Frederic Melton
The substance that resembles cheese under the foreskin is called smegma. It is a natural secretion of the oil glands around the genitals. It is a combination of oils, dead skin cells, sweat, and other body fluids. Smegma can accumulate under the foreskin in uncircumcised males, but it can also develop in the folds of the labia and clitoris in females. It is not a sign of a sexually transmitted infection and is usually harmless. However, if left untreated, it can cause an odour, harden, and lead to irritation or infection.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Thick, white, cheesy substance |
| Consistency | Crumbly |
| Odor | Sour milk |
| Composition | Oils, dead skin cells, sweat, and other body fluids |
| Occurrence | In males, smegma occurs under the foreskin of the penis, especially in uncircumcised males. In females, it occurs between the folds of the labia or around the clitoral hood. |
| Age | Smegma usually occurs after puberty, and becomes less common after menopause in females and around age 60 in males. |
| Prevention | Smegma can be prevented by regularly washing the genitals with mild soap and warm water. |
| Treatment | Smegma can be treated by gently pulling back the foreskin and cleaning the area with mild soap and warm water. |
| Complications | If left untreated, smegma can cause bacterial infections, balanitis, irritation, redness, swelling, and inflammation. |
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What You'll Learn
Smegma is a natural secretion
While smegma is a natural occurrence, it can become a problem if it is not properly cleaned and allowed to build up. The buildup of smegma can lead to a strong, foul odour, as well as irritation, redness, swelling, and inflammation of the genitals. In males, a smegma buildup may cause the foreskin to stick to the penis, making it difficult to retract. This condition is known as balanitis and can be painful.
To prevent smegma buildup, it is important to maintain good hygiene practices. This includes regularly washing the genitals with mild soap and warm water. For uncircumcised males, this involves gently pulling back the foreskin and cleaning the area underneath with soap and water. It is important to avoid using sharp objects or cotton swabs, as these can irritate the sensitive skin.
While smegma is typically not a cause for concern, it is important to see a doctor if you experience any pain, discomfort, or other symptoms, as it may indicate an infection or other condition.
In infants, smegma may appear as white dots or "pearls" under the skin of the foreskin. This is because the foreskin is often attached to the head of the penis at birth and starts to separate as the child ages. It is generally not recommended to forcibly retract the foreskin in young males, as it can cause pain and bleeding. Instead, gently sponge bathe the genitals with water and soap externally until the foreskin can be retracted.
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It can cause bacterial infections
Smegma is a natural secretion of the oil glands around the genitals. It is a combination of oils from sebaceous glands, dead skin cells, sweat, and other bodily fluids. It is normal to have some smegma, and it is typically not a health problem. However, if left to build up due to poor hygiene, it can cause bacterial infections.
In males, smegma accumulates under the foreskin, especially in those who are uncircumcised. The foreskin can trap oils, skin cells, and other fluids, creating an ideal environment for smegma to build up. This build-up can cause the foreskin to stick to the penis, which can be painful. Additionally, smegma build-up and hardening can cause irritation, redness, swelling, and inflammation of the penis, a condition called balanitis. Balanitis is inflammation of the glans penis or head, and it is often accompanied by other symptoms.
In females, smegma may build up between the labia and around the clitoral hood. It is important to note that smegma is not a sexually transmitted infection or any type of infection. However, the accumulation of smegma can foster an environment for bacterial growth, leading to potential infections.
To prevent and treat smegma, it is essential to maintain good personal hygiene. This includes regularly washing the genital area with mild soap and warm water. For males with a foreskin, it is important to gently pull back the foreskin and clean the area underneath with soap and water. Similarly, females should gently separate the labia and clean the area with soap and water, being careful not to get soap inside the vagina.
While smegma itself is not an infection, the build-up of smegma can increase the risk of developing bacterial infections. Therefore, it is important to maintain proper hygiene and seek medical advice if any symptoms of infection, such as redness, swelling, or foul odour, persist or cause concern.
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It can lead to balanitis
Smegma is a thick, white, cheesy substance that collects around the genitals. It is a combination of oils from sebaceous glands, dead skin cells, sweat, and other fluids. It is normal to have some smegma, and it is usually not a health problem. However, if left untreated, smegma can lead to balanitis, a condition causing inflammation and pain on the head of the penis.
Balanitis is an infection of the penis tip and foreskin that can develop gradually or come on suddenly. It is characterised by soreness, redness, irritation, and swelling on the head of the penis. It can also cause a foul-smelling discharge, itching, and discomfort or pain while urinating. Balanitis is most common in uncircumcised males due to the accumulation of smegma under the foreskin. The warm, moist environment under the foreskin, along with poor hygiene, provides an ideal environment for bacteria, fungi, and other organisms to grow, leading to balanitis.
The main symptoms of balanitis include inflammation, redness, irritation, and pain on the head of the penis. It can also cause a foul-smelling discharge, known as leucorrhea, and itching under the foreskin. In some cases, balanitis may make it difficult to pull back the foreskin, a condition called phimosis. Balanitis can be treated with antifungal creams, antibiotics, and improved hygiene practices, such as regularly cleaning the affected area.
To prevent smegma buildup, which can lead to balanitis, it is important to maintain good genital hygiene. This includes gently pulling back the foreskin and cleaning the area with mild soap and warm water once or twice a week. Ensuring that the area is thoroughly dried after washing can also help prevent bacterial growth. Maintaining proper hygiene can help reduce the risk of balanitis and other potential complications associated with smegma buildup.
While smegma itself is usually harmless, its presence can create an ideal environment for bacteria to grow. This bacterial growth can lead to various complications, including balanitis. Therefore, it is important to maintain proper hygiene and address any signs of infection or irritation promptly.
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It can be prevented by washing genitals
Smegma is a natural secretion of the oil glands around the genitals. It is a combination of oils from sebaceous glands, dead skin cells, sweat, and other fluids. It can appear as a thick, white or yellow, cheesy substance that collects around the genitals. Smegma is normal and usually not a health problem. However, if left to build up, it can cause several issues.
Firstly, smegma can create an ideal environment for bacteria to grow and feed, leading to a strong-smelling odour. The bacteria can also cause inflammation and irritation, such as balanitis, which is a swelling of the foreskin and head of the penis. This condition is most common in uncircumcised males with poor hygiene. Secondly, smegma buildup can cause the foreskin to stick to the penis, resulting in pain and discomfort. In females, smegma buildup may cause the clitoral hood to stick to the clitoral shaft, which can also be uncomfortable or painful. Lastly, while rare, smegma buildup can lead to serious complications such as infection and cancer.
The best way to prevent and treat smegma is by maintaining good genital hygiene. For males with a foreskin, gently pull back the foreskin and clean the area underneath with mild soap and warm water. Be careful not to irritate the penis by using sharp devices or products like cotton swabs. Dry the area with a soft towel and pull the foreskin back over the penis. This cleaning procedure should be repeated daily until the smegma disappears. If it does not improve or gets worse, or if there is any redness, swelling, or foul smell, consult a doctor.
For females, gently separate the labia and clean the area with mild soap and warm water. Avoid getting water or soap inside the vagina, and be sure to use a gentle, fragrance-free soap to prevent irritation. Dry the area thoroughly with a clean towel and put on clean, breathable underwear. Both males and females should wash their genitals at least once or twice a week to prevent smegma buildup.
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It can be treated by washing genitals
Smegma is a thick, white, cheesy substance that collects around your genitals. It is a combination of oils from sebaceous glands, dead skin cells, sweat, and other fluids. It is normal to have some smegma, and it is usually not a health problem. However, it can lead to a strong smell and some genital irritation if not washed away.
In males, smegma accumulates under the foreskin, which can trap the oils, skin cells, and other fluids, creating an ideal environment for smegma to build up. It is more common in uncircumcised men who do not clean that area well enough.
To treat smegma, it is recommended to wash your genitals regularly with mild soap and warm water. If you have foreskin, gently pull your foreskin back as far as you can toward your body. Use a clean washcloth or your hands to wash the skin under your foreskin. Rinse the area thoroughly and dry it with a clean towel. It is important to wash gently and avoid using sharp devices or products like cotton swabs, as these can irritate the sensitive skin. You should also avoid scented cleansers or talcum powder, which can be irritating.
For children who have not yet experienced foreskin separation, only clean the outside of the foreskin. Do not use cotton swabs or other objects to try to clean underneath the foreskin. After separation, you can gently pull back the foreskin and clean the area with mild soap and warm water. Teach older children how to retract their foreskin and clean it while bathing to help them develop good personal hygiene habits and reduce their risk for smegma accumulation.
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Frequently asked questions
The cheese-like substance under the foreskin is called smegma. It is a natural secretion of the oil glands around the genitals. It is a combination of oils, dead skin cells, sweat, and other body fluids.
Yes, it is normal to have some smegma. It is a natural bodily occurrence and can serve the purpose of providing lubrication. However, it can lead to bacterial infections if left to build up.
The best way to get rid of smegma is by maintaining good personal hygiene. For males, this involves gently pulling back the foreskin and cleaning the area with mild soap and warm water. It is important to avoid using sharp devices or products like cotton swabs, as these can irritate the sensitive skin.
