Question:

Is the labia minora skin similar/same as the skin on the lips of a person's mouth? Can HIV penetrate skin?

Answer provided by:

Donna Sweet, M.D., MACP
Professor of Internal Medicine
University of Kansas School of Medicine - Wichita

The labia minora skin is typical stratified squamous epithelium with a keratin covering and underlying dermis. The inner labia minora are normally moist and contain sebaceous glands, but no hair follicles or sweat glands. They are symmetrical cutaneous folds of true skin, not mucosa and do not produce mucous. HIV cannot penetrate intact skin. However, skin of this nature is sensitive to irritation and small open cracks, much like the lips. Should there be small open fissures or cracks in the skin, then it does leave an opening for HIV to enter the body.

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