Patient's question:
My child was carefully examined recently and found to have smegma, and there were bean-sized lumps on his penis. Yesterday, he suddenly said it hurt, and I noticed the lump was gone, but the head of his penis was a bit red. What should I do about the smegma?Doctor's answer:
Normal smegma is formed due to the accumulation of keratin in the foreskin that is not cleaned promptly, mixing with urine and gradually forming a buildup of smegma. The formation of smegma can irritate the glans, causing symptoms such as itching, redness, and swelling. In severe cases, it may lead to urinary tract infections, causing contraction of the foreskin or narrowing of the external urethral orifice, and may even increase the risk of penile cancer.If smegma is present, it is recommended to clean it promptly. If it cannot be cleaned in time or if recurrent infections persist after cleaning, circumcision surgery is advised, which can help in curing the condition. Additionally, applying erythromycin ointment can alleviate inflammation. Most importantly, attention should be paid to maintaining proper hygiene.