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Is Smegma Common In Individuals Who Are Uncircumcised?

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Posted on Thu, 12 Nov 2015
Question: I drink green tea twice a day without sugar
I have never got my blood sugar checked for diabetes.
I don't smoke and drink occasionally.
Age 32, weight 63,

PROBLEM I am facing at the moment is that my penis has whitish layer which develops (seems like some fungal infection) that I have to remove after 3-4 days when bathing.(some time irritating, eiching). It developed a smell too. Please guide.
Thanks
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (21 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Whitish film is smegma; I suggest daily gentle cleansing & topical antifungal cream

Detailed Answer:
Hello. Thank you for writing to us

I have gone through your query and I have understood your concern.

The whitish film, as you describe is 'smegma', which forms as a result of accumulation of skin cells that are continually being shed.
This accumulation (smegma) is more common in individuals who are uncircumcised, which therefore allows the cells that are being shed to accumulate.
Though smegma is not something abnomal but it can create hygiene issues like smell if alowed to accumulate and sometimes because there may be a superimposed candidal/ yeast infection it can cause irritation and itching; the yeast feeds on shed skin cells and thrives in moist occlusive conditions between glans and prepuce.
Regular, daily gentle cleansing with lukewarm plain water at the time of bath is all that it recommended to get rid of this problem. Avoid soaps etc
Since you also have itching which may be due to candidal superinfection, therefore topically i suggest you to use an otc antifungal e.g clotrimazole 1% + beclomethasone dipropionate 0.025% cream, twice daily, for a week and that should be enough.
If this condition recurs frequently or does'nt resolve, I would suggest to get it reviewed with a dermatologist in your vicinity as well as a blood test for fasting blood sugar.

Regards
Take care
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Sonia Raina
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (3 hours later)
Thank you for your quickresponse.
Sir I am already taking care care of hygiene as recommmended by you but not using any cream till now.
However, I am sending you a image Which show exact situation of problem I am facing.
If there is any change in recommendation after seeing the image please respond.
Thank you
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (9 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Oral fluconazole+ topical treatment

Detailed Answer:
Hello. I have also reviewed the Image.

In addition to the topical cream I suggested in my previous reply (i.e clotrimazole 1% + beclomethasone dipropionate 0.025% cream e.g clotrin-B cream), I would also suggest a SINGLE dose of tablet fluconazole.

Regards
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Dr. Kakkar

Dermatologist

Practicing since :2002

Answered : 9612 Questions

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Is Smegma Common In Individuals Who Are Uncircumcised?

Brief Answer: Whitish film is smegma; I suggest daily gentle cleansing & topical antifungal cream Detailed Answer: Hello. Thank you for writing to us I have gone through your query and I have understood your concern. The whitish film, as you describe is 'smegma', which forms as a result of accumulation of skin cells that are continually being shed. This accumulation (smegma) is more common in individuals who are uncircumcised, which therefore allows the cells that are being shed to accumulate. Though smegma is not something abnomal but it can create hygiene issues like smell if alowed to accumulate and sometimes because there may be a superimposed candidal/ yeast infection it can cause irritation and itching; the yeast feeds on shed skin cells and thrives in moist occlusive conditions between glans and prepuce. Regular, daily gentle cleansing with lukewarm plain water at the time of bath is all that it recommended to get rid of this problem. Avoid soaps etc Since you also have itching which may be due to candidal superinfection, therefore topically i suggest you to use an otc antifungal e.g clotrimazole 1% + beclomethasone dipropionate 0.025% cream, twice daily, for a week and that should be enough. If this condition recurs frequently or does'nt resolve, I would suggest to get it reviewed with a dermatologist in your vicinity as well as a blood test for fasting blood sugar. Regards Take care