What is smegma

Smegma is a secretion of the oil glands around the genitals. For men, smegma often appears under the foreskin of the penis. In women, it’s most likely to appear between the folds of the labia or around the clitoral hood.


Smegma can be found between the tip of the penis and the foreskin in those who are uncircumcised.
Smegma can also be found around the clitoris and in the labia—the skin folds that surround the vaginal opening and urethra opening.Smegma may also make it difficult to pull back your foreskin, potentially making an erection painful.

Smegma may also cause clitoral adhesion, which is when the fold of skin around your clitoris sticks to your clitorisWhen it’s built up, smegma can look like thick or crumbly cheese.54 It can also have a strong，foul-smelling odor like sour milk.



Developing smegma doesn’t mean you have a sexually transmitted infection or any type of infection. Instead, smegma for both men and women is affected by personal hygiene. The fluids in smegma are released naturally by your body every day. They help lubricate your genitalia and keep the skin from feeling dry or itchy. If these fluids aren’t washed away regularly, they can start to build up. Irregularly washing or not washing your genitalia well can cause the fluids to accumulate and harden. It’s important you wash your penis or vagina regularly in order to avoid this buildup.



Prevention Tips
When teaching your girls how to care for their vulva, teaching them about smegma is useful, since later they will know to check for it.
Many women have no idea what the crevices of their vulva hold, and while it typically doesn’t matter at all, it’s a thing we should all know about.
The best way to prevent smegma is the same as treating it: wash well.
It’s normal, so don’t concern yourself with the why’s and what for’s – you can’t prevent smegma from developing – but remember that some elements may cause more smegma build-up than others.
1.Wash your vulva every day, twice if you must.
2.Avoid tight synthetic fabric underwear.
3.Don’t use vaginal deodorisers or feminine hygiene products

Smegma can be prevented through good personal hygiene.
If you regularly have excess smegma accumulation despite good personal hygiene, or if you notice other changes to your genitals, including inflammation, pain, or abnormal vaginal discharge, see your doctor.

Changes to vaginal discharge and odor may indicate an infection. See your doctor if the smegma doesn’t clear up or gets worse.

You should also see your doctor if you have pain, itching, or a burning sensation in your genitals, or if you have abnormal discharge.
See your doctor if you have yellow or green vaginal discharge as well.

 

Cleaning Tips

Clean your genitals daily and avoid using harsh soaps or products on the area. For women, this includes avoiding douching or vaginal douching, which can lead to vaginal infections and other health problems.
Pull apart your vaginal folds with your first two fingers.Use mild soap and warm water to wash beneath the foreskin or in and around the labia. Avoid using perfumed or highly-scented soaps. These products may irritate the sensitive skin. If you notice irritation associated with the use of soap, try using only warm water.Rinse the penis or vagina thoroughly, and dry well.

Gently pull back the vaginal folds. You can position your first two fingers in a V-shape to help spread the folds.

Use warm water and, if needed, a gentle soap, to clean the folds. Avoid getting soap inside the vaginal opening.
Thoroughly rinse the area.