March 15, 2024

Smegma is a substance made up of oil and dead skin cells. It can accumulate under the foreskin in uncircumcised males or around the folds of the labia in females.

It’s not a sign of a sexually transmitted infection, and it’s not a serious condition.

Left untreated, smegma can cause an odor or in some cases, harden and lead to irritation in the genitals.

According to healthline, the simplest way to remove smegma is to adjust your personal hygiene routine.

In men, that means properly cleaning your genitals, including around and under your foreskin.

Your body produces a lubricant to help the foreskin retract. That lubricant can build up under your foreskin along with other natural oils, dead skin cells, dirt, and bacteria. That’s why this condition is less common in circumcised males.

Properly cleaning your genitals is the easiest way to remove smegma.

1. Gently pull back your foreskin. If the smegma has hardened, you may not be able to pull it back all the way. Don’t force it, as that can cause pain and tear the skin, which could lead to infection.

2. Use a mild soap and warm water to wash the area that’s usually covered by your foreskin. Avoid harsh scrubbing, as that can irritate the sensitive skin. If the smegma has hardened, gently rubbing oil on the area before cleaning it may help loosen up the accumulation.

3. Thoroughly rinse off all the soap and then gently pat the area dry.

4. Pull your foreskin back over the tip of your genital.

5. Repeat this daily until the smegma disappears.

It’s important to avoid scraping the smegma with sharp devices or cotton swabs. That can cause additional irritation.

If the smegma isn’t improving after a week of proper cleaning, or if it’s getting worse, see your doctor.

You should also see your doctor if your genital is red or inflamed. You may have an infection or another condition that requires medical treatment.

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