Curious Condition with No Odor
I am a 54-year-old male residing in Australia, weighing 95 kilograms and standing at 6 feet tall. For approximately a year, I have been experiencing a recurring issue that has recently intensified. Daily, I notice a crumbly, cheese-like substance accumulating beneath the glans of my penis. Despite maintaining a consistent cleaning routine, the situation does not improve. Notably, there is no unpleasant odor associated with this substance, which appears white in color. To provide some context, my penis is relatively small when flaccid but exceeds average size when erect, resulting in considerable loose skin. I'm seeking advice on what this might indicate.
Answers (1)
6/26/2025, 7:10:37 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you’re experiencing a concerning but not uncommon issue related to your penile hygiene or possibly a skin condition. The crumbly, cheese-like substance you describe could be smegma, which is a combination of dead skin cells and oils. While it is typically odorless, it can accumulate if not cleaned properly, even with regular hygiene practices.
Explanation: Smegma is produced beneath the foreskin and around the glans of the penis and can occur more frequently in men who are not circumcised, especially if there is excess skin. It is important to maintain good hygiene to prevent any irritation or infection, even if you do not notice an odor. However, the persistence of this issue and its recent intensification may indicate that more focused action is needed.
Next Steps:
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Improve Hygiene Practices:
- Make sure to gently retract the foreskin (if applicable) during cleaning and wash the area thoroughly with warm water daily. Avoid using harsh soaps that can irritate the sensitive skin.
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Monitor Symptom Changes:
- Keep an eye on any other changes in the area, such as redness, swelling, or discomfort, as these could indicate an infection or other conditions.
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Consider Moisture Control:
- Keeping the area dry can help prevent further build-up. You might even consider using a talc-free powder to manage moisture.
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Limit Irritants:
- Avoid fragrances or irritants in personal care products that could exacerbate skin sensitivity.
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Assess for Further Concerns:
- If the condition does not improve with improved hygiene, or if you develop any discomfort, itchiness, or unusual symptoms, consider seeking advice from a healthcare professional for further evaluation.
Keeping everything clean and dry should help. If you have any concerns about changes in your symptoms or new developments, reaching out to a healthcare provider would be a prudent step to ensure that there are no underlying issues that need to be addressed.
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