This month a reader is concerned with a smell coming from under his foreskin. Our experts answer his question.
Dear TGUK
Inside my foreskin. I keep getting a smell from it. Once in the past I was given a cream to sort an area out and it’s that where the smell is coming from.
G, 33
Hello G
Thank you for your message. Nobody likes a stinky pinky, so hopefully we can get this sorted for you.
Smells coming from the foreskin are usually created by bacteria. The penis is a fantastic incubation ground for all sorts of bacterias. Warm, moist and if you don’t wash, or aren’t able to wash the area properly it can lead to smells, often from what’s called Smegma. The white, creamy material that you can often find under the foreskin.
You don’t say whether you’ve got a tight foreskin or whether you are able to fully pull back your foreskin. If you’re not able to do this, it could stop you getting rid of the smegma build, which after a while, smell.
The best way to clean the area is with warm water. It’s often advised not to use shower gels or soaps because they may cause irritation.
If you’re not able to fully retract the foreskin you should see your doctor about this.
However you say that you have been given a cream in the past to sort out the smell. Without knowing what the cream is or what it is for, we suggest that you go back to your docs and get to the root of your problem.
If you have an infection or your penis is red and sore or has a rash then you definitely should book in with your GP – or take some time to go to a walk in sexual health clinic.
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