What’s the white stuff under my foreskin?
“I’ve got a white substance under my foreskin, can you tell me what it is? How do I get rid of it? I’m also getting some pain after I ejaculate, could this be connected?”
This is a common question and nothing to be worried about. It sounds like what you’re describing is smegma.
What is smegma?
Produced by sebaceous glands in the penis, it's white substance that appears under the foreskin. While it's naturally occurring, it’s important to make sure you wash thoroughly on a daily basis. This is because if it’s left to build up, it can cause problems, like an infection. It can also start to smell.
Don’t worry, it’s smegma is normal and build up is easily sorted.
How to get rid of smegma build up
To prevent and remove build up you should clean under the foreskin (by fully pulling the foreskin back), using gentle, un-perfumed shower gel and warm water. Do this daily, making sure to dry yourself properly afterwards.
Problems with smegma
The pain you describe might be due to an infection caused by a build up of smegma – a condition known as balanitis. You need to book an appointment with your GP to diagnosis this.
If you feel embarrassed about talking to your GP, try to remember that doctors examine penises every day and understand that you might feel uneasy about it.
If you'd prefer not to go your regular doctor's surgery about this, you can see someone at a sexual health clinic. Their services are completely confidential and you don’t even have to give your real name (but make sure you use the same name every time you visit). Find a sexual health clinic here.
White spots under foreskin
If you’ve found white spots under your foreskin, they could be pearly penile papules. These are completely harmless.
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