Occasional itching around the vulval area external female genital area can be common in teenagers as they go through puberty. Genital skin is very delicate and needs to be treated gently. Sometimes, irritation to the skin in the area can cause pain, which may be a condition called vulvovaginitis. The symptoms are usually not serious and improve naturally. See our fact sheet Vulvovaginitis. Often people assume these symptoms are due to a thrush infection; however, there are many other possible reasons for the symptoms. Threadworms can also cause itching and redness around the vaginal area.
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About 6 months to 1 year before a girl gets her first period , her body may start to make vaginal discharge. This is normal and due to changing hormone levels. The discharge helps keep the vagina healthy. Normal vaginal discharge can have a texture that's anywhere from thin and slightly sticky to thick and gooey. Discharge also can vary in color, ranging from clear to white or off-white. The amount of discharge can depend on a girl's menstrual cycle. For example, fluids tend to be a bit heavier around the time a girl ovulates, which is when an egg is released from the ovary and moves into the fallopian tube. Normal discharge should have only a slight odor and should never cause itching or burning. If you notice itching, a strong bad smell, or a change in color such as to brown, gray, or green , it's a sign of a vaginal infection.
Kids Health Information
The year-old even rejected the Black Barbie dolls her mother gave her because she thought the white version was considered prettier and more desirable. My mum gave me a Black Barbie just so I could see myself but I rejected it. It really did something to me. My sisters were quite light. Growing up [in London], I was surrounded by a lot of mixed-race girls, light-skinned girls. My sisters used to get a lot of attention. It was getting into my head that maybe lighter is better. Even if you see ads now in Ghana, you see girls with straight hair. I grew up thinking the European standard was the best.
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