Why is there white substance on the male glans?

The white substance on the male glans may be related to smegma, fungal infection, bacterial infection, allergic reaction, balanitis and other reasons, which can be improved through cleaning care, drug treatment and other methods.

1. Smegma

When the foreskin is too long or not clean enough, sebaceous gland secretions mix with the exfoliated epidermis to form smegma, which appears as white or light yellow floc that accumulates in the coronal sulcus. Wash the glans and the inside of the foreskin with warm water every day and avoid using irritating lotions. If combined redness and swelling occur repeatedly, combined infection needs to be ruled out.

2. Fungal infection

Candida albicans infection is common in patients with diabetes or those who have used antibiotics for a long time. White cheese-like discharge accompanied by itching appears on the surface of the glans. You can use miconazole nitrate cream, clotrimazole ointment and other antifungal drugs as directed by your doctor, while keeping the area dry.

3. Bacterial infection

A gonococcal or streptococcal infection may cause a purulent discharge mixed with a white substance. When accompanied by painful urination and redness and swelling of the urethral orifice, you need to seek medical treatment for secretion testing. The doctor may prescribe antibiotics such as cefixime dispersible tablets and levofloxacin tablets.

4. Allergic reaction

After contact with allergenic substances such as condoms and detergents, white discharge with papules or edema may appear on the glans. Immediately stop using suspicious items, flush with saline, and take loratadine tablets in severe cases. It is recommended to choose underwear made of hypoallergenic materials for daily use.

5. Balanitis

Non-specific balanitis can be caused by friction, chemical irritation, etc., and manifests as white film covering with erosion. Avoid scratching, use compound ketoconazole ointment or erythromycin ointment as directed by your doctor, and apply boric acid solution for wet compresses when ulcers occur.

In daily life, you should choose breathable cotton underwear to avoid sitting in a humid environment for a long time. When cleaning, open the foreskin, clean and dry it thoroughly, but do not overuse alkaline soap. Reduce the intake of spicy and irritating foods in the diet, and supplement the vitamin B family appropriately. If the white substance persists or is accompanied by pain, ulceration and other symptoms, you should promptly go to a dermatology or urology department for secretion culture or dermoscopy to determine the cause. Self-medication may mask the condition and delay treatment.