Unveiling The Mystery: What's The Deal With The Cheesy Substance Under The Foreskin?

Smegma is a natural body substance that appears as a white, cheese-like substance underneath the foreskin of an uncircumcised penis. It is made up of oils produced by the sebaceous glands, dead skin cells, and moisture like sweat. Without proper cleaning, smegma can cause irritation and a foul odour.

Smegma accumulation

Smegma is a natural bodily occurrence that develops after the oil glands produce skin oil, which is then combined with dead skin cells and moisture. The combination of these substances creates smegma, which most commonly develops underneath the foreskin of an uncircumcised penis. It can also develop in the folds of the labia and clitoris. Anyone of any age can develop smegma, which looks like white cheese. Though small amounts of smegma are usually no problem, a buildup of the substance can lead to irritation and a strong, foul odor.

Smegma can occur naturally in everyone, but it most commonly appears in uncircumcised males. The foreskin can trap oils, skin cells and other fluids, creating an ideal environment for smegma to accumulate. It doesn’t usually appear before puberty and doesn’t occur as often after menopause in females, and around age 60 in males, when oil production starts to decline naturally. Smegma is common because it exists naturally. It may accumulate if you don’t clean your genitals regularly.

Sweat, oil, and skin cells can remain under the foreskin if the area is not cleaned properly. Without proper cleaning, smegma can cause side effects like irritation and odor. Smegma can be found between the tip of the penis and the foreskin in those who are uncircumcised. It can also develop into white, pearl-shaped lumps called smegma pearls, under the foreskin.

The best way to get rid of—and prevent—smegma is by cleaning your genitals daily with water and mild soap.

Oil and skin cells combination

Smegma is a natural bodily occurrence that develops after the oil glands naturally produce skin oil, which is then combined with dead skin cells and moisture. The combination of these substances creates smegma, which most commonly develops underneath the foreskin of an uncircumcised penis. It can also develop in the folds of the labia and clitoris. Smegma can occur naturally in everyone, however, it most commonly appears in uncircumcised males. The foreskin can trap oils, skin cells and other fluids, creating an ideal environment for smegma to accumulate.

Smegma is made up of oil and dead skin cells which can accumulate under the foreskin in uncircumcised males, or even around the folds of the labia and clitoris. Sweat, oil, and skin cells can remain under the foreskin if the area is not cleaned properly. Without proper cleaning, smegma can cause side effects like irritation and odour.

Smegma can be found between the tip of the penis and the foreskin in those who are uncircumcised. It may develop into white, pearl-shaped lumps called smegma pearls, under the foreskin. Unless a person experiences pain or other symptoms, this is also generally not a cause for concern.

Smegma is a normal and natural bodily occurrence. Smegma most commonly develops underneath the foreskin of an uncircumcised penis. It can also develop in the folds of the labia and clitoris. Someone of any age can develop smegma, which looks like white cheese. Though small amounts of smegma are usually no problem, a buildup of the substance can lead to irritation and a strong, foul odour.

The best way to get rid of—and prevent—smegma is by cleaning your genitals daily with water and mild soap.

Foreskin traps oils

Smegma is a natural bodily occurrence that develops after your oil glands naturally produce skin oil, which is then combined with dead skin cells and moisture. The combination of substances creates smegma and it most commonly develops underneath the foreskin of an uncircumcised penis. It can also develop in the folds of the labia and clitoris.

The foreskin can trap oils, skin cells and other fluids, creating an ideal environment for smegma to accumulate. It doesn’t usually appear before puberty and during puberty, your body starts going through physical changes to reach sexual maturity and produces more oils.

Smegma may appear as a cheese-like substance, which may concern some people. However, it is typically nothing to worry about. Unless a person experiences pain or other symptoms are present, this is also generally not a cause for concern.

Without proper cleaning, smegma can cause side effects like irritation and odour. The best way to get rid of—and prevent—smegma is by cleaning your genitals daily with water and mild soap.

Natural bodily occurrence

Smegma is a natural bodily occurrence that develops after your oil glands naturally produce skin oil, which is then combined with dead skin cells and moisture. The combination of substances creates smegma and most commonly develops underneath the foreskin of an uncircumcised penis. It can also develop in the folds of the labia and clitoris. Smegma may appear as a cheese-like substance, which may concern some people. However, it is typically nothing to worry about. Without proper cleaning, it can cause side effects like irritation and odor.

Smegma can occur naturally in everyone, however, it most commonly appears in uncircumcised males. The foreskin can trap oils, skin cells and other fluids, creating an ideal environment for smegma to accumulate. It doesn’t usually appear before puberty. During puberty, your body starts going through physical changes to reach sexual maturity and produces more oils. Smegma can be found between the tip of the penis and the foreskin in those who are uncircumcised.

Smegma is a substance made up of oil and dead skin cells which can accumulate under the foreskin in uncircumcised males, or even around the folds of the labia and clitoris. Vaginal discharge can say a lot about your health. Most of the time it’s typical, even if it's a different color. Smegma can be found between the tip of the penis and the foreskin in those who are uncircumcised.

The best way to get rid of—and prevent—smegma is by cleaning your genitals daily with water and mild soap.

May cause irritation and foul odour

Smegma is a natural bodily occurrence that develops when your oil glands produce skin oil, which is then combined with dead skin cells and moisture. The combination of these substances creates a white, cheese-like substance that looks like crumbly cheese. It most commonly develops underneath the foreskin of an uncircumcised penis and can also develop in the folds of the labia and clitoris.

Smegma is part of your body’s normal functioning and exists naturally. It may accumulate if you don’t clean your genitals regularly and can increase the risk of developing an infection if left to build up. Without proper cleaning, it can cause side effects like irritation and odour.

Smegma most commonly develops in uncircumcised males but can occur in all males. It doesn’t usually appear before puberty and doesn’t occur as often after menopause in females, and around age 60 in males, when oil production starts to decline naturally.

Smegma can be found between the tip of the penis and the foreskin in those who are uncircumcised. It can trap oils, skin cells and other fluids, creating an ideal environment for smegma to accumulate.

The best way to get rid of—and prevent—smegma is by cleaning your genitals daily with water and mild soap.

Frequently asked questions