What is the white substance in an eleven-month-old baby girl's genital area?

May 10, 2023 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Ma Yan
Introduction
The following refers to the genital area. In an 11-month-old baby girl, white substances in the genital area may be normal vaginal discharge composed of bacteria and cells. It could also result from poor hygiene of the external genital region, leading to bacterial infection and vulvitis, which causes white discharge due to inflammatory irritation. Additionally, it might be white inflammatory material secreted due to inflammation caused by pathogenic infection of the urethra.

The term "below" usually refers to the genital area. The presence of white substance in the genital region of an 11-month-old female infant may be a normal phenomenon, or it could indicate pathological conditions such as vulvitis or urethritis. The specific analysis is as follows:

1. Normal Phenomenon

After birth, infants still retain some maternal sex hormones in their bodies. Under the influence of these residual hormones, white discharge may occur. This is considered a normal physiological phenomenon and typically resolves gradually as the baby grows and the residual hormones dissipate.

2. Pathological Phenomena

1) Vulvitis

If hygiene in the external genital area is not properly maintained, bacterial infection can easily lead to vulvitis. Inflammatory stimulation may result in abnormal white discharge, often accompanied by local itching and other symptoms. It is recommended to clean the external genitalia with diluted potassium permanganate solution under medical guidance, which helps reduce inflammatory response. Maintaining cleanliness and hygiene of the genital area during this period is essential.

2) Urethritis

When the urethra is infected by pathogenic bacteria, inflammatory stimulation can cause the secretion of exudative material, leading to white discharge in the external genital area. It is recommended to take medications such as cefixime granules, cefaclor dry suspension, or cephalexin granules under medical supervision to control the inflammation and improve symptoms.

In addition, diaper rash or vaginal trichomoniasis infection could also be possible causes. Specific diagnosis requires relevant medical examinations at a hospital, followed by appropriate treatment measures.