Ifee

    My 5years daughter has a yellowish, sticky and smelly discharge from her vagina, how do I get rid of it?
    She has been to a doctor but it changed nothing after being treated with antibiotics
    What do I do please?

    Reply
  12. Precious

    My 5year old has a very bad smell down there it itches sometime I would find something like discharge in her undies…I went to a doctor three times in four months and she was given antibiotics for bladder infection what worries me is that it’s still continues

    Reply
  13. Vanny

    My 4 years old girl has these bad smell down there,sometimes if I wnat to bath her I will see some white discharge from her pant.what can I do pls

    Reply
  14. Liezel

    Hi My 3years old and 5 months girl has these bad smell down there,sometimes if I will change her or bath her there such a smelly odor down their no itch,no redness
    pls.advice how to naturally treat it??
    Is PH ok for kids?whats the cause?

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      Since there are no disturbing symptoms, this may be related to their diets. Change their more frequently. Including home made yogurt/ curd in daily diets helps maintaining a normal pH down there.

      Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      Nothing to worry.

      This could be related to her diet. Or else, due to too much diaper use. It may be necessary to allow her to stay without diapers for some time during the day.

      Reply
  15. Lena

    My 8 year old daughter has a fishy smell on her daily it won’t smell when she takes a shower but the next day the odor will come right back until she baths again what could this be?

    Reply
    1. FAYON

      HI I HAVE A DAUGHTER SHE IS 12 YEARS AND SHE VAGINAL ODOUR AND SOMETIMES SMELLS LIKE URINA AND I SOMETIMES SEE SHE HAVE THESE WHITE STUFF ON HER UNDER WEAR WHAT CAN I DO

      Reply
      1. Buddy M.D. Post author

        These symptoms could be normal!

        Ask her for any symptoms, like itch or pain over the area. Do you see any rash or redness there?

        Reply
  16. Rayen Syarif

    Hi, My Sister Is 1 Year Old And She’s Got a Smell In Her Vagina, There’s White Yeast Stuck to Her Vagina Lips, How’s the Solution? Thank You I’m From Indonesia

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      Good hygiene down there with frequent diaper changes. Do not wash the area with any soap. This could change the pH there and further aid fungal growth. Just clean it with clean water at room temperature.

      If yeast is still there, a mild anti fungal ointment may be used topically.

      Reply
  17. Rayen Syarif

    Hi, My Sister Is 1 Year Old And She’s Got a Smell In Her Vagina, There’s White Yeast Stuck to Her Vagina Lips, How’s the Solution? Thank You, I’m From Indonesia

    Reply
  18. Beny Edward

    Help me, my sister is 14 months old, I see her which is a lot of very smelly white yeast, I’m guilty of having licked her every time she fell asleep and put in her, whether she’s going to be okay

    Reply

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