II. Definition
- Labial Fusion
- Labia minora fuses in prepubescent girls, blocking the vaginal introitus
III. Pathophysiology
- Low level irritation of the labia minora
- Hypoestrogenized labial tissue
IV. Signs
- Labia minora fused, blocking the vaginal introitus
- Patient still able to urinate despite fusion
V. Management
- Avoid manually separating the fused labia (painful, and typically refuses)
- Practice good hygiene with daily baths and frequent diaper changes
- Apply daily, a small amount of Topical Estrogen cream to affected labia minora
VI. Course
- Expect the labia to separate within 2-3 weeks with Topical Estrogen and improved hygiene
- Expect some mild, transient local Estrogen effects (e.g. Hyperpigmentation, Vaginal Discharge)
VII. Prevention
- Practice good hygiene to area
- Apply vaseline to the area after the labia have separated to prevent repeat fusion
VIII. References
- Claudius and Willner in Herbert (2019) EM:Rap 19(1): 2-4