Hello, I'm a health professional with expertise in general health and hygiene practices.

Smegma is a natural substance that can accumulate under the foreskin in males or around the clitoral hood in females. It's made up of dead skin cells, oils, and other bodily fluids. While smegma itself is not inherently harmful, it can become a problem if it's not cleaned away regularly.

The issues that can arise from not cleaning smegma include:


1. Bad Odor: The buildup can lead to an unpleasant smell.

2. Infection: A significant accumulation can create a more favorable environment for bacterial and fungal growth, potentially leading to infections like balanitis in males or yeast infections in females.

3. Irritation: Smegma can cause skin irritation and discomfort.

4. Sexual Health: It can also potentially affect sexual health by causing discomfort during sexual activities and may contribute to the transmission of certain sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

It's important to practice good genital hygiene, which includes cleaning the area regularly with mild soap and water. Here's how you can do it:

- Gently retract the foreskin (if present) or separate the labia (in females) during bathing.
- Use a mild, unscented soap and water to clean the area.
- Rinse thoroughly to ensure no soap residue is left behind.
- Gently dry the area with a clean towel.

Remember, it's normal for some smegma to be present, but it should not be excessive. If you notice persistent issues or discomfort, it's a good idea to consult with a healthcare provider.

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In its fresh state, smegma is a wholesome and functional lubricant. But, if allowed to accumulate in the foreskin cavity, it becomes changed into an unpleasant, unhealthy, and bad-smelling substance. ... Normally, a healthy foreskin can be retracted for cleansing and smegma can be removed by washing.read more >>