Men make shower mistake that can cause nasty infection, says GP

26 July 2023 , 23:00

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Doctor Sooj issued a stern warning to men, calling it a “public service announcement” (Image: Jam Press Vid/@doctorsooj)

Taking a quick shower might seem like nothing more than a simple part of our daily routine - with most of us not giving it too much thought.

But an NHS GP has now said men could be making a simple mistake in the shower which can lead to an infection. Doctor Sooj has taken to TikTok to warn about the importance of men washing their penis properly. Calling his warning a “public service announcement”, Dr Sooj went on to explain why.

While his warning concerned those who are uncircumcised in particular, Dr Sooj, 31, added: "If you’re not circumcised, then please make sure that every single time you shower or bathe, you pull your foreskin all the way back and clean around the base of the glans penis. This is the base of the helmet."

Dr Sooj went on to explain why washing the penis thoroughly is so important, adding: "If you don’t do this then it can lead to a build-up of smegma, which is a thick cheese-looking discharge that builds up around the genitals. This can then lead to things like bacterial and fungal skin infection.

“To prevent this, all you have to do is gently pull your foreskin back when you’re in the shower or you’re bathing, and clean your genitals with warm water". The video left many people wondering why some people had to be told to thoroughly wash their genitals.

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One person added: “Why are we having to educate so many people on intimate hygiene? It really surprises me especially in a modern society". The video has been viewed over 20,000 times, reports The Sun.

Doctor Sooj described how infections can build up under the foreskin if men don't wash their genitals porperly (Jam Press Vid/@doctorsooj)

Doctor Sooj issued a stern warning to men, calling it a “public service announcement” (Jam Press Vid/@doctorsooj)

In other shower advice, a health expert has said bathing in cold water every day is good for us.

Writing in the SundayTimes, Dr Michael Mosley explains that you don't need to overhaul your life to feel better and small changes can make a big difference to your life.

At the end of your shower, turn the tap to cold for ten seconds to boost your immune system. Dr Mosley says this can help lower stress, improve cardiovascular health and strengthen your immune system.

He explains that by repeatedly undergoing the mild stressor of immersion in cold water you will be able to cope with other stressors as well.

Abigail O'Leary