Smegma has a crumbly, cheese-like consistency and a generally unpleasant odor.
Smegma is not an infection but can lead to one without proper hygiene.
From middle age onward, production declines until virtually no smegma is produced in older adults.
Mohd Hafiez Mohd Razali / EyeEm / Getty Images
They may appear soft but become crumbly and cheese-like with time.
Within a relatively short time, bacterial growth can lead to an unpleasant, sour milk-like smell.
Complications
Smegma occurs naturally and isn’t something to worry about if you practice daily hygiene.
However, it can contribute to certain health conditions if allowed to accumulate.
Here are six common (and less common) complications associated with smegma.
“Adhesion” is the medical term describing the sticking together of tissues.
Special feminine soaps are not necessary and may only cause further irritation.
A smegma pearl is neither painful nor tender and is typically left to resolve on its own.
Both conditions are commonly due to infections, includingsexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Severe or recurrent cases may require circumcision.
This can cut off blood flow to the penis head, leading to tissuenecrosis(tissue death).
Symptoms of paraphimosis may include:
Paraphimosis requires emergency medical care.
Other options include:
When to See a Healthcare Provider
Smegma can be a serious issue.
You may need a prescription antibiotic, a corticosteroid, or other medication or procedure.
Good hygiene involves washing the genitals and surrounding skin daily with gentle, unfragranced soap and plain water.
Avoid scented soaps or alcohol-based cleansers that can cause irritation and inflammation.
The easiest way to prevent any problems from smegma is by regularly bathing and keeping the genital area clean.
Talk with your healthcare provider if you experience pain, swelling, or other symptoms with smegma.
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