Yeast infections are common among growing girls. About 75% of all females have a yeast infection at some point in their lives.

These infections can develop in a girl's vagina and the area around the vaginal opening because of a yeast called candida. The infection can cause pain, itching, redness, a thick white vaginal discharge, pain during urination, and sometimes whitish patches on the skin of the vaginal area.

In most cases, yeast infections can be prevented by keeping the vaginal area clean and dry.

If your daughter has a vaginal yeast infection, her doctor can prescribe proper treatment that can clear up the symptoms in a couple of days and cure the infection within a week.

Causes

Yeast can thrive in moist, dark environments, so it's a good idea to have your daughter avoid clothing that's too tight or made of materials like nylon that can trap heat and moisture. Jeans that are too tight, nylon underwear, and pantyhose can trap moisture and lead to yeast infections.

But yeast infections can be brought on by a variety of other factors, too, including stress, pregnancy, certain illnesses, and medications. Sometimes girls get yeast infections after they've taken antibiotics for something like strep throat - the antibiotics kill off the good bacteria that keep the candida from growing, leading to infection.

As girls mature and go through puberty, hormonal changes can make them more susceptible to yeast infections - sometimes girls get yeast infections right before their menstrual periods. Young girls who haven't gone through puberty yet are less likely to get yeast infections, but they can occur. So if your young daughter complains of itching or discomfort in her vaginal area, it's important to talk with her doctor.

Prevention

In most cases, yeast infections can be prevented by using unscented soap and avoiding vaginal sprays or douches. For some girls, certain bath gels, lotions, or laundry detergents lead to irritation that can foster a yeast infection. So it's a good idea to buy mild and fragrance-free bath and cleansing products for your daughter.

It can also help to make sure your daughter wears cotton underwear or underwear with a cotton crotch that won't trap moisture or block air circulation. After swimming or exercising in tight nylon clothing, she should quickly change out of the wet or damp gear and into dry clothing.

Treatment

If your daughter is experiencing any symptoms of a yeast infection, like itchiness or abnormal vaginal discharge, she should see her doctor or gynecologist. The doctor will likely have her take a urine test to rule out any other types of infection.

If she does have a yeast infection, her doctor can prescribe a vaginal cream, pill, or suppository that will quickly clear up the symptoms in a few days and the infection within a week.

Reviewed by: Barbara P. Homeier, MD
Date reviewed: October 2005