FAQs
The best way to treat smegma is to regularly wash your genitals and the surrounding areas until it goes away. If you have foreskin, gently pull your foreskin as far back as you can toward your body. Use a clean washcloth or your hands to wash the skin under your foreskin with soap and warm, clean water.
Can a 13 year old have smegma? ›
Anyone can get smegma. It's more common in uncircumcised men who don't clean that area well enough. Women can also get smegma in their vaginal area. You usually won't get smegma before puberty, as it happens once your body matures and makes more oils.
How long does smegma take to go away? ›
If the smegma isn't improving after a week of proper cleaning, or if it's getting worse, see your doctor. You should also see your doctor if your penis is red or inflamed. You may have an infection or another condition that requires medical treatment.
What does a normal amount of smegma look like? ›
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 odor.
What age should you be able to pull your foreskin back? ›
Foreskin retraction may happen immediately after birth, or it may take several years. Some boys can retract their foreskin as early as age 5, but some may not be able to do this until their teenage years. Retraction of the foreskin should not be forced.
Is pulling back foreskin necessary? ›
This is called foreskin retraction. Remember that foreskin retraction should never be forced. Until the foreskin fully separates, it shouldn't be pulled back. Forcing the foreskin to retract before it is ready can cause severe pain, bleeding and tears in the skin.
Do smegma pearls go away? ›
Smegma pearls have a natural composition of dead cells and skin oils between the foreskin and the glans. They are benign and they spontaneously resolve over time.
Can you leave smegma alone? ›
During the first year of life, do not make any attempts at foreskin retraction. Leave the smegma alone.
Is it OK to have smegma at 14? ›
The production of smegma, which increases during puberty, can only be of limited significance, as males and females learn to practice good genital hygiene.
Can you live with smegma? ›
Smegma is a natural substance produced by the body to keep the area around the genitals moist and lubricated. It is generally not a cause for concern unless it builds up and causes issues in the genital area. The easiest way to prevent any problems from smegma is by regularly bathing and keeping the genital area clean.
The fluids in smegma are released naturally by your body every day. They help lubricate your genitalia and keep the skin from feeling dry or itchy. If these fluids aren't washed away regularly, they can start to build up.
Is smegma itchy? ›
Symptoms of Smegma in Males
In addition, if the smegma is accompanied by itching, burning, redness, soreness, penis pain, and similar problems, it's important for a guy to get to the doctor as soon as possible to help ensure he isn't dealing with a serious issue.
Do girls get smegma? ›
Unless a person experiences pain or other symptoms are present, this is also generally not a cause for concern. In males, smegma most commonly develops in those who are not circumcised but can occur in all males. In females, smegma may build up between the labia and around the hood of the clitoris.
Can smegma cause UTI? ›
Smegma is whitish lump formed from desquamation of preputial epithelial cells. Smegma and bacteria in the prepuce may cause abnormalities such as genital infections, urinary tract infections, and even malignancy.
Why does my tip hurt when I touch it? ›
Balanitis is a term to describe inflammation of the head of the penis. It's a very common cause of penis irritation and can affect males at any age. Balanitis can be caused by bacterial or fungal infections, chemicals, viruses or allergies. It can also occur when the inside of your foreskin isn't kept clean.
What builds smegma? ›
Smegma forms as skin cells are naturally shed. The cells then mix with sweat produced by apocrine glands and skin oils produced by sebaceous glands. This mixture turns whitish as tissues rub against tissues, incorporating air into the mass.
Can smegma build up everyday? ›
The fluids in smegma are released naturally by your body every day. They help lubricate your genitalia and keep the skin from feeling dry or itchy. If these fluids aren't washed away regularly, they can start to build up.
