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White Stuff on Penis, is it Normal?

January 11, 2015 By Dr.Deepak Ghimire 7 Comments

Are you worried about the white cheesy stuff that always appears from nowhere under your foreskin? Well, that’s Smegma, a white substance that is produced by the penis glands. You may still have one question on your mind, is Smegma bad? The answer is simple, “NO”. Kick away your worries, because smegma is perfectly natural and totally harmless.

What is Smegma?

Smegma is a combination of debris of exfoliated dead mucosal cells, moisture and adnexal secretions that accumulate under the foreskin of the uncircumcised individual, especially if hygiene is poor. Smegma is commonly seen in young adults and older man but can accumulate in both male and females. In males, foreskin is common area while in female clitoris and the folds of labia minora are common area for smegma collection.

Some previous studies have suggested that smegma can contribute to developing penile cancer, and in the past some experts were concerned that smegma may also contain compounds that can cause cancer, but this has never been proven. Most experts now believe that smegma itself probably doesn’t cause penile cancer, but it can irritate and inflame the penis, which may increase the risk of cancer. It may also make it harder to see very early cancers.

Freshly formed smegma in males is odorless and helps keep the glans moist and facilitates movement of foreskin and glans by acting as a lubricant. However, if left un-cleaned for several days, chemical changes in the smegma along with normal harmless skin bacteria can change the odor to unpleasant, unhealthy, and foul-smelling. In addition, foreign material may come in contact with the smegma causing irritation and co-infection with other bacteria and fungus can occur.

Excess bad odor even if you are washing regularly may indicate yeast or fungal infection that may need special medical attention. You may try some over the counter topical anti-fungal medications and if that doesn’t work visit the dermatologist straightway.

Smegma Removal

In healthy genitals smegma deposit can be removed easily by gently pulling back the foreskin and cleaning with warm water. Special attention should be given when washing the area; always avoid scented soaps and other harsh chemicals, in most cases plain warm water is sufficient. Make sure to cover the hidden pockets between foreskin and glans. Make sure to gently pat dry after cleaning.

Related posts:

  1. White Spot on Penis

Filed Under: Male Genital Dermatology Tagged With: Smegma, Smegma Removal, What is Smegma, White Stuff on Penis

About Dr.Deepak Ghimire

Dr.Deepak Ghimire
MBBS, MD ( Dermatology, Venereology and Cosmetology)
Regd.NMC No. 7119

Comments

  1. Vijay Prasad says

    November 20, 2016 at 7:17 am

    I have some cracks or cut marks on my penis foreskin the upper skin due to tht I hv pain and also problem in normal sex please suggest me
    Thanks in advance

    Reply
    • Prudhvee Sagar says

      March 23, 2018 at 10:49 am

      I think you have phimosis for which you have to be circumcised or use stretcher like phimocure or Novaglan

      Reply
  2. Roshan says

    April 30, 2017 at 12:37 am

    What to do to stop formation of smegma?

    Reply
  3. John says

    September 12, 2017 at 11:14 am

    Sir I have take alcohol frequently but next day I seen white layer on my penis but I use medicines and ointment but no use again and again repeated the problem same

    Reply
  4. SATYAJEET says

    February 23, 2018 at 12:48 pm

    I’m having these problem in already taken medicine but no relief after some day it again occurred firstly I’m used fouconazole tab 150 mg with using anti fungal cream but no relief after some days im taken AF- kit contains ornidazole , fouconazole and azithromycin but no relief

    Reply
    • SATYAJEET says

      February 23, 2018 at 12:48 pm

      Please guide me

      Reply
  5. Sijo says

    February 28, 2018 at 5:15 pm

    What to do to stop formation of smegma and itching inside the penis

    Reply

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Dr.Deepak Ghimire
MBBS, MD ( Dermatology, Venereology and Cosmetology)
Regd.NMC No. 7119

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