Subpreputial wetness is a lanolin-like wetness commonly found in under the prepuce in most female and male individuals who have not undergone circumcision, as well as in the female vulva area. If allowed to accumulate along with dead epithelial cells, the combination is commonly called smegma. Smegma is a whitish substance which can be removed by washing, whereas subpreputial wetness is a transparent lubricating secretion. The two substances are commonly confused. The prepuce is a retractable piece of skin which covers part of the genitals of primates and other mammals. ... Circumcision is the removal of some or all of the foreskin (prepuce). ... Labeled picture of external female reproductive anatomy. ... Visible smegma on a human male penis Smegma, a transliteration of the Greek word σμήγμα for soap, is a combination of exfoliated (shed) epithelial cells, transudated skin oils and moisture that can accumulate under the foreskin of males and within the female vulva area, with a characteristic strong odor and taste. ...

Some opponents of male circumcision have speculated that the lysozyme in subpreputial wetness may be protective against the HIV virus, and that circumcised men may be at a higher risk for AIDS.[1] This article is being rewritten at Circumcision/temp Circumcision is the removal of some or all of the prepuce or foreskin though often the frenulum is also excised. ... Lysozyme 3D structure. ...

References

• Parkash S, Jeyakumar K, Subramanya K, et al. Human subpreputial collection: its nature and formation. J Urol 1973;110(2):211-12. URL: http://www.cirp.org/library/anatomy/parkash/

• C.J. COLD and J.R. TAYLOR. The prepuce URL: http://www.cirp.org/library/anatomy/cold-taylor/