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Mastka (the Latin name is smegma) is a white or yellow greasy cheese-like discharge that accumulates in the genital area: in men under the foreskin, mostly on the neck of the glans, and in women under the foreskin of the clitoral glans.
It is often of concern to parents of young children who think inflammation is causing the mucus. In the case of infants, however, the mastka may cause the foreskin to stick to the glans, which is the so-called phimosis.
Mastka is made of exfoliated epidermis, sebaceous substance, urine remnants and – in the case of men – semen remnants. Its formation in the genital area is a completely natural phenomenon and in most cases should not be alarming. What’s more, the mastka plays an important role – it moisturizes the genital area and enables intercourse. Its excessive removal, apart from daily hygiene activities, is therefore usually not necessary.
The problem arises with young children and infants (boys). Mastka in male infants appears in the first months of life. Parents should be concerned about the narrowing of the foreskin, i.e. the formation of the so-called phimosis. This is a phenomenon where the foreskin sticks to the glans, so that it is impossible to pull it back. This condition does not bother a young child, but causes serious problems in an adult male. Usually, phimosis resolves spontaneously because the mastic that accumulates under the foreskin moisturizes the skin and causes the foreskin to detach from the glans. You can help with this process by gently pulling your baby’s foreskin back in a warm bath.
If the problem of phimosis still occurs at the age of about 6, consultation with a pediatrician is necessary. In some cases, he or she may recommend circumcision, that is, the removal of the final part of the skin of the foreskin.
Mastka to natural secretion moisturizing the genitalshowever, an excess of it is not beneficial and can lead to inflammation of the foreskin. It is a common condition in children. It is accompanied by redness and itching of the foreskin, white discharge and pus under the foreskin, swelling of the penis and difficulty urinating. In this case, you should frequently rinse the foreskin, for example with chamomile infusion, to remove excess secretions and inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi.
Disinfectants for children, which can be purchased at a pharmacy without a prescription, are also useful. You can also use baths with infusions of herbs such as sage or chamomile. If a fungal or bacterial infection develops, it is necessary to use special ointments for the foreskin. The mastication should be removed prophylactically during the usual hygienic procedures, so as to prevent its accumulation in excess, which makes it a breeding ground for viruses, fungi and bacteria.
Also check:
- Hypothesis in boys – causes, treatment, surgery
- Inflammation of the epididymis and testicles
A small child should be taught the rules of hygiene – he should know that the glans should be washed with a special intimate hygiene liquid and that every day you have to bathe, take a shower or at least wash yourself thoroughly. The child should also wear airy, clean underwear. Of course, similar rules also apply to adults. For babies wearing diapers, it is very important to wash their penis with each diaper change. Otherwise, the mastication under the foreskin will very quickly lead to inflammation in a warm and humid environment.
However, remember not to overdo it in any direction – let us remind you that in small boys, the mast is used to moisturize the glans and foreskin, which causes them to gradually separate from each other. Restrictive removal of any amount of mastics will slow this process down and may even require surgery.
With proper hygiene, there is no need to additionally remove the mastic. It is usually removed by urinating or by bathing.