HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

Suggest Remedy For Smelly Substance Under Foreskin

default
Posted on Mon, 23 Mar 2015
Question: I have a skin disease on my penis and I have the following symptoms:
1. Smelly deposition of a white substance under the foreskin
2. Scaly and shiny outer foreskin

Have also attached a picture to give a better idea of the current situation.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Sandip Kabra (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
It is known as smegma,a natural deposition over glans.

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX
This smelly deposition of white substance or stuff is called as smegma.
Everyone produces this smegma.
Circumcised men produce the same amount of smegma as guys with foreskins, except it rubs off on clothing or bedding, rather than being kept neatly in place by a foreskin.
Can you tell me any other symptom apart from smell and scaly-shiny foreskin?
Now,this smegma is nothing but the mixture of dead skin cells,seminal remnants,urine deposits or sebaceous oil and there is nothing that you can do to stop it being produced throughout your life where bacteria and urine could make it smelly.
So be sure to deal with it as part of your daily hygiene. One should wash it daily while bathing just retracting his foreskin downwards and by rinsing with clean shower water .
It will remove the excess smegma, leaving a healthy, natural, micro thin layer of this beneficial product to keep the glans moist and sensitive.
Never use soap under the foreskin as it leaves soap deposits that reactivate in the natural moisture, and cause burning or irritation. Soap also removes all the natural moisturising effect of the smegma, leaving the glans and foreskin dry and open to infections.
If your problem persists even after daily cleaning then circumcision is the last option.
If any query or doubt,then do ask me.
Thanks and Regards,
Dr.sandipkabra

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Pradeep Vitta
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Sandip Kabra (2 hours later)
Thanks for explaining Doc. The smegma explains the deposition of white substance. But what about the shiny/scaly foreskin? Is that normal? I am worried that it might be some other skin infection and if so, wanted a permanent solution to the same. Please advise.

PS: Hope you saw the picture that i attached !
doctor
Answered by Dr. Sandip Kabra (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
It could be balanitis,dermatitis or psoriasis.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for follow up question.
Yes,I did saw the attached image.
This shiny or scaly skin could be balanitis or Seborrhoeic dermatitis or genital psoriasis or lichen sclerosis etc.
Most chances or commonly it might be dermatitis for which you can apply cortizone and clotrimazole topical cream or ointments with antihistamines but the first thing is to investigate it by taking biopsy to make a diagnosis confirmed.
So,it would be better to see a dermatologist immediately and then start the treatment.
There is no need to worry as this is not a serious condition and with proper treatment you will be alright.
Thanks and regards,
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Sandip Kabra

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2009

Answered : 3078 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
Suggest Remedy For Smelly Substance Under Foreskin

Brief Answer: It is known as smegma,a natural deposition over glans. Detailed Answer: Hi XXXXXXX This smelly deposition of white substance or stuff is called as smegma. Everyone produces this smegma. Circumcised men produce the same amount of smegma as guys with foreskins, except it rubs off on clothing or bedding, rather than being kept neatly in place by a foreskin. Can you tell me any other symptom apart from smell and scaly-shiny foreskin? Now,this smegma is nothing but the mixture of dead skin cells,seminal remnants,urine deposits or sebaceous oil and there is nothing that you can do to stop it being produced throughout your life where bacteria and urine could make it smelly. So be sure to deal with it as part of your daily hygiene. One should wash it daily while bathing just retracting his foreskin downwards and by rinsing with clean shower water . It will remove the excess smegma, leaving a healthy, natural, micro thin layer of this beneficial product to keep the glans moist and sensitive. Never use soap under the foreskin as it leaves soap deposits that reactivate in the natural moisture, and cause burning or irritation. Soap also removes all the natural moisturising effect of the smegma, leaving the glans and foreskin dry and open to infections. If your problem persists even after daily cleaning then circumcision is the last option. If any query or doubt,then do ask me. Thanks and Regards, Dr.sandipkabra