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What Are The Symptoms Of Smegma?

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Posted on Tue, 31 Mar 2015
Question: Usually, how many days does it take before smegma develops into "whitish cheese"?
What's the best way to temporarily get rid of it?
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Answered by Dr. Kathy Robinson (13 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
4-5 days

Detailed Answer:
Hello and thank you for your question.
Smegma is a combination of dead skin cells and oil from glands. It builds up and can even cause infection. The build up to a cheese like consistency usually takes 4-5 days though this can be different for different people. They best way to avoid it is to pull back the foreskin and wash with soap and water daily. If there is a severe build up you may need to do this twice a day. Make sure the area is completely dry before putting the foreskin back in place. Moisturizers with XXXXXXX butter may be helpful if the penis becomes dry from overwashing. In extreme cases smegma may need antibiotics prescribed by a doctor.
Regards,
Dr. Robinson
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E
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Follow up: Dr. Kathy Robinson (36 minutes later)
Is general washing with soap and water (such as in a shower), without taking additional special or certain steps enough to clean off the smegma after only 2 (two) days?
Is general washing with soap and water (such as in a shower), without taking additional special or certain other steps enough to clean off the smegma, even if just once every 2 (two) days? Thank you.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Kathy Robinson (35 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
needs to be done at least daily

Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for your follow up.
In order for smegma to not build up and cause problems the area really needs to be washed with soap and water and dried completely at least once a day.
Regards,
Dr. Robinson
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
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Answered by
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Dr. Kathy Robinson

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1989

Answered : 3535 Questions

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What Are The Symptoms Of Smegma?

Brief Answer: 4-5 days Detailed Answer: Hello and thank you for your question. Smegma is a combination of dead skin cells and oil from glands. It builds up and can even cause infection. The build up to a cheese like consistency usually takes 4-5 days though this can be different for different people. They best way to avoid it is to pull back the foreskin and wash with soap and water daily. If there is a severe build up you may need to do this twice a day. Make sure the area is completely dry before putting the foreskin back in place. Moisturizers with XXXXXXX butter may be helpful if the penis becomes dry from overwashing. In extreme cases smegma may need antibiotics prescribed by a doctor. Regards, Dr. Robinson