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

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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.