Smegma Symptoms and How to Clean It Up

It has chunky white funk and is red all over; what is it? Well, it could be smegma. But don’t get it twisted, smegma in small amounts is actually good for a man’s penis health. Smegma is the result of the body's automatic self-cleaning services and is comprised of oil, dead skin cells, and other genital fluids. However, when a man doesn’t clean up properly in his down under, it can stink to the high heavens. But, don’t get yourself in a tizzy. Once you see symptoms of smegma, you can clean it up fast!

Smegma Symptoms

Smegma is one of those things that is pretty basic. It’s a condition that doesn’t really vary from man to man. Since it’s something you can see, smell, and touch, there isn’t a lot of uncertainty around this clumpy white elephant in the room.

Here are the smegma symptoms to look for:

- A whitish-gray, clumpy, cottage cheese-esque emission on the head of the penis and under the foreskin

- A funky or sour odor emanating from the penis

- Redness and irritation

- Feelings of burning and pulsating urination

- Itchiness

Smegma Causes

Here’s the good part about the causes of smegma - only one thing causes it. When a man is not cleaning the region thoroughly or often enough, he’ll notice smegma symptoms pretty quickly. See, there are multiple layers of body oils, sweat, dead skin, and other emissions that all combine and lead to smegma. If a man doesn’t wash daily, after sex, or after working out, he may see symptoms of smegma. Also, even if a man does clean up, unless he is thorough (rinsing it won’t do), he is more likely to see symptoms of smegma.

Note: Uncircumcised men are more prone to smegma since foreskin can provide an excellent, moist, dark place for bacteria and the rest of the funky recipe to stew. Be sure to pull back the foreskin when cleaning and get in every fold when cleaning up.

Smegma Symptoms Be Gone!

Treating smegma is pretty simple - clean your junk! Get a daily hygiene routine. It should focus on completely cleaning the penis, including around and under the foreskin. Then rinse, dry, and moisturize. Here’s a quick step-by-step, so you don’t forget anything.

1) Start by gently pulling back the foreskin. If the smegma has hardened, the foreskin may not be able to be pulled all the way back. If you pull it too forcefully, it can cause excruciating pain and tear the delicate skin, which can lead to infection. Bathe the area in warm water for an extended period to loosen the smegma. Oil can also help. Be patient and fight the urge to use any kind of scrubbing device or body scrub in general. If used, they will only lead to pain and possible infection.

2) Next, use a mild cleanser and warm water to cleanse the penis and surrounding areas. Be gentle but thorough.

3) Rinse completely and pat dry when done.

4) Moisturize the penis with a specially formulated penis health oil (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which has been clinically proven safe and mild for skin) to help prevent smegma symptoms. Select an oil that includes a natural moisturizing base like shea butter and vitamin E to nourish and protect the penis. The oil should also contain vitamins such as A, B, C, and D for their skin-soothing and cell-regeneration properties.

5) Repeat at least once daily until the smegma is all gone, and continue to follow this new process to prevent smegma symptoms in the future.

If the smegma doesn’t disappear after a good week of meticulous cleaning, or if it’s gotten worse, see a doctor for treatment.

Smegma Symptoms: A Normal Male Complaint?

The human body is pretty masterful at cleaning itself, isn’t it? Think of all the daily detoxifying processes that happen naturally - the kidneys, bowels, sweat glands, lungs, and liver all work together to rid the body of unpleasant or unhealthy waste materials. Sometimes, all that cleaning can result in a substance that doesn’t go away on its own. Smegma is one such infamous materials found in males. This cheesy substance is an accumulation of oil, dead skin cells, and other bodily fluids. It’s located on the penis, usually under the foreskin. If not cleaned regularly and thoroughly, smegma symptoms can become annoying or even painful. Thankfully, it can be cleared up pretty easily at home with a few practical tips.

Smegma Symptoms

Smegma is one of those issues that doesn't really show a lot of variances. There are a few common smegma symptoms, which include the following:

- An unpleasant odor radiating from the penis. It will often have a sweaty, sour fragrance.

- White and thick texture with a cheese-like consistency. Nope, it’s not gouda. The texture and smell of the buildup got the name "dick cheese" for just this reason.

- Urination turns fiery and throbbing. Some men experience a sensation of burning and pain when they urinate, and they tend to have a greater urge to urinate frequently.

- Irritation. When smegma is to blame, the penis can get red, irritated, and sore.

Men who want to be certain they have smegma should see a medical professional. Once diagnosed, follow doctor’s orders to clean things up.

Smegma Causes

So what causes smegma? When a man doesn't properly and thoroughly wash his penis (or his body, for that matter), sweat, dead skin cells and oils can accumulate around the head, especially in men with an intact foreskin. In simplest terms, lack of a properly executed hygiene ritual will lead to smegma. Men who don't wash for excessive periods of time are prone to an overaccumulation of this stinky material.

While not a cause of smegma, not being circumcised puts a man at higher risk for having it, simply because under the foreskin is the most common place for smegma to reside. Some men choose to have their foreskin removed as a result.

Treating Smegma

How do you treat smegma? Adopt a thorough daily hygiene plan. That means properly cleaning the penis, including around and under the foreskin. Believe it or not, cleaning the area is the easiest way to remove smegma.

Here’s a quick guide to cleaning the penis to prevent smegma and smegma symptoms:

1) Gently retract the foreskin. If the smegma has hardened, it may not be possible to pull it all the way back. Don’t force it! It can cause pain and tear the skin, and that may lead to infection.

2) Use a gentle cleanser and warm water to wash the area that’s typically covered by the foreskin. Be gentle but thorough. If the smegma has hardened, rub some oil on it first to loosen it up.

3) Rinse thoroughly and pat dry.

4) Moisturize the area with a specially formulated penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which has been clinically proven safe and mild for skin) daily. Choose a cream that has a natural moisturizing base like Shea butter and vitamin E. Then add vitamins A, B, C, and D for their skin-soothing and cell regeneration properties.

5) Repeat daily until the smegma disappears and continue to follow this new process to prevent smegma.

If the smegma isn’t better after a solid week of thorough cleaning, or if it’s getting worse, see a doctor for a clear diagnosis. Otherwise, hit the showers!