Aim:

Labial fusion is a common condition in prepubertal girls and has several complications. Some dermatological conditions were reported as etiologic factor for this disease. The aim of this study is to evaluate the etiological factors of labial fusion in children through a dermatologic view and to compare the socio-demographic, and environmental data of patients with healthy children.

Materials and Methods:

In this cross sectional prospective study, 23 patients with labial fusion and 49 age-sex matched healthy subjects were questioned and examined from dermatological aspect and assessed by a questionnaire.

Results:

In the control group; 35 % of mothers graduated from university. In children with labial fusion 35% and 26% of mothers graduated from primary school and university, respectively. The atopic family history and history of atopic diseases of patients were higher in labial fusion group when compared with healthy controls. (p<0.001, p <0.001) There were complaints of pre-erythematous lesions with a mean of 1.26±1.32 (median: 1.00) weeks before labial fusion in 60.9% (n:14) of patients with labial fusion. The alcohol based baby wipes usage was higher in group with labial fusion (p = 0.035).

Conclusion:

Labial fusion can be diagnosed in children of mothers with lower grade education, with family and personal atopic history and diseases, and frequent usage of alcohol based baby wipes. Also erythema in genital area could need follow-up in first month of visit for prevention or early diagnosis of labial fusion.

Keywords: Labial fusion, Baby wipes, Atopic diseases, Etiology