Strange substance under foreskin

[ChicagoJack]

This morning I woke up with a bit of irritation in the head of my penis, nothing terrible, just a slight discomfort, and it felt like there was something under there (I'm not circumsized.) So in the shower today I peeled back the foreskin and found a gross, sticky substance, kind of like a cross between lint and chewing gum, was stuck in there. There were two little strands of the stuff. It was gross and smelled terrible (well, no surprise considering where it's been) and it was sticky but peeled off easily and without pain. It may not seem like a big deal but it really freaked me out.

I'm wondering what is this exactly? I've had no other problems with my penis and I don't think it's an STD (I practice safe sex and haven't had intercourse in a year and a half anyway.) Could it have something to do with lack of bathing? I'm kind of ashamed to say it, but for two and a half months I was basically homeless due to some bad investments and overall bad luck with work and money. I was unable to shower or bathe at all during that time. I've since moved in with relatives so that's not a problem anymore, but I'm still very short on money and without insurance, and I don't want to impose on them any further by asking for money to go to a doctor unless this is serious, as they don't have a lot of money either. I'll be grateful for any help with this problem. Thanks.

[Sal200]

Men u have to shower everyday atleast if u cant shower just wach under that skin, it will smell like hell. that allu need to do

[PaulK9378]

What you're both describing is smegma. It's a combination of dead skin cells and skin oil that can build up under your foreskin. It's important to retract your foreskin and wash underneath it as often as possible. It may be difficult to remove at first especially if it's been there for a while. Be persistent and it will eventually go away.

The reason it's important (aside from the hygenic reasons) is that it can lead to an infection called ballanitis, which is an inflamation of the glans (head) of your penis.

[THAIN]

i  until extremely recently didnt roll back my foreskin whhile urinating, im 15 and now i really worryed about this stuff when i roll back my penis, its not white but its where the urine has been u think, it wont wash off, what isit and how do i get rid of it PLEAAASEEE

[Radak]

If you haven't cleaned under there in a while, it could very well have been smegma due to poor hygiene. Keep it washed and see if it comes back. If it doesn't come back, you're all set. If it does, check out the area clinics.
I know what you mean about the homeless stuff. Many of us are just one paycheck away from the streets and the thought is not pleasant!
Good luck to you!
Rad