Frederic Melton
Smegma is a harmless combination of oils, skin cells, sweat, and other fluids that accumulate around the genitals. It is a natural substance that provides lubrication to the genitals. However, if left to build up, it can cause concerns such as a foul odour, irritation, and an increased risk of infection. The best way to prevent and treat smegma is to maintain proper hygiene by regularly washing the genitals and the surrounding areas with mild soap and warm water. This helps to clear away any build-up and prevents potential issues associated with smegma accumulation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What is it | Smegma |
| Description | A harmless combination of oils, skin cells, sweat and other fluids that accumulate around your genitals |
| Appearance | Crumbly, thick, cheesy-looking secretion that can be white or yellow |
| Odor | Foul |
| Occurrence | Common after puberty and before menopause/around age 60 |
| Prevention/Treatment | Regularly wash the genitals and surrounding areas with mild soap and clean water |
| Additional Tips | Use fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, or sensitive skin products; thoroughly dry the area after washing; wear clean, breathable underwear |
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What You'll Learn
Wash genitals with mild soap and warm water
Smegma is a harmless combination of oils, skin cells, sweat, and other fluids that accumulate around your genitals. It can cause a foul odour and may resemble crumbly cheese. It is important to practise good personal hygiene to prevent body odour and infections.
To prevent and treat smegma, regularly wash your genitals and the surrounding areas with mild soap and warm water. If you have a foreskin, gently pull it back as far as you can towards your body. Use a clean washcloth or your hands to wash the skin under your foreskin with mild soap and warm, clean water. Avoid harsh scrubbing as the skin underneath the foreskin is sensitive and can easily tear, leading to infection. If the smegma has hardened, gently rub oil on the area before cleaning to help loosen the accumulation. After washing, gently pat the area dry and pull your foreskin back over the tip of your penis.
If you are circumcised, clean your penis with mild soap and warm water. Be sure to gently pull apart your labia and carefully wash the area, avoiding getting soap or water in your vagina. The skin in these areas is sensitive, so it is recommended to use a mild, unscented, and hypoallergenic soap free of perfumes, dyes, or alcohol. Look for products labelled "fragrance-free," "hypoallergenic," or "for sensitive skin."
After washing and rinsing the area, thoroughly dry it with a clean towel. Put on clean, breathable cotton underwear to help prevent bacterial growth. Practising good personal hygiene by regularly washing your genitals with mild soap and warm water can effectively prevent and treat smegma and associated body odour.
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Avoid harsh scrubbing
While maintaining good intimate hygiene is important to prevent body cheese, it is crucial to avoid harsh scrubbing or aggressive scrubbing of the intimate area. This area of the body has sensitive skin, and harsh scrubbing can cause microscopic tears, irritate the skin, and disrupt the natural balance of the area.
Instead of harsh scrubbing, gently clean the intimate area with mild soap and warm water. Use gentle pressure while exfoliating, and be careful not to get water or soap inside the vaginal opening or penis. Thoroughly rinse off all the soap and then gently pat the area dry. Pull your foreskin back over the tip of your penis, if applicable.
To avoid irritating the intimate area, it is also recommended to use mild and gentle products. Avoid harsh chemicals such as sulphates and parabens, which can be found in many skincare products. Instead, opt for products labelled "fragrance-free," "hypoallergenic," or "for sensitive skin." Additionally, be mindful of how often you exfoliate, as even a gentle body scrub can lead to accidental over-exfoliation. If you notice dryness, irritation, or redness, reduce the frequency of exfoliation.
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Use fragrance-free products
While body odour is caused by a mix of bacteria and sweat on the skin, it can be influenced by hormones, diet, infection, medications, underlying conditions, and stress. To combat body odour, it is important to practice good hygiene by showering at least once a day, focusing on areas that tend to sweat, like the armpits and groin. Shaving the armpits can also help, as hair can trap bacteria and odour.
To reduce body odour, it is recommended to use fragrance-free products. Deodorants mask body odour with fragrance, while antiperspirants reduce sweating. Antiperspirants contain metal salts, such as aluminium, that block sweat pores. Antiperspirants are most effective when applied to dry skin, so it is best to apply them after showering or bathing and before bed.
When choosing a deodorant or antiperspirant, opt for fragrance-free options. Fragrances can sometimes irritate the skin, especially in sensitive areas. Look for products labelled "fragrance-free", "hypoallergenic", or "for sensitive skin". These products will help combat body odour without introducing additional fragrances that may mix with your natural body scent.
In addition to fragrance-free deodorants and antiperspirants, you can also use fragrance-free antibacterial soaps. Antibacterial soaps help wash away bad bacteria on the skin, reducing body odour. Look for products labelled "antibacterial" at your local drugstore. Using cleansers or spot treatments containing benzoyl peroxide can also help reduce bacteria on the skin.
By using fragrance-free products, you can effectively manage body odour without the risk of fragrance irritation or unwanted scent mixtures. This approach allows you to address the root causes of body odour while maintaining a neutral scent profile.
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Dry thoroughly
Thoroughly drying the areas of your body where "body cheese", or smegma, accumulates is an important step in preventing its buildup. Smegma is a harmless combination of oils, skin cells, sweat, and other fluids that accumulate around your genitals. It usually has a foul odour and resembles crumbly cheese.
To prevent the buildup of smegma, it is important to thoroughly dry the areas where it accumulates after washing. Use a clean towel to pat the area dry. Then, put on clean, breathable underwear to help prevent bacterial growth.
If you have a penis, gently pull back your foreskin and use a clean washcloth or your hands to wash the skin underneath with soap and warm, clean water. Avoid harsh scrubbing, as this can irritate the sensitive skin. After washing and rinsing, gently pat the area dry with a clean towel. Finally, pull your foreskin back over the tip of your penis.
If you have a vagina, gently separate the labia and use a clean washcloth or your hands to wash the area with soap and warm water. Be careful not to get soap or water inside the vagina. After washing and rinsing, thoroughly dry the area with a clean towel.
For children who have not yet reached puberty, the foreskin is usually still attached to the penis. In this case, you can gently wash beneath the foreskin with mild soap and warm water, and then dry the area thoroughly.
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Wear clean, breathable underwear
Wearing clean, breathable underwear is essential for maintaining good vaginal health. Natural, breathable fabrics such as cotton are recommended by doctors as the best option for supporting vaginal health. Cotton underwear is gentle, breathable, comfortable, and absorbent, allowing for ventilation and reduced odour. It is important to wear clean underwear, especially after a workout, as the area is sensitive and can be prone to irritation, itching, and allergic reactions.
Breathable underwear allows air to circulate, keeping the area dry and preventing moisture build-up, which can create a breeding ground for bacteria. This is especially important during the summer months when the weather is warmer, and you may be more active. Opting for breathable underwear made from cotton or moisture-wicking materials can help keep you comfortable and dry.
When choosing underwear, it is recommended to select styles that cover the labia, as this can help prevent bacterial growth. While thongs are a popular style choice, they may not be the healthiest option as the fabric can attract bacteria that can be introduced to the vagina. However, if you prefer thongs, choose a pair with a cotton crotch panel, as tight-fitting thongs can lead to chafing.
It is also important to wash your underwear separately from your other clothes, especially if they have been exposed to bodily fluids. Use a gentle, hypoallergenic soap to wash your underwear, and tumble dry on low heat for 30 minutes. Additionally, consider wearing loose-fitting pyjama bottoms or going without underwear to bed to allow the area to breathe and prevent moisture build-up.
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Frequently asked questions
Body cheese, or smegma, is a harmless combination of oils, skin cells, sweat, and other fluids that accumulate around your genitals. It usually has a foul odour and resembles crumbly cheese.
The best way to prevent and treat body cheese is to regularly wash your genitals and the surrounding areas with soap and clean water. Be sure to dry the area thoroughly with a clean towel afterward.
It is recommended to wash your genitals every day. You only need to clean the area once or twice a week to prevent body cheese.
Use a mild, fragrance-free soap that is free of perfumes, dyes, or alcohol. Avoid harsh scrubbing, as this can irritate the sensitive skin in these areas.
