What should I do if smegma suddenly increases?

Some men are relatively inactive and reluctant to bathe frequently—or clean their genitalia—often assuming that “nothing will go wrong.” Unbeknownst to them, this negligence can lead to inflammation or discomfort in the genital area. Only when such symptoms arise do they notice an unusual substance accumulating in the coronal sulcus—the groove encircling the glans penis. This substance is known as smegma. So, what should one do if smegma suddenly increases?

What to Do When Smegma Suddenly Increases

When smegma suddenly increases, men should first prioritize genital hygiene and regularly retract and wash the foreskin. In most cases, plain water suffices for cleaning; avoid using dishwashing detergent, as it may irritate the foreskin and potentially cause pathological changes. Additionally, if phimosis (excessively long or tight foreskin) is present, timely medical intervention is advised—circumcision may be necessary in some cases. In daily life, opt for loose-fitting, comfortable cotton underwear. If increased smegma is accompanied by redness, pain, or itching of the foreskin, promptly consult a urologist for evaluation and treatment.

A sudden increase in smegma may also stem from balanoposthitis—an inflammation of the glans penis and foreskin. If phimosis remains untreated, smegma tends to accumulate progressively. Smegma primarily consists of desquamated (shed) skin cells and sebaceous gland secretions. When bacterial infection occurs and proliferates, genital secretions increase, and more epithelial tissue undergoes necrosis and sloughing—leading naturally to greater smegma accumulation. For mild cases, soaking and cleansing the genital area with a 1:5,000 potassium permanganate solution may be effective.

Men are advised to maintain good personal hygiene in daily life—including regular cleaning of the genital area—to prevent sudden smegma accumulation. We hope this information proves helpful.