Itching or smell · For ages 8–12
Why does my genital area itch or smell different?
The genital area has a natural smell, but sometimes you may notice new itching, stinging, soreness or a smell that is different from usual.
About what you notice
What is happening?
Perhaps the area between your legs itches or stings, the skin feels sore, or you notice a smell that is different from before. Tell an adult you trust, especially if it lasts or bothers you a lot.
The area between your legs is called the genital area. Its outer parts are called the vulva. These include the labia, which are folds of skin around the openings. One of these openings leads into the vagina, a soft passage inside the body. The vagina can make fluid that comes out in your underwear. This is called discharge.
Skin, sweat and discharge give the genital area a natural smell. The smell can vary from day to day. If your skin starts itching, stinging or becoming sore, it may be irritated. That means it is reacting to something, such as soap, perfume, washing too much or clothes rubbing against it.
Itching and soreness may have other causes too, such as a skin condition or infection. An infection means that, for example, bacteria or fungi have started causing problems in the body. A fungal infection is one possible cause, but it is uncommon in otherwise healthy children before puberty. That is why getting help to find the cause matters.
Wash the outside gently with lukewarm water. The vagina cleans itself. Ask an adult for help before using medicines or creams for your symptoms. A doctor can examine the area if needed.
Find what fits best
Which sounds most like what you notice?
Choose the option closest to what you have seen, felt or noticed.
Why does my genital area itch or smell different?
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Important to know
Yes. Skin, sweat and discharge mean the genital area has a natural smell. The smell does not need to be exactly the same every day. The important thing is whether you notice a clear change along with other symptoms.
Your genital area is not supposed to smell of perfume. Its natural smell may be more noticeable after a hot day or exercise. Clean, dry clothes can make you more comfortable. If the smell suddenly changes and you also have other symptoms, it is good to tell an adult.
Itching may happen because the skin is irritated, dry or sore. It can also happen with certain infections or skin conditions. It is difficult to know the cause just from feeling itchy.
Try describing whether the itching is on the skin outside and whether it is worse at a particular time. Also say if it wakes you at night. You do not need to know why it is happening before asking an adult for help.
The skin around the genitals is sensitive. Soap, perfumed products and washing too much can irritate some people's skin. If the area is already sore or itchy, it is a good idea to tell an adult.
Wash the outside gently and leave the inside of the vagina alone. Perfume, bubble bath and lots of scrubbing can make the skin more irritated. Ask an adult for help if the skin is sore, and avoid trying strong products to wash the itching away.
Certain types of fungus can grow in the genital area and cause itching, soreness and thick, white discharge. However, fungal infections are uncommon in otherwise healthy children before puberty, and similar symptoms can have many other causes.
Tell an adult what you feel. A doctor can help find out the cause. Ask for help before using an antifungal cream or medicine.
Notice whether your discharge has a clearly different colour, thickness or smell from before. Also tell someone if you have itching, stinging or pain at the same time.
Describe what is different for you rather than comparing yourself with pictures online. Say whether the change began around the same time as the itching or stinging. An adult can help you explain this to a healthcare professional. You do not have to decide which treatment is appropriate.
Tell an adult if you itch a lot, the skin becomes sore, it stings, the smell changes noticeably, your discharge changes a lot or the symptoms do not go away.
You could say, 'It itches so much I cannot sleep,' or 'It stings when my clothes touch the skin.' These examples help someone understand. If it is difficult to say aloud, you can show this page or write a note.
What next?
What can you do next?
You can say: 'My genital area itches', 'It smells different than before' or 'My skin has become sore'. You do not need to know whether the cause is irritation, a fungal infection or something else.
Sources
These are the sources used for this article. Some are written for teenagers, adults or healthcare professionals.