How to Heal Vaginal Fissures: Best Treatments for Tears and Cuts

Vaginal fissures and labial tears are surprisingly common, yet often misunderstood. A vaginal tear may feel like a sharp sting, a cut, or just persistent irritation that doesn’t go away. These tears can happen during sex, from dryness or infection, or seemingly out of nowhere.

In this guide, we cover the causes of vaginal fissures, what vaginal tear symptoms feel like, how to manage them at home, and when to see a specialist.

Vaginal cuts and tears aren’t a ‘disease’ or a medical condition – they are a symptom of something else.

1. What is a vaginal fissure?

A vaginal fissure is a split or crack in the vaginal or vulvar skin or mucosa. It can occur anywhere from the outer labia to inside the vaginal canal. You might feel a tear when it happens or notice symptoms later, like a burning sensation or bleeding.

Fissures are often minor and heal quickly, but some persist or keep recurring in the same spot. These injuries are typically mechanical or caused by inflammation, but deeper factors may also be involved.

2. Vaginal tear symptoms and how to recognise them

Vaginal tear symptoms can vary depending on depth, location and cause. Most people report:

A sharp stinging or raw feeling, especially during urination
Pain with penetration or wiping
A sensation of a bruised vagina or dull ache
Visible cuts or red patches
Itching or irritation as the skin heals

Internal tears may not be visible, but they often present as discomfort with sex or tampon use. The full list of vaginal tear symptoms and treatments is broad, but with the right support, most fissures resolve without scarring.

3. Vulvar fissures treatment at home

Most minor vaginal fissures can be treated at home. A solid vulvar fissures treatment-at-home plan involves:

Keeping the area clean and dry
Avoiding irritants like soaps, douches, and friction
Applying a safe, vulva-specific healing cream or balm

At My Vagina, we recommend Aunt Vadge’s Delicate Cuts Cream. It’s designed to support the healing of minor cuts without disrupting your vaginal flora. This carefully developed product is a cornerstone in many home care plans for simple labial or vaginal fissures.

People with recurrent vulvar or vaginal cuts and tears may benefit from seeing a practitioner who can assess oestrogen levels, gut function, nutrient status, or the vaginal microbiome.

4. What is a labial tears healing ointment?

A labial tears healing ointment is a topical product used to soothe and support the repair of delicate vulvar skin. Unlike general-purpose creams, a suitable healing ointment for labial tears must be:

Non-irritating and pH-appropriate
Free from antiseptics or fragrances
Safe for external use on mucous membranes

Options like pawpaw ointment, aloe vera gel or vitamin E oil can also help protect and keep moisturise in the skin so it can heal for simple or one-off cuts and tears. Purpose-fit creams, such as Aunt Vadge’s Delicate Cuts Cream, are a good choice if cuts are recurrent. These formulations promote tissue healing and reduce inflammation while being appropriate for sensitive areas.

A healing ointment should not be inserted into the vagina unless prescribed by a healthcare practitioner.

5. Why does your labia feel ripped?

That feeling of a labia ripped or torn can occur from a number of triggers:

Friction from sex, fingers or toys
Dryness due to low oestrogen
Yeast infections or other imbalances
Skin conditions such as lichen sclerosus
Physical trauma or scratching

Identifying the cause of the tear is the first step to healing. Many people assume it’s ‘just the way their body is’, but recurrent fissures have an underlying trigger. Addressing this is essential to prevent re-tearing.

Here in My Vagina’s specialist clinic, we are very focused on not only relieving symptoms but also understanding and treating the underlying causes. Without addressing the true cause of vulvar cuts and tears, when it goes beyond rough sex or other straightforward damage, they will return over and over.

6. Labia cut treatment options

Labia cut treatment includes rest, protection and restoring the skin’s natural barrier. Key strategies include:

Avoiding any friction or penetration until fully healed
Applying a healing ointment once or twice daily
Using warm water and very mild soap only to wash the area
Supporting your skin from the inside with zinc, vitamin C and protein

For dry or postmenopausal vulvas, oestrogen support may be needed. Infections like candida can also contribute to cracking and should be ruled out.

7. When a vaginal fissure won’t heal

Not all fissures are straightforward. If your tear doesn’t improve after a week or two of careful management, it’s time to look deeper.

Mystery cuts and tears may be caused by:

Atrophic vaginitis from low oestrogen (try Fennelope)
Candida or bacterial infections
Contact dermatitis or allergies
Autoimmune skin conditions
Nutrient deficiencies

These types of fissures need more than just a healing cream. You may need vaginal hormone support, microbiome testing or a practitioner-designed treatment plan.

If you’ve tried everything and nothing is helping, you’re not alone. A consultation with a My Vagina specialist can help get to the bottom of it.

8. How to prevent vaginal fissures

The most effective long-term plan includes identifying your personal triggers and supporting vaginal skin resilience.

Good daily habits include:

Washing gently with water only – use a specific vulva wash instead of harsh soaps, and never wash inside the vaginal entrance
Using hypoallergenic laundry detergent
Wearing cotton underwear and avoiding tight pants
Avoiding friction during sex when not aroused or lubricated (important!)

Using a topical barrier cream regularly can protect vulnerable tissue. The full guide on how to prevent vaginal fissures includes these and other strategies.

9. Healing ointments for labial tears and when to use them

Healing ointments for labial tears are most useful when applied at the first sign of irritation. They help protect the skin and promote faster wound closure.

Use ointments:

Before and after urination to protect from stinging
After washing to trap in moisture
Before bed to support overnight healing
During flare-ups if you suffer from recurrent fissures

Always choose vulva-safe products and avoid anything that stings or burns. If a product causes discomfort, stop using it immediately and seek advice.

10. When to get help for a vaginal tear

A vaginal tear may seem like a minor issue, but if it keeps coming back, it’s a sign of a deeper imbalance.

Speak to a healthcare professional if:

It doesn’t heal within 10-14 days
There is bleeding or ulceration
You suspect an infection
You notice a visible lump, sore or blister
The fissure keeps appearing in the same spot

My Vagina’s vulvovaginal naturopaths offer a thorough assessment and customised treatment for chronic cuts and tears. Once you have a clear diagnosis and treatment plan from your doctor, book a consultation if you’re stuck or in pain for supportive options and a fresh perspective.

What to do next

Vaginal fissures can be complex or straightforward, but they are treatable. Whether you’re dealing with a first-time vaginal tear or trying to manage chronic skin splits, the right tools and knowledge can make all the difference.

Start with a safe, effective labial tears healing ointment, apply the tips in this guide, and don’t hesitate to get help if you’re not healing. For many people, the right support is the missing piece.

Explore our product range, read our blog on vaginal tear symptoms and treatments, or ask your practitioner for help with personalised care.

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