Last Updated on August 4, 2022 by
Smegma is caused by both oil production and poor hygiene. If you’re not cleansing enough it can cause a buildup of smegma.
Doctors agree that you need to shower only about 2 out of 3 days. Some can bathe every other day. Others need to shower more often.
This article will take a look at how to get rid of smegma buildup. Read on to explore the answer to this question and learn to get rid of smegma today.
What Is Smegma?
This is a thick white substance that’s made up of dead skin cells, fatty oils, and other bodily fluids. It can collect under the clitoral hood or folds of the labia on women, and under the foreskin of penises for men.
It’s most common in uncircumcised men who don’t clean their penis well enough. While a small amount of smegma is normal, too much can cause irritation or a strong odor. It can also lead to swelling or redness.
Problems from smegma buildup include:
- Strong smells
- Clitoral pain
- Swelling or redness of the penis head
- Trouble retracting the foreskin of the penis
The Causes of Smegma
Smegma buildup is due to shredded skin cells when they mix with skin oil secretions. If it isn’t washed away then it can build up over time.
They help to lubricate your genitals and are released naturally. If you don’t wash your genitals well enough it can cause these problems as well.
How To Get Rid Of Smegma?
In order to identify smegma, it’s a cheese-like substance that can cause an infection. If you don’t experience any other symptoms or pain then it’s not something to worry about.
For Males
First, retract the foreskin toward the shaft of the penis. Next, clean the head of your penis underneath the foreskin. Use warm water and gentle soap.
Make sure that you dry underneath the foreskin with a towel. When you’re done cleaning it, pull it back over the top of the penis.
If you experience difficulty pulling back the foreskin, speak with your doctor right away. Don’t force the foreskin to go back. This can cause long-term and immediate problems.
For Females
First, wash the vulva with mild soap and warm water. Don’t use sprays, powders, or washes. Dry it afterward with a soft towel.
Smegma Prevention
Wash the genital area about once a day to prevent smegma buildup. If you’re an uncircumcised male, make sure that you wash underneath your foreskin.
Don’t use shower gel or perfumed soap in your genital area. They can cause irritation. Females need to avoid vaginal rinses and douches since they can cause vaginal infections.
If you still notice smegma buildup even after cleaning the area regularly, you’ll want to contact your doctor. This includes if you notice any abnormal discharge, inflammation, or pain.
Outlook
It’s rare for smegma to cause serious problems. If you notice buildup, try washing it for a few days and see if it goes away.
If it’s still there after a week then you might want to make an appointment with your doctor. This can indicate that you have an infection.
Leaving smegma untreated can cause the smegma to harden. This can lead to the foreskin sticking to the penis. This can cause pain as well.
For women, the smegma can lead to the hood sticking to the clitoral shaft. This can cause discomfort or pain.
Removing Smegma in Children
If you see smegma on your infant they might look like white dots underneath their foreskin. For many babies, the foreskin doesn’t fully retract. Never attempt to force the child’s foreskin back.
Forcing the foreskin to go back can lead to damage, pain, or bleeding. Use gentle soap and a sponge on the external area of the genitals with water. Don’t use irrigation or cotton swabs underneath the foreskin.
When they’re older and retraction naturally occurs, then you’ll want to clean underneath the foreskin occasionally. Once they reach puberty they’ll need to regularly clean the area.
Teach your teenager how to properly clean the area. They’ll want to pull their foreskin away from the end of the penis.
Next, have them use warm water and soap and then rinse the area. Tell them not to use hard scrubbing in the area.
After this, have them rinse off all of the soap and pat it dry. When they’re done cleaning the area they’ll want to place the foreskin back over the penis.
Why Is Some Smegma Healthy?
Smegma signifies a healthy penis. When it’s fresh, smegma is moist, smooth, and helps lubricate the foreskin’s movement over the glans penis during intercourse.
When you don’t have this it can lead to friction which can cause a dermal abrasion. This can cause soreness and pain in your body.
It also prevents the clitoris and penis from adhering to the skin and allows for retraction. This includes retraction during urination.
Never forcefully retract the foreskin, and keep in contact with your doctor if that occurs. If women notice adhesion of their clitoral hood, they’ll want to speak with their doctor as well.
Exploring How To Get Rid Of a Smegma Buildup
Now that you’ve explored this guide on smegma, you should have a better idea of how to get rid of smegma. Take your time and be patient as you clean the area.
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