Editing Labia minora (section)

=== Medical conditions ===
Being very sensitive by their structure to any irritation, and situated in the excretion area where traces of urine, [[vaginal discharge]], [[smegma]] and even [[Human feces|feces]] may be present, the inner lips may be susceptible to inflammatory infections of the vulva such as [[vulvitis]].

The likelihood of inflammation may be reduced through appropriate regular hygienic cleansing of the whole vulval vestibule, using water and medically tested cleansing agents designed for vulvas. To avoid contamination of the vulva with fecal bacteria, it is recommended that the vulva is washed only from front to back, from [[mons pubis]] to the [[perineum]] and [[Human anus|anus]]. Apart from water and special liquid cleansing agents (lotions), there are commercially available [[wet wipe]]s for female intimate hygiene. Some women wipe the vulval vestibule dry with toilet tissue after urination to avoid irritation and infections from residual drops of the urine in the area.

However, incorrect choice of cleansing agents, or their incorrect application, may itself cause labial irritation and require medical attention. Over-vigorous rubbing of the labia of little girls while washing, combined with the lack of [[estrogen]] in their bodies, may lead to the mostly pediatric condition known as [[labial fusion]]. If fused labia prevent urination, urine may accumulate and cause pain and inflammation.

In adult females, irritation of the area may be caused by wearing too-tight underwear (especially where wider inner labia protrude in the pudendal cleft); while [[G-string]]s, which rub against the labia during body movements, may cause irritation or lead to infection from bacteria transferred from either the external environment or the anus.