Ask the doctor: My 12 year old daughter’s vulva is often itchy and in pain. Should I give her my vaginal gel?

Dr Grant replies: This is most likely a common condition in young girls called nonspecific vulvovaginitis. The good news is that it tends to resolve itself within a few weeks. The vaginal gel you refer to most likely contains lactic acid and/or some pro-biotic agents and should not cause any harm once they are available over the counter in a pharmacy. It may not do any good either, though ­— therefore, I recommend you do not use it in treating your daughter’s complaint. You are right to focus on hygiene and avoid using any harsh chemicals when washing her body or in the laundry. Try to keep shampoo, conditioner and body wash as natural as possible, ideally fragrance free and pH balanced.