Source
Causes
Smegma is caused by shredded skin cells, dead epithelial cells, mixing with skin oil secretions, such as sweat and naturally-produced lubricants. Smegma may build up if it is not washed away properly. This may cause problems, thus good personal hygiene is necessary to avoid such problems.
Symptoms
Smegma is a secretion of the oil glands around the genitals. For men, smegma often appears under the foreskin of the penis. In women, it’s most likely to appear between the folds of the vagina’s labia or around the clitoral hood. Smegma has several distinct characteristics:
- thick, cheese-like consistency
- white in color (can be darker depending on natural skin tone)
- unpleasant smell