Causes of a Sudden Increase in Smegma

A sudden increase in smegma may be caused by phimosis, fungal infection, or diabetes mellitus. In cases of phimosis, inadequate hygiene of the preputial cavity—such as failure to regularly clean beneath the foreskin—may allow bacteria within the smegma to proliferate unchecked. In fungal infections, irritation of the glans penis by fungi (e.g., Candida) can stimulate excessive smegma production. In patients with diabetes mellitus, elevated blood glucose levels predispose them to balanitis, which in turn leads to increased smegma accumulation.