Smegma: Know When it Strikes and How to Treat It

Smegma…it’s a word that gives men and women a case of the gags the world over. Images of funky smells, cheese-like discharge, and an angry penis immediately come to mind. But how does smegma even get there in the first place? Let’s break down what smegma is first and go from there.

What is Smegma?

Smegma is actually part of the body's very efficient self-cleaning process. This cocktail of dead skin cells, oils, and other genital fluids may not be appetizing, but when taken care of daily, it's not even noticeable. When it isn't, however, that's when things get smelly and inflamed – specifically the penis. In addition to the gross factor, it can also lead to painful infections, not to mention a lot of embarrassment with a sexual partner.

Smegma Symptoms

To know how to treat it, a man must know how to spot it first. Let’s face it, there’s a ton of things that can afflict a member, smegma is one of the most obvious though. Smegma symptoms are pretty straightforward. Here are the most common smegma symptoms:

- There’s a foul odor emanating from the penis. It is most likened to a sweaty, sour milk smell.

- A dirty white thick consistency with a cottage cheese-like appearance.

- Urinating gets hot and throbbing. Many times, the urge to urinate also increases.

- Redness and Irritation. The delicate penis skin has a painful, pins-and-needles feel, and if often hot and any touch is unwelcome.

What Causes Smegma?

If smegma is around, it’s generally because someone isn’t cleaning their penis properly or regularly enough. Men who neglect daily washing, don’t wash after workouts, don’t wash after sex, or don’t wash with intent are more likely to be a victim to smegma.

While it doesn’t cause smegma, being uncircumcised does put a man at higher likelihood for having smegma because under the foreskin is the perfect place for smegma to hide. To avoid smegma and other foreskin-related hygiene issues, some of these men decide to get circumcised.

Treatment for smegma

So, what’s the miracle treatment for smegma?

Wash the penis regularly and thoroughly.

Is it just that easy? Yes. But some men haven’t been taught the ropes or established a daily hygiene ritual. This should include cleaning, drying, and moisturizing the member to polished perfect daily. For those needing a step-by-step, here's a comprehensive how-to for proper penis care:

1) In a warm shower or bath, gently pull back the foreskin. If the smegma has hardened, it may be resistant and do not, under any circumstance, fight the resistance. It can cause tear the delicate skin leading to extreme pain and a high likelihood of infection. Immerse the hardened area in warm water until smegma loosen. Oil can also help. Go slow and massage it gently in areas where it begins to give until it is all gone.

2) Next, use a gentle cleanser and warm water to cleanse the entire genital area. Be gentle but thorough.

3) Rinse carefully and pat dry with a soft towel or air dry when done cleaning.

4) Finally, moisturize the penis with a specially formulated penis health creme (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which has been clinically proven safe and mild for skin) following every cleansing. Be sure to select a cream that has a natural nourishing foundation like Shea butter and vitamin E to heal and soothe the penis. Crèmes that also contain vitamins A, B, C, and D are ideal for their skin-soothing, anti-bacterial, and cell regeneration properties.

5) Repeat daily.

If the smegma isn’t better after a solid week of detailed cleaning, or if it’s getting worse, see a doctor for treatment.