Smegma
secretion of mammalian genitals
Smegma is a substance that forms in the sex organs of mammals. It is made of epithelial cells, skin cells, and moisture. It is found around the foreskin of the penis in males, or in the folds of skin around the vulva in females. In males, the smegma acts like a lubricant which makes sexual intercourse easier.[1] It can be white through to yellow in colour.[1] Smegma does not cause any harm, and normal washing will keep it under control; in fact too much washing may cause other problems.[2]
![](http://up.wiki.x.io/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/8e/Balanitis_caused_by_smegma.jpg/220px-Balanitis_caused_by_smegma.jpg)
![](http://up.wiki.x.io/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b7/Female_Smegma.jpg/220px-Female_Smegma.jpg)
References
change- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Wright, J. (1970). "How Smegma Serves the Penis". cirp.org. Archived from the original on 10 May 2011. Retrieved 23 December 2014.
- ↑ Birley, H. (1993). "Clinical features and management of recurrent balanitis; association with atopy and genital washing". PDF.js. 69 (5): 400–403. doi:10.1136/sti.69.5.400. PMC 1195128. PMID 8244363.