Each and every one of the cells in our body has a certain life cycle, which can be more or less prolonged depending on what type of cell it is. A good example of this is the rapid cell turnover that our skin undergoes every day, since this organ is made up of multiple layers of cells that supplant each other while new cells are constantly being produced.
Depending on certain circumstances, this cell turnover can lead to the production of skin alterations, such as the formation of smegma plaques on the penis, when dead skin cells combine with other elements to form this substance. At FastlyHealwe invite you to read our article on what smegma is and how to remove it to give you important knowledge that will help you preserve the good health of your body.
Table of Contents
What is smegma
Smegma is a substance formed naturally in the reproductive organs of people. Although men produce the greatest amount of smegma in the folds of the foreskin, women also produce this substance in the hood of the clitoris and on the labia majora, but always to a lesser extent.
Smegma is formed by the combination of its different components , which are:
- Dead skin cells
- Prostate secretions
- White blood cells
- Sebum from the glands in the area
These components combine in the folds of the foreskin to form smegma.
Why does smegma accumulate?
Smegma is a substance that accumulates as a result of the multiple folds in the area where it is produced. Under normal conditions, this substance is produced to contribute to the defense against bacteria and other microorganisms, however when its quantity is large it begins to accumulate in the form of balls and that is when it begins to cause damage.
The neglect of hygiene of the penis is usually the cause of the accumulation of smegma. When a man has proper hygiene, the accumulation of smegma is usually not important or have consequences. Some men, however, can accumulate smegma even with good hygiene due to the presence of a foreskin with multiple folds, or due to phimosis.
Smegma: consequences
In most cases, smegma does not have major consequences on the health of a man’s penis, beyond the bad smell that an abundant amount of the substance can produce , something that goes very hand in hand with poor organ hygiene.
Excess smegma can irritate the glans , causing it to become red and can even progress to inflammation of the glans, which is known as balanitis . In other cases, inflammation and irritated foreskin may occur, which is called posthitis , which may be accompanied by a greater accumulation of smegma due to the inability to retract the foreskin due to inflammation, thus accentuating the poor hygiene.
Too much smegma can also precipitate bacterial colonies, leading to infections . Some studies have tried to link the presence of smegma with an increased risk of suffering from penile cancer, something that although some authorities dismiss as false, it is something that many professionals consider possible.
Remove smegma
Smegma accumulates naturally in the foreskin and is part of the body’s defense mechanisms against microorganisms. When there is an excess of smegma deposits on the penis, it is mostly the result of poor hygiene, and correct hygiene habits are usually enough to improve the situation.
For this, it is necessary that during each shower the skin of the foreskin is retracted to completely uncover the glans and unfold the wrinkles of the skin, and in this way you adequately access all parts of the organ. The penis is washed with soap and water to remove smegma, which is always easy to remove.
When there is an irritation or infection in the penis, it may be necessary to use antibiotics and creams to promote recovery. Creams rich in vitamin E, A, B3 and C can be very favorable for these situations.
In more serious situations, in which there is an excess of skin that makes it difficult to remove the smegma even with the appropriate techniques, or in cases of phimosis , it may be necessary to consider performing a circumcision to eliminate the cause and thus promote the health of the penis.
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to What is smegma and how to remove it , we recommend that you enter our category of Male reproductive system .
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.