Vulvar disorders in the prepubertal female

Inspection of the vulva should be a routine part of well child care. Detection of poor perineal hygiene permits the establishment of good hygiene practices, which may prevent development of vulvovaginitis. Condylomata acuminata, molluscum contagiosum, herpetic vulvitis, and vulvovaginitis secondary to Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Gardnerella vaginalis, Chlamydia trachomatis, and Trichomonas vaginalis arouse suspicion of child sexual abuse, which must be addressed. Atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, lichen planus, and lichen sclerosis et atrophicus are often chronic and early diagnosis with appropriate treatment and follow-up contributes to the acceptance of the disease by parent and child. Early detection of the rare neoplasms of the vulva is essential to improved survival.