AboutDaryl Taylor, BSc(Hons) Psychology Expertise As a former youth worker, working in the UK and as a Camp Counsellor in the US, I have volunteered and helped young people from all over the world. I have worked for two or three websites like this in the past since I was about 13/14 and I continue to do so now at the age of 23. I can answer problems on a whole range of issues from friends and family, to drugs, sex, alcohol and relationships etc.
Experience I have worked as a youth worker for local organisations, volunteered on this and other websites giving out information for about 8 years, volunteered at my college and university doing face to face counselling and I have recently worked for an organisation in the UK which specialises in helping young people aged 13-19 to make positive decisions in their lives. I have featured in a UK based magazine called Aim Higher as a case study to show triumpth through adversity and I have recieved an Adult Learner's Award for my pioneering work at college.
Question Dr. Daryl I have a problem with my penis, no one taught me as I was little how to clean it,well guess now I'm 19 and and sexually active i discovered this magma stuff but i think I've had it for too long and now i actually think its my penisīs head the one that looks weird its like flaky but its flesh i think cuz it hurts if a try to pull it of its on the round edge of it the crown i guess
Answer Hello Eduardo,
Firstly, I am not a doctor but this problem you are describing sounds like you could be looking at something called 'smegma' 'Smegma' is a white substance that appears under the foreskin and all over the head of the penis (called the glans). It can be quite smelly and occurs naturally, but does need to be cleaned. If you are circumcised (that is, you've had your foreskin removed) then all you need to do is to take a warm shower or bath and use soap and a sponge to gently clean the penis, including underneath the head.
If you have a foreskin and are uncircumcised; then take a shower or a warm bath and let your penile skin become loose and soft and then gently, rolly back your foreskin. It should come back and sit gently and comfortable just below the head of the penis. Then clean it in warm water and with soap and then roll your foreskin back up once you have finished. If you have any pain or discomfort, it may be worth going to see your doctor just to make sure everything is OK...but be gentle.
If what you are seeing is a cracked penis tip with what looks like yellow discharge running through it, or even if it is just cracked red and sore skin, then this may need to be treated with an antibiotic or cream from the doctor who will need to check you out.
In all circumstances, I cannot diagnose you over the internet but I would strongly recommend that if you are in any discomfort or just suspect that something isn't right, then it is best to go to the doctor and get yourself checked out: they will be able to tell you in seconds if anything is wrong. If you are sexually active and not using a condom, you could have a Sexually Transmitted Infection which would need to be treated by a doctor anyway, so there's a few reasons why you should go.
