What happens if you don wash smegma

If you have a foreskin, pull it back gently and wash underneath. If you don't wash underneath the foreskin correctly, a cheesy-looking substance called smegma may begin to gather. Smegma is a natural lubricant that keeps the penis moist. It's found on the head of the penis and under the foreskin. If smegma builds up in the foreskin, it can start to smell, stop you easily pulling your foreskin back and become a breeding ground for bacteria.

This can cause redness and swelling of the head of your penis, called balanitis. Patrick French, a consultant physician in sexual health, says: "It's really surprising how many men don't clean underneath their foreskin. Not only do they regularly develop complications from poor hygiene, but it's also very off-putting for a sexual partner. Don't try to forcefully pull back the foreskin of a baby or young boy as this could be painful and cause harm.

Their foreskin might still be attached to the head of the penis and will therefore not retract fully. At this stage of their development, there's no need to clean inside the foreskin. While regular personal hygiene is important, too much washing with soap and shower gels can cause soreness.

Their foreskin might still be attached to the head of the penis and will therefore not retract fully. At this stage of their development, there's no need to clean inside the foreskin.

Washing your penis too much with soap and shower gels can cause soreness. To wash your penis once a day with warm water and then dry it gently is enough to maintain good hygiene. If you want to use soap, choose a mild or non-perfumed soap to reduce the risk of skin irritation.

It may be tempting to use talc and deodorants on your penis, but these are best avoided as they may cause irritation. Don't forget to clean the base of the penis and the testicles. Sweat and hair can combine to produce a strong smell, just as unpleasant as under your armpits.

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Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Medically reviewed by Debra Sullivan, Ph. In males In females Prevention What is smegma? How to treat smegma in males. How to treat smegma in females. Tips for prevention of smegma. Read this next. Once your foreskin separates easily from the glans , gently retract and clean underneath the foreskin with each bath or shower.

Then, after washing, pull the foreskin forward to its normal position. Then, you guessed it, pull the foreskin forward to its normal position.

But generally, too much soap is worse than none at all. Excessive cleaning removes essential body oils that would normally keep our skin moist and reduce friction. If you have sensitive skin, you can use a soap-free wash from the chemist. Smegma is a thick, whitish discharge consisting of a build-up of dead skin cells, oil and other fluids under the foreskin.

It protects and lubricates the penis. Some people have oilier skin than others and tend to have more smegma.