Smegma - causes and help

Correct removal of smegma

In men, so-called smegma accumulates under the foreskin of the penis. In medicine, the white to yellow shimmering substance is also called Vorhauttalg or "Smegma praeputii". The whitish talc is visible when men have a poor hygiene. If the condition persists for a long time, inflammation of the glans may be imminent. Some studies also point to an increased risk of cancer when men do not wash enough. The removal of smegma is very easy and should be done daily.

contents

• Correct removal of smegma
• symptoms
• treatment
• Cancer due to smegma
• Complicated cleaning of the glans
• Cleaning with foreskin constriction

In the common language, smegma is also called "acorn cheese", "soap" or "cream cheese". The secretion consists of talc of the foreskin glands, tissue remnants of the glans epithelium, bacteria, urine and remnants of semen. Smegma is usually only visible by pushing back the foreskin. The foreskin tallow is formed in the intermediate plane of foreskin and glans. Smegma as such is not a disease, but a natural secretion of the body, which is normally present in all men.

symptoms

Smegma usually causes no discomfort. However, if the foreskin tallow is not removed by daily washing, bacteria can cause inflammation, usually provoking an itchy rash. In case of heavy secretion or inadequate hygiene, a foul, sweetish odor, similar to halitosis, can develop. The odor is typically formed by mycobacteria of the genus Mycobacterium smegmatis that colonize the glans. If there is a long-term accumulation of the secretion, it can cause acornitis. Those affected subsequently experience itching, burning, swelling and a reddish rash. If the inflammation has progressed, purulent discharges and reddish rash are also possible.

treatment

Smegma can be seen with the naked eye when the foreskin is gently pushed backwards. After pushing back the foreskin, the penis should be washed carefully with lukewarm water and, if necessary, with neutral soap. Perfumed soap or special intimate wash lotion are not necessary and can damage the natural skin flora. It is important that smegma is removed during daily showering without exaggerated cleanliness. This in turn can damage the glans skin, as the skin is heavily degreased and damaged. Therefore, it is enough to cleanse yourself once a day at the relevant body site.

Cancer due to smegma

With insufficient cleanliness, some studies indicate that there is a higher risk of developing penile cancer (cancer). However, the disease often occurs only from the age of 60 years and is one of the rare cancers. Nevertheless, around 600 men develop penile cancer each year. Physicians point out that thorough hygiene can prevent penile carcinomas.

Complicated cleaning of the glans

Cleaning may be difficult due to various circumstances. If no cleansing has been carried out under the foreskin for a long time, it can happen that smegma can not be removed by washing alone. In such situations, a full bath is helpful. Bathing softens the tight talc and can now be carefully removed by hand or a washcloth.
If the talc remains for a very long time, it may be impossible to retract the foreskin. It can help push away the foreskin as much as possible and then gently wash the glans. The skin should only be pushed so far that no pain. The next day the procedure must be repeated so that a little more foreskin is pushed back every day. If this does not succeed, sufferers should consult a doctor, as otherwise forms a serious infection.

If inflammation has already developed, special baths can help to stop the inflammation. Lack or absence of washing can promote bacterial acornitis. If the inflammation persists despite successful washing, affected men should consult a specialist in urology. After a swab, the doctor will prescribe an antibiotic ointment if necessary.

Cleaning with foreskin constriction

Men with a contracted foreskin have phimosis. The foreskin can not be pushed back or only partially. Cleaning is difficult in such cases. Affected patients are excessively affected by bacterial decomposition of the smegma. Therapeutic agent of choice is circumcision of the foreskin to complicate the formation of foreskin tallow. The surgery is usually done with local anesthesia. Even after removal of the foreskin, continuous cleaning of the glans is required.

Picture Klaus Rupp