Aunt Vadge: I tore my clitoral hood while shaving – will it be ok?

Hi Aunt Vadge,

I just got done shaving and I’ve noticed I’ve got a redness in the inner hood of my clitoris, like a little tear not even a centimeter – half of that or even a quarter. Was it because I was pulling it back too far? Should I be concerned or will it heal by itself?

Yours,
Cut Hood
Age 14, USA
_____

Dear Cut Hood,

Don’t worry at all – your clitoral hood skin will heal up very quickly by itself and you

have no need to be concerned. The clitoral hood is attached to your labia, and it is very, very easily torn at the connecting edges, even just from pulling it the wrong way. It would pay to be very gentle and careful next time, and maybe take a photo of your vulva so you can see it in more detail and understand what’s happened. The image below should also help. While everyone’s vulva is different, this is the basic idea.

To help it heal without too much discomfort, you can apply a small amount of lubricating vegetable oil (olive oil, coconut, pawpaw ointment) to the area after bathing just to keep the skin moving freely. You don’t need much at all.

Write back anytime!

Warmest regards,
Aunt Vadge