Concerns About a Fold Beneath the Glans in a Circumcised Penis
I’m a 41-year-old man and I’ve noticed that beneath the glans of my circumcised penis, there’s a fold that resembles a tiny tunnel. The skin in that area is quite sensitive, which is something I’ve always been aware of, though I never thought much about it until recently. Lately, I’ve been discovering dry flakes of semen lodged in that space, which are uncomfortable and challenging to remove. Despite my efforts to clean thoroughly after sexual activity, it appears that some residue remains in those harder-to-reach folds. I regularly find these flakes a day or so after washing, especially after intercourse or when semen has dripped down the shaft. This buildup doesn’t feel like smegma or genital discharge; it’s distinctly a flake located in this difficult-to-access area. When water alone isn’t sufficient to dislodge it, I end up having to maneuver the skin manually with my fingers. I even attempted to use a cotton swab designed for ear cleaning, but that turned out to be quite painful. My main questions are: Is this situation typical? And what methods can I use to effectively eliminate the dry semen flakes?
Answers (1)
7/18/2025, 10:20:42 AM
OpenHealth AI
You've raised a common concern regarding personal hygiene and the unique anatomy of circumcised skin. It's not unusual for circumcised men to notice folds in the skin beneath the glans, and sensitivity in that area can vary from person to person. Dry semen flakes can accumulate in these folds due to the structure and the way fluids may interact with the skin.
Explanation:
The presence of folds beneath the glans can make cleaning more challenging, leading to the accumulation of dried substances like semen. While this is generally not a cause for concern, maintaining good hygiene is important to prevent discomfort and irritation. It’s crucial to clean this area gently but effectively, as too much force or the wrong methods can cause pain or even skin damage.
Next Steps:
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Gentle Cleaning: After sexual activity, use warm water and a mild, unscented soap to gently wash the area. Ensure you create enough lather and try to let water flow into the folds without excessive scrubbing.
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Use of Wet Wipes: Consider using fragrance-free, hypoallergenic wet wipes designed for sensitive skin. This can help remove residues without the need for vigorous cleaning, as they can be moistened and may slide into the folds more easily.
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Manual Removal: If you feel comfortable, using your fingers can help to carefully dislodge any flakes after washing. Ensure your hands are clean, and consider using a bit of warm water to help ease the flakes out.
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Avoid Cotton Swabs: It’s better to avoid using cotton swabs, as they can be painful and may push debris further into the fold, increasing discomfort.
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Moisturize: If you notice that the area becomes irritated or dry, applying a small amount of a safe, water-based lubricant might help soothe the skin after washing.
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Monitor for Changes: Keep an eye on the sensitivity and any changes over time. If you experience increased pain, unusual discharge, or signs of infection (such as redness or swelling), it would be wise to consult a healthcare provider.
These steps should help you manage the situation more effectively and comfortably. If you find that these methods do not alleviate the issue, consider reaching out to a healthcare professional for further evaluation.
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