Labial Adhesion in Children: Care Instructions

Overview

The labia are the small lips around the opening of the vagina and urethra. The urethra is the tube that carries urine from the bladder to outside of the body. Labial adhesion means that those lips have joined together instead of staying apart.

This is common in girls, especially those younger than 6 years. It often causes no symptoms and will go away by itself. But it may cause symptoms such as pain or urinary problems. If so, you can treat it with a prescription cream.

How can you care for your child at home?

• Don't try to separate the labia yourself.
• Keep the groin area clean and dry. If your child is old enough, teach your child to wipe front-to-back after going to the bathroom.
• Protect the skin in your child's groin area:
  • Have your child wear cotton underpants during the day.
  • Wash your child's underpants in nondetergent laundry soap. Don't use fabric softener or dryer sheets.
  • Don't give your child bubble baths. The soap can irritate the skin.
• If your doctor has prescribed a prescription cream, follow the doctor's directions about how often to apply it and how long to use it.
• After the labia separate, use petroleum jelly or a diaper rash cream for 1 to 2 months. This helps keep the labia lips from joining again. For infants and toddlers, use the jelly or cream with each diaper change. For older children, use it once a day.