Smegma, or hypodermic curd: what is it all about?

Many mothers sometimes notice scant light discharge with a specific smell on their children's genitals. This mass is called "smegma" and is a sebaceous secretion, combined with moisture and dead epithelial cells, which accumulates inside the foreskin pouch. Smegma is often called "sub-pussy curd" by the people, and its formation is a completely natural and natural condition that can be observed in any mammal.

If we are talking about a small amount of smegma, then this is considered a normal variant. But there are exceptions. So when should we sound the alarm?

Causes of smegma accumulation

Let's figure out what smegma is. It is a natural, ointment-like secretion produced by glands located on the head of the penis. These secretions are mixed with dead epithelial cells and liquid - moisture. In most people, this secretion accumulates under the foreskin and is washed out with the flow of urine during its excretion. [ 1 ]

The secretion is produced by a glandular system located in the area of the coronal groove, which runs along the base of the head of the penis. Smegma under the foreskin is necessary to soften and moisten the tissues and facilitate the movement of the skin. But sometimes too much of it is produced, which contributes to the creation of favorable conditions in which pathogenic flora quickly grows and develops. [ 2 ], [ 3 ] Some studies have shown that a variety of organisms have been colonized in the subpreputial space. [ 4 ] Here's why this happens:

• in case of incorrect or incomplete implementation of sanitary and hygienic rules;
• with phimosis – narrowing of the foreskin;
• in case of infectious lesions of the urinary or genital organs.

The removal (washing away) of smegma is difficult, so the mass accumulates in the prepunctate sac area, becomes denser and begins to emit an unpleasant odor. Its particles become hard, lose their protective properties and become the main factor in the development of infectious processes:

• balanitis is an inflammatory reaction in the tissues of the head of the penis;
• posthitis - an inflammatory reaction with damage to the foreskin;
• balanoposthitis is a combined pathology with simultaneous damage to the glans and foreskin.

In the past, some experts worried that smegma might contain cancer-causing compounds. Most experts now believe that smegma itself probably does not cause penile cancer. But it can cause irritation and inflammation of the penis, which can increase the risk of cancer. It can also make it difficult to detect cancer at a very early stage.

Composition of smegma

The fatty mass, smegma, consists of dead epithelial cells mixed with the secretion of the sebaceous glandular system, which usually accumulates in the cavity of the prepuncial sac. Other components of smegma may include:

• fatty inclusions;
• non-tuberculous mycobacteria;
• necrotic epithelial cells;
• antimicrobial agents;
• external secretion products - pheromones.

Smegma helps the penis function properly:

• ensures easy sliding of the head;
• protects against microtraumas;
• prevents the development of infectious diseases. [ 5 ]

What does smegma look like, what does smegma smell like?

What kind of appearance should smegma have in a child? Usually it is a light oil-like substance with a rather sharp specific tart aroma. Externally, the mass is similar to a white ointment that has been spread over the head of the penis. At any age, this substance should be easily and easily removed from the skin.

The accumulation of smegma in a child is more pronounced during puberty. With adequate hygiene, problems should not arise. However, in some cases, the mass accumulates simultaneously with the development of phimosis, which can result in increased proliferation of infection. [ 6 ]

Smegma in boys should be a cause for concern if it has signs of a pathological rather than physiological process. This happens with the following diseases:

• Thrush (candidiasis) is characterized by the appearance of white discharge (like cottage cheese) mainly in the area of the head of the penis. The disease is caused by a fungal infection, accompanied by a sensation of itching and burning in the affected area.
• Sexually transmitted infections are accompanied by the appearance of purulent discharge that has a grayish tint and an extremely unpleasant odor.
• Papillomatosis of the head is characterized by excessive production of smegma against the background of the formation of mushroom-shaped growths and condylomas on the skin.

Smegma in women

Normally, smegma can be produced in women too – however, in very small quantities. With vaginal cleanliness level 3-4, the amount of smegma increases, which significantly increases the risk of developing an inflammatory process. Therefore, an important point is to regularly perform hygiene procedures.

Without proper hygiene, natural secretions accumulate in the area of the labia minora and clitoris, and after sexual intercourse they enter the vagina, contributing to the development of adnexitis, salpingo-oophoritis, etc.

The greatest amount of smegma in women is produced in the following cases:

• during pregnancy;
• during the process of hormonal changes – for example, upon reaching puberty;
• with the onset of sexual activity;
• in case of violation of hygiene rules.

If smegma is detected in girls, this does not indicate the presence of any abnormality, but demonstrates the need for more careful observance of intimate hygiene. A visit to the doctor would not be superfluous - to exclude a bacterial or fungal infection of the genitals. It is especially important to start treatment in a timely manner if female smegma acquires an atypical color or a repulsive odor. For example, many infections are accompanied by the appearance of a sour odor, the aroma of rotten fish or onions. [ 7 ]

Smegma in newborn girls is easily removed with a cotton swab soaked in vegetable oil. It is better not to use soap - especially household soap - so as not to cause excessive dryness and irritation. In addition, too persistent washing away of beneficial microflora can result in the prevalence of pathogenic microorganisms, which will later develop into a problem requiring long-term treatment.

Treatment of smegma, is it necessary?

Smegma in men, if it accumulates in large quantities, can cause the development of inflammatory reactions in the penis area and, as a result, quite severe pain. Thus, treatment is prescribed if a pathological process develops as a result of accumulations. In all other cases, it is enough to simply remove excess secretion. [ 8 ] To do this, it is enough to adhere to the following rules:

• regularly monitor the cleanliness of the penis;
• change linen in a timely manner;
• During intimate hygiene, carefully expose the head of the penis, gently pushing back the foreskin, and wash the areas where smegma has accumulated with warm running water.

When signs of an inflammatory reaction appear, antiseptic external preparations are used for local application to the problem area. Skin washes with antiseptics, herbal infusions or decoctions are prescribed.

What to do if smegma is detected against the background of phimosis?

• To begin with, it is necessary not to deal with smegma, but to completely eliminate the phenomenon of phimosis: for this, medicinal baths are most often used, but in difficult cases it is rarely possible to do without surgical assistance - circumcision of the foreskin.
• After successfully getting rid of phimosis, they begin to sanitize the head: they wash it with antiseptic solutions until the development of the inflammatory reaction has completely stopped.
• Next, you should pay maximum attention to the cleanliness of the penis, accustom the child to mandatory compliance with hygiene rules. At first, parents are advised to monitor the quality of the procedures until the boy learns to do them independently. [ 9 ]

How to get rid of smegma?

Excess accumulation of secretions can provoke the development of inflammatory reactions and unpleasant sensations in the groin area. At the same time, it is quite easy to remove excess smegma. Usually, standard regular hygiene procedures are used for this.

Smegma in a newborn is white or yellowish-white inclusions. If there are no signs of an inflammatory process, then this lubricant should not be removed intentionally: normal hygiene procedures are sufficient. A visit to a urologist is necessary:

• if the penis turns red;
• if purulent discharge is observed;
• if the baby is clearly anxious during urination and cries.

In no case should force be used on the child's genitals, and one should not try to forcefully remove the head. In other words, if nothing bothers the baby, then nothing needs to be done with the smegma. Only excess smegma is removed if necessary.

How to remove smegma and properly care for the genitals?

• The genitals are washed daily, without specially moving back the foreskin.
• Wash the child by directing the stream of water from the penis to the anus, but not vice versa.
• Without stretching the skin, gently pat it dry with a soft towel that absorbs moisture well.
• At the first signs of inflammation, it is necessary to treat the skin with special antiseptics. Additionally, the doctor may prescribe antimicrobial and antifungal ointments or antibiotics. [ 10 ]

How to remove smegma at home?

The genitals of boys are practically “protected” from any external influences, since the foreskin “hides” the head, preventing microbes and other agents from getting on the delicate skin. Smegma also performs a certain protective function, because it has high antimicrobial properties and neutralizes microorganisms that have managed to penetrate under the skin. That is why you should not specifically try to remove smegma: it is necessary as a protective agent. Intimate hygiene procedures should include regular daily washing of the genitals with mild soap. Other actions in relation to the penis are meaningless and even harmful. You cannot forcefully move the foreskin, trying to “scrape” and “sweep” everything. Such an invasion can seriously injure the delicate skin and cause irreparable harm.

In case of large smegma accumulations, external washing of the organ is performed. You can draw water into a disposable syringe (without a needle) and wash the hidden part of the foreskin, pulling it slightly forward (not towards the body, but away from it). Additionally, sitz baths are done with chamomile, furacilin, a weak solution of potassium permanganate. [ 11 ]

Baths with chamomile after removing smegma help to soothe irritated skin, have a slight anti-inflammatory effect. To prepare a solution for the procedure, take 90 g of dry chamomile, pour 800 ml of boiling water, cover with a lid and leave for 15-20 minutes. The bath can be done twice a day for about 15 minutes. [ 12 ]

The main thing that specialists are trying to convey to parents is that smegma, or so-called sub-pussy curd, is an absolutely normal phenomenon, and trying to get rid of it by any means is unreasonable. If nothing bothers the boy, then no manipulations with the foreskin or smegma should be carried out.