User • 2026. 02. 25.
I’m currently a middle school student.
I didn’t usually pull back my foreskin before, so I didn’t really know what it looked like inside. But when I checked, there was a lot of white buildup (smegma)—almost enough to cover everything.
I washed it with water just now.
Is that okay? I heard it’s just “dirt,” and I’m planning to take better care of it from now on.
Ryu Kyung-ho
Goldman UrologyDirector, Goldman Urology Gangnam
Hello, this is Dr. Changki Lee from Goldman Urology Clinic, Incheon.
It is understandable to feel concerned after discovering a large amount of white material under the foreskin.
What you are describing is most likely smegma, which is a combination of natural secretions and shed skin cells. This is a common and normal finding, especially in areas that have not been regularly exposed or cleaned.
Washing it gently with water was a very appropriate and correct step.
Rather than trying to remove everything forcefully at once, it is better to soften the area with warm water and clean it gently, as excessive rubbing may irritate the skin.
If the foreskin is not regularly retracted and cleaned, smegma can accumulate and may lead to odor or inflammation such as balanitis.
Going forward, it is recommended to gently retract the foreskin during showering and maintain proper hygiene.
If you notice redness, swelling, or persistent itching after cleaning, it would be advisable to visit a urology clinic for further evaluation.
At our clinic, we carefully assess each patient’s condition and provide accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plans.
Identifying the cause is the first step toward effective treatment.
If your symptoms persist, we recommend seeking medical evaluation.
Thank you, and we hope this information was helpful.
* This answer is based on medical documents and cannot replace an actual diagnosis.