Labial adhesions do not occur in all children. Because it is a situation that affects the outer lips of the vulva, it occurs only in females. Adhesions are made up of fibrous tissue that cause other tissues to stick together. Treatments vary based on the extent of the adhesion.
Definition
Labial adhesion occurs when a girl's lips of the vulva, which are outside of the vagina, get stuck together. The adhesions are usually only partial and affect a small area of the labia. They can also affect a larger area of the labia, covering the urethra. The urethra is the exit from which urine is excreted. If this exit gets blocked, you will need to consult with a doctor to avoid the child suffering further complications from backed-up urine.
Causes
The cause of labial adhesions is not clear. According to BabyCenter, some girls seem to be predisposed to them. Adhesions are theorized to be due to low estrogen levels. Estrogen, or lack thereof, affects the nature of the labial skin. When a baby girl is six to 12 weeks old, her body has eliminated the estrogen she received from her mother while in the womb. If a baby girl is going to get labial adhesions, it is at this age that they start developing. Also, when the labia have been irritated or chafed in some way, the recovering skin could end up healing with the labia stuck together.
Treatments
Treatments for labial adhesions vary depending on the size of the adhesion. According to the Center for Young Women's Health, if the adhesion is small, mild and not blocking the urethra or the vaginal opening, you should allow it to separate without intervention. When the adhesion is partially blocking the lower vaginal opening, treat it twice a day for at least three weeks, using a mild cream to soften and separate the affected areas. If the adhesion is large and is sealing off most or all of the vaginal and urethral openings, the child's doctor will prescribe an estrogen cream. Use this cream on the area of the adhesion until the child's labia separate. Be sure to avoid surrounding skin.
