Solving Labial Adhesion in Young Girls Naturally

Author: Aunt Vadge
Qualified Naturopath | BHSc(N)

Last reviewed: July 4, 2026

Hello Aunt Vadge,

My girl is 5 years old and has labial adhesion. I was using a hormonal cream, but it helped only while we used it, and once we stopped her labia minora closed again. It isn’t giving her any discomfort, so we stopped. Her labia minora are closed almost completely, with just a very small opening, maybe 0.5cm long.

Now she has started getting cracks on her vulva. They heal fast, but they appear, then another, then another. She isn’t saying it is itchy today. I helped her wash before bed and noticed the upper part near her clitoris was very red, and she said it was sore. A tiny bit of blood was on the cotton wool when I wiped it.

What could it be? What should I use? Right now I am just cleaning it with water, doing chamomile baths, and applying some Sudocrem [nappy rash cream].

And thank you.
Mother

Dear Mother,

Thank you for writing, and for the care you’re so obviously putting into looking after your girl.

The bottom line first: because she now has cracks that keep coming back, redness near the clitoris, soreness and a little blood, I would get her seen by a doctor – your GP, a paediatrician, or a paediatric gynaecologist – rather than treating this blind at home. Little girls’ vulvas are delicate, and several different things can look alike here: simple irritation, a skin condition, or an infection. The only way to tell them apart is for someone to examine her in person. We don’t do physical exams at My Vagina, and a young child especially needs proper hands-on assessment, so please don’t try to open the adhesion or put anything inside yourself.

For reassurance: labial adhesion is common in little girls and is linked to the naturally low oestrogen of childhood, which is exactly as it should be at her age. It very often settles on its own around puberty as oestrogen rises. When treatment is used, it is either watchful waiting or a short course of doctor-prescribed topical oestrogen – and the research shows both approaches work, which is why this is best left to a doctor to weigh up for your daughter specifically.

One thing worth a doctor’s eyes: a skin condition called lichen sclerosus can affect young girls and causes exactly this kind of cracking, redness, soreness and light bleeding. It is very treatable once diagnosed, but it does need a proper look to spot – another good reason to book her in.

In the meantime, the gentle home care you’re already doing is fine to continue:

plain-water washing only – no soap, bubble bath, or wipes on the area
a plain barrier ointment (the nappy cream you’re using, or plain petroleum jelly) to protect the sore skin
soft cotton underwear, changed often, and time out of tight or damp clothing
your chamomile baths are gentle and perfectly fine

What I would steer away from: don’t add soy or other phytoestrogen foods to try to raise her oestrogen, and don’t apply hormone-type balms yourself. At five, her hormones are meant to be low, and deliberately nudging them isn’t something to do without a doctor guiding it.

The new soreness and spot of blood are the main reason to book in soon rather than wait. Most likely it is simple irritation that will settle with gentle care, but a doctor should be the one to confirm that.

This is general information, not a substitute for personalised medical advice.

Please let us know how she gets on.

Warmest regards,
Aunt Vadge