Is ghusl obligatory after a wet dream, and is it permissible to shower with soap before or after ghusl?

The questioner must continue to abandon masturbation and thank Allah for that, knowing that nocturnal emission is natural for unmarried youth and necessitates ghusl (ritual bath) if maniyy (seminal fluid) is discharged, but not without it. Ghusl from janabah (state of ritual impurity requiring ghusl) is not required immediately, but rather when one intends to perform an act forbidden to someone in a state of janabah, such as prayer. It can be delayed to alleviate hardship. There is no harm in using soap before or after ghusl.