Frederic Melton
Toenails that smell like cheese are usually caused by toenail fungus or Onychomycosis, which thrives in dark and damp environments. This fungus can cause white, smelly gunk to build up under the toenails, leading to an unpleasant odour. In addition to the cheese-like smell, other symptoms of toenail fungus include discolouration and brittleness of the toenail. To get rid of the smell, it is important to address the underlying cause, which may require seeking medical advice or treatment from a podiatrist. Proper foot hygiene, such as regularly washing and drying the feet, can also help prevent and manage toenail fungus.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause | Toenail fungus or Onychomycosis, caused by the organism tinea unguium |
| Type of bacteria called Brevibacterium | |
| Symptoms | Discolouration, brittleness, crumbly chalky texture, and a creamy-yellow or greenish-black discolouration of soft sticky mash underneath the nail |
| Treatment | Wash feet regularly, dry feet after washing, use foot deodorant or antiperspirant, apply antifungal solution, use antibacterial soap, soak feet in a bath |
| Prevention | Change socks and shoes regularly, use foot powder, wear socks made from natural odour and moisture-absorbing materials, use nail brush or toothbrush to clean under nails with soap and water |
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What You'll Learn
Wash your feet regularly, especially after exercise
Washing your feet regularly is a simple yet effective way to prevent and address cheesy toenail odours. This is because smelly feet are often caused by a build-up of sweat and bacteria, which can be kept in check through proper foot hygiene.
It is recommended that you wash your feet at least once a day, especially after exercise. When showering, pay particular attention to your feet and ensure they are thoroughly cleaned. Use an antibacterial soap if possible, as this will help eliminate bacteria. Be sure to scrub between your toes, where dirt and bacteria can become trapped.
After washing, dry your feet well, especially the areas between your toes. Bacteria thrive in dark, damp environments, so keeping your feet clean and dry is crucial to preventing the growth of odour-causing bacteria. If you are unable to wash your feet with soap and water, using antibacterial wipes can be a good alternative to quickly freshen up your feet and remove sweat and bacteria.
In addition to regular washing, it is important to keep your toenails trimmed and clean. Dirt, bacteria, and debris can become trapped under toenails, contributing to foot odour. Keeping your toenails short and scraping under them to remove any built-up dirt can help prevent this.
Finally, wearing clean socks and shoes is essential to maintaining foot hygiene. Wash your shoes regularly, or replace the insoles every few months to prevent the build-up of bacteria. If you exercise, change your socks and shoes immediately after your workout. In addition, wearing socks made of breathable materials like cotton or wool can help absorb moisture and reduce the occurrence of sweaty feet.
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Use an antifungal solution twice a day
If you have a cheesy smell under your toenails, it is likely that you have a fungal infection. This is caused by an organism called tinea unguium, which thrives in dark and damp environments, such as sweaty shoes. If left untreated, the fungus can spread to the foot and cause athlete's foot.
To treat the fungal infection, you should use an antifungal solution twice a day. You should apply the antifungal solution to your feet and toenails twice daily, after washing. Be sure to wash your feet with soap and water and dry them thoroughly.
There are several over-the-counter antifungal solutions available, including creams, gels, sprays, and powders. You can also ask your doctor to prescribe a stronger medication in pill form. If you are an athlete or spend a lot of time in closed shoes, be sure to change your socks and shoes immediately after exercising or when they become damp.
In addition to using an antifungal solution, you can also try home remedies such as tea tree oil, eucalyptus oil, or baking soda. These natural remedies have antifungal properties and can help to prevent the spread of the infection. It is important to be diligent with your treatment and to continue using the antifungal solution even after the smell has gone to ensure that the infection does not return.
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Try wearing foot deodorant or antiperspirant
If you're experiencing a cheesy smell under your toenails, it's likely that you have a fungal infection called onychomycosis. This condition is common in people who wear closed shoes for long periods of time, as the feet become sweaty, creating a perfect environment for the fungus to grow. The fungus thrives in dark and damp environments, and the smell is caused by the organism tinea unguium.
To get rid of the smell, it's important to treat the root cause. You should consult a podiatrist or your doctor to discuss treatment options. In the meantime, there are some things you can do to manage the smell, such as wearing foot deodorant or antiperspirant.
Foot deodorants and antiperspirants are designed to neutralize and eliminate bacteria that cause foot odour. Deodorants typically mask the scent of sweat, while antiperspirants physically block the flow of sweat. If you're looking for a product that will simply neutralize the odour, look for a deodorant or anti-odorant with ingredients like glycolic acid, eucalyptus, and antimicrobial aloe vera. These products will eliminate odour-causing bacteria without simply covering up the smell.
If you're looking for a stronger option, foot antiperspirants are a good choice. These products block the flow of sweat, keeping your feet dry and preventing the damp environment that fungi thrive in. Foot antiperspirants come in a variety of forms, such as wipes, sprays, and powders, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs. For example, wipes allow you to target problem areas, like between your toes or the inner arches of your feet. Sprays, on the other hand, allow for precision application and can be used to quickly and easily cover larger areas.
In addition to using foot deodorant or antiperspirant, there are some other measures you can take to prevent and manage fungal growth. Be sure to wash your feet regularly, especially after exercising, and dry them thoroughly. If you're an athlete or tend to sweat a lot, change your socks and shoes immediately after exercising. You can also try applying an antifungal solution to your feet and toenails twice a day after washing.
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Sprinkle foot powder on your feet
If you're experiencing a cheesy smell under your toenails, it's likely that you have a fungal infection called onychomycosis, caused by the organism tinea unguium. This fungus thrives in dark and damp environments, such as sweaty shoes, and can be challenging to treat.
To get rid of the cheesy smell and address the underlying fungal infection, it's recommended to sprinkle foot powder on your feet. Foot powder can help absorb excess moisture, creating an unfavourable environment for the fungus to grow and spread. Here are some detailed steps and recommendations to effectively utilise foot powder:
- Choose an antifungal foot powder: Look for foot powders that are specifically formulated to combat fungal infections. These powders often contain ingredients like miconazole nitrate, tolnaftate, or terbinafine hydrochloride, which help inhibit the growth of fungi.
- Wash and dry your feet thoroughly: Before applying the foot powder, ensure that your feet are clean and dry. Wash your feet with a mild soap and water, taking care to clean between your toes and around your toenails. Dry your feet completely, especially the areas between your toes, as fungi thrive in moist environments.
- Sprinkle the foot powder liberally on your feet: Pay close attention to the areas between your toes and around your toenails, as these areas tend to retain moisture and provide an ideal environment for fungal growth. Make sure to sprinkle the powder evenly and generously.
- Use the foot powder consistently: For best results, use the foot powder daily, especially after showering or any activities that cause your feet to sweat. Consistency is key to maintaining dry feet and inhibiting fungal growth.
- Wear clean socks: After applying the foot powder, put on a pair of clean, dry socks. Opt for socks made with breathable materials, such as cotton or wool, which can help absorb moisture and keep your feet dry throughout the day.
- Sprinkle foot powder into your shoes: In addition to applying it directly to your feet, sprinkle some foot powder into your shoes, especially if they tend to get sweaty. This will help absorb moisture and create an inhospitable environment for fungi.
By following these steps and maintaining good foot hygiene, you can effectively use foot powder to address the cheesy smell and treat the underlying fungal infection. However, if the condition persists or becomes more severe, it is recommended to consult a podiatrist or a healthcare professional for further evaluation and treatment options.
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See a podiatrist for treatment
If you notice an unpleasant cheese-like smell coming from your toenails, it could be due to a fungal infection. This is a common issue for people who wear closed shoes for long periods, as the dark and damp environment is ideal for fungus to grow.
If you suspect a fungal infection, it is recommended that you see a podiatrist for treatment. A podiatrist will be able to accurately diagnose the issue and recommend an appropriate treatment plan. They may suggest the following:
Mild to Moderate Infections
For milder cases, a podiatrist may recommend topical treatments, such as antifungal solutions or photo-therapy using low laser therapy. Topical treatments are applied directly to the nail and can include paints, lacquers, or solutions.
Moderate to Severe Infections
For more severe or persistent infections, the podiatrist may suggest systemic medication, carefully selected for the patient. They may also recommend a combination of systemic medication and topical treatment.
Toenail Removal
In some severe cases, the infection may have spread extensively underneath the toenail, making it challenging to eradicate. As a last resort, the podiatrist may suggest removing the toenail under local anaesthesia. This allows for direct treatment of the nail bed with an antifungal agent. A new, healthy nail will eventually grow in its place.
Lab Testing
Before starting any treatment, a podiatrist may recommend a lab test (mycology test) to confirm the presence of a fungal infection. This involves sending nail clippings for laboratory testing to support the clinical diagnosis.
It is important to address toenail fungal infections early on to prevent them from worsening or spreading to other areas. Proper foot hygiene, including regular washing and drying, is crucial to prevent the recurrence of fungal infections and maintain healthy toenails.
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Frequently asked questions
Toenails can smell like cheese due to a bacterial condition called pseudomonas, which causes green nail syndrome. In other cases, the smell may be caused by toenail fungus or onychomycosis, which is common in people who wear closed shoes for long periods of time.
To get rid of the cheese smell, you must address the root cause. If the smell is due to a bacterial condition, treat it with an antibacterial solution. If it is due to toenail fungus, apply an antifungal solution to your feet and toenails twice a day after washing.
To prevent and get rid of the cheese smell, you can practice good foot hygiene by washing your feet regularly, drying them thoroughly, and wearing clean socks. You can also use foot deodorant or antiperspirant, and sprinkle your feet with foot powder to keep them dry.
If the cheese smell under your toenails is persistent and accompanied by other symptoms such as discolouration, brittleness, or build-up of dirt, it is recommended to see a doctor or podiatrist for further evaluation and treatment.
