SMEGMA

Smegma is a thick white cheesy looking substance that is a build- up of sweat, skin cells, natural oils and other fluids. Smegma is not an STD and it is not contagious.

It can commonly be found on the penis, and particularly under the foreskin of uncircumcised males.

It is normal to have some smegma, but if it is not washed away regularly, fungus and bacteria  can grow in it and it can smell really bad. It can also lead to painful conditions like balanitis and phimosis. 

If you wash everyday and there is still cheesy discharge or a bad smell, you need to see your doctor.

BALANITIS AND BALANOPOSTHITIS

Balanitis is when the Glans of the penis becomes inflamed. Balanoposthitis is when both the glans and the foreskin get inflamed.

If balanitis and balanoposthitis are not controlled, they can lead to difficulty pulling back the foreskin which can require circumcision (an operation to remove the foreskin). 

Causes of Balanitis/Balanoposthitis:

The most common cause is poor genital hygiene

How to keep him clean

Infections caused by fungus, yeast ,bacteria or STDs 

Skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis and BXO

Diabetes

Phimosis

Injuries/Trauma – like aggressively  forcing the foreskin back when it doesn’t want to go

Exposure to chemicals/allergens

If your symptoms are not improving with washing properly, or  you can not pull your foreskin back comfortably, you need to see your doctor.

PHIMOSIS

Phimosis is a condition in uncircumcised men, where their foreskin becomes tight and can not be pulled back. Phimosis is normal in newborns and young boys. 50% of boys can retract their foreskin by the time they are 10, and 99% can by the time they reach 16.

Phimosis can be mild or severe and the symptoms and treatment depend on the type of phimosis you have.

Causes:

Poor genital hygiene leading to long-term balanitis

How to keep him clean

Skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, lichen planus and BXO

Adhesions (this is scar tissue that keeps your foreskin attached to your glans

Infections like STDS

Injuries

Men with diabetes are more likely to get phimosis. 

Treatments:

Treatments depend on the severity of the phimosis and can range from low dose steroid creams to circumcisions. If you are having problems because of phimosis, please see your doctor.

PARAPHIMOSIS

This is where the foreskin becomes trapped behind the glans of the penis,  and it can look a bit like there are rubber bands around the penis.

This can cause swelling and pain and can become so bad it can be a surgical emergency.

If you think you have paraphimosis, you really need to have a doctor to have a look at it as soon as possible to advise you of the best course of action for you. 

JOCK ITCH

Jock itch is an itchy, stinging, contagious rash that can affect your groin folds, upper thighs and butt crack. It is called Jock itch because it is common in athletes and in people who sweat a lot.

It is caused by an overgrowth of fungus. 

Fungus likes warm moist environments, and especially areas where skin touches skin and there isn’t much ventilation. 

The best way to avoid Jock itch is:

Don’t let sweat build up on the skin – wash it off with a pH balanced cleanser as soon as possible

How to keep him clean

Make sure to thoroughly pat dry the groin folds and all areas involved with a clean towel. 

Dry your groin first and your feet last, as sometimes the fungus spreads from your feet to your groin. 

Always wear clean underwear made of natural breathable materials

Don’t wear clothes that are too tight

When you can, wear boxer shorts rather than tight underwear that doesn’t let your skin breath.

Treatment:

Depending on the severity, you may need an antifungal cream or antifungal tablets. If your rash is not improving with over the counter antifungal treatments, please see a doctor in person about more individually tailored treatments.