[ ARC forum 2 ]
Written by Ivan at 17 Aug 2005 21:00:39: Re: smegma concern
As an answer to: Re: smegma concern written by Andy at 17 Aug 2005 15:37:34:
>Alan,
>Beware - if you do not maintain regular and complete hygeine, you will cause yourself far greater problems. Balanitis is caused by the lack of hygiene, and this can lead onto even nastier things like BXO. You must get to grips with this (no pun intended) and have a good wash every day. Any sensitivity will ease as the glans get used to the exposure, and in fact, the daily retraction will also help with the phimosis. I strongly recommend you get your self along to a GP/Eurologist - I do not wish to worry you, but what you have decribed could already be the onset of something nasty - Smegma is easily removed with retraction, a bit of soap, determination and a hot bath. You should use NOTHING abrasive as this can damage what is very sensitive skin.
>Let us know how you get on.you are right about the sensitivity and the phimosis being aided by regular retraction for proper washing, however:
NOT SOAP - All surfaces of the body and especially the moist parts of the body, including the glans and foreskin, are host to many microbes, most of which are healthy for us and also serve to keep the bad guys in check. There is no physical possibility of avoiding the bad guys. Generally using soap and antibacterial compounds will kill the good guys and let the bad guys thrive (the most prominant danger is yeast which, as a fungus, is not affected by antibacterial compounds). The area under the foreskin is best cleaned with clean water. If there are any visible motes sticking to the area, the fingernail can be used to gently dislodge them.