Kamil Perry
If you've ever wondered why your toes smell like cheese, you're not alone. This phenomenon is caused by a combination of factors, primarily related to foot hygiene and bacterial or fungal activity. The human foot has about 250,000 sweat glands, making it one of the sweatiest parts of the body. When bacteria break down this sweat, they produce isovaleric acid, which gives off a strong cheese-like odour. This odour can be intensified by wearing synthetic socks that trap moisture, creating an ideal environment for bacterial growth. Additionally, toenail fungus, or onychomycosis, can also result in a cheese-like smell, particularly when it affects the underside of the nail. While foot odour is a natural part of being human, maintaining good foot hygiene and rotating your shoes can help keep the smell at bay.
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What You'll Learn
The bacteria Brevibacterium, which lives on feet, is the same bacteria used to mature certain types of cheese
The human foot is home to about 250,000 sweat glands, making it one of the sweatiest parts of the body. While sweat itself is odourless, when bacteria break it down, they produce isovaleric acid, which gives off a cheesy smell. This is the same substance that gives certain cheeses, such as Limburger, their signature stench.
The bacteria responsible for this cheesy smell is Brevibacterium, which is commonly found on human skin, especially on the feet. It thrives in the moist, humid conditions created by sweaty shoes and socks, making it a common cause of foot odour. This bacterium breaks down proteins and fats, releasing sulphur-containing compounds, such as methanethiol, and fatty acids, like isovaleric acid. These compounds are also found in human sweat, which is why the smell of Brevibacterium is often likened to cheese.
Brevibacterium is not just a source of embarrassment for people with smelly feet; it is also a crucial bacterium in the world of cheesemaking. Cheesemakers intentionally encourage the growth of Brevibacterium on the rinds of certain cheeses, such as Munster, Limburger, and Tilsit. This process, known as washing, involves regularly coating the cheese rind with a brine solution. This washing process inhibits unwanted microbes and creates the perfect environment for Brevibacterium to flourish.
The Brevibacterium bacterium breaks down proteins and fats in the cheese, releasing the same compounds that cause foot odour. This process gives the cheese its distinctive smell and taste, which some consider a complex and bold aroma worth savouring. While the smell of stinky cheese may be off-putting to some, it is a testament to the traditional methods, microbes, and flavour magic that go into creating these pungent delights.
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Foot fungus can cause cheesy-smelling toenails
The human foot has about 250,000 sweat glands, making it one of the sweatiest parts of the body. While sweat itself is odourless, bacteria thrive in sweaty environments and can cause a strong smell. When bacteria break down the sweat on your skin, they produce isovaleric acid, which gives stinky cheese its signature aroma. Therefore, the cheesy smell between your toes could be caused by bacteria.
However, the smell could also be caused by foot fungus, which can infect the toenails and cause a foul odour. Toenail fungus, or onychomycosis, is a fungal infection that leads to the steady destruction of the nail plate and can cause discolouration of the nail. The infection typically starts at the side or end of the toenail and spreads towards the cuticle. The big toe is most commonly affected, but the infection can spread to other toes over time. The symptoms of toenail fungus include discolouration of the toenails, thickened toenails, and separation of the nails from the nail bed. The infected nail may vary in colour from white or yellow to brown or black. The fungus infects the nail from the underside of the nail and can be caused by various organisms, including dermatophytes and non-dermatophytes.
Fungal infections are treatable, but they require persistence, patience, and perseverance. Antifungal medications can be used internally or applied directly to the feet and toes to kill the microbes causing the infection. In severe cases, debridement or toenail removal surgery may be necessary to eradicate the infection. Proper hygiene is essential to preventing and treating toenail fungus. Keeping your feet clean and dry is crucial, as fungi thrive in warm, moist environments.
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Poor foot hygiene can cause toenail fungus
The smell of cheese between the toes is usually caused by bacteria breaking down the sweat on the skin, producing isovaleric acid—the same substance that gives stinky cheese its signature aroma. This can be prevented by maintaining good foot hygiene, such as regularly washing and drying the feet and toes, wearing clean socks, and rotating between different pairs of shoes.
Poor foot hygiene can indeed cause toenail fungus, which is a common and contagious infection. Fungi thrive in warm, moist environments, so failing to wash and dry the feet properly, especially between the toes, can create an inviting environment for fungal growth. This is exacerbated by wearing the same pair of shoes and socks for extended periods, as this traps moisture and provides an ideal breeding ground for fungi.
Toenail fungus, or onychomycosis, is often caused by a type of mold called a dermatophyte, which infects the skin beneath the nail. It can also be caused by yeast. The infection can change the appearance of the toenail, causing it to turn white, yellow, or brown, become chalky or cloudy, thicken, separate from the nail bed, or crack and break.
Fungal nail infections are notoriously challenging to treat, and they often recur. Treatment options include oral antifungal medications, such as terbinafine, itraconazole, or fluconazole, or topical medications applied directly to the nail. Early-stage toenail fungus may respond to home treatments like tea tree oil, eucalyptus oil, ozonized sunflower oil, or baking soda, which have antifungal properties.
To prevent and manage toenail fungus, it is essential to practice good foot hygiene. This includes washing and thoroughly drying the feet, especially between the toes, and changing socks frequently. It is also crucial to wear shoes that fit well, are made of breathable materials, and are not worn for extended periods, as damp shoes and socks can contribute to fungal growth. Additionally, it is important to treat any underlying conditions, such as athlete's foot, which can spread to the toenails if left untreated.
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Sweaty feet are a breeding ground for bacteria
The bacteria that thrive in these warm, moist environments are the key players in producing the volatile fatty acids (VFAs) responsible for foot odour. Staphylococcus bacteria, for example, feast on the mix of electrolytes, amino acids, urea and lactic acid released by the sweat glands, converting amino acids into VFAs. The main chemical culprit is isovaleric acid, which has an unpleasant odour that has been likened to cheese.
The risk of bacterial and fungal infections is heightened in those with certain skin conditions, such as eczema, dyshidrosis and psoriasis, which can cause flaking skin between the toes. When combined with sweat, these skin cells can form smelly toe jam. Similarly, those with diabetic neuropathy are more prone to complications from toe jam, as nerve damage can cause numbness and increased sensitivity, making it difficult to clean and care for the feet.
To prevent bacteria from thriving on sweaty feet, it is important to keep them clean and dry. This includes washing the feet at least once a day, removing hard skin with a foot file, keeping toenails short and clean, and ensuring the feet are dried thoroughly. Soaking the feet in warm water with baking soda can also help to remove bacteria, and cornstarch or antiperspirant powders can be effective drying agents.
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Cotton or wool socks absorb sweat and keep feet dry
The human foot has about 250,000 sweat glands, making it one of the sweatiest parts of the body. When bacteria break down the sweat on your skin, they produce isovaleric acid, which gives stinky cheese its signature aroma. Therefore, sweat and bacteria are the main causes of toe and foot odour.
Cotton or wool socks are a great option to combat this issue. While cotton socks absorb and retain moisture, wool socks, especially those made from Merino Wool, absorb and evaporate moisture. Cotton socks tend to keep your feet moist, making them prone to blisters and cold. They also do not wick moisture away effectively, making them a poor choice for managing sweaty feet. Wool socks, on the other hand, have natural moisture-wicking properties. They pull moisture away from your skin, keeping your feet dry and comfortable. They are also breathable, regulate temperature, and help control odour.
Cotton is a natural material, so you might be inclined to wear cotton socks during trips to the gym or long walks in humid weather. However, wool socks are also comfortable for daily use and offer excellent moisture management and cushioning, helping prevent blisters and skin irritation. Modern wool socks are designed to be soft and non-itchy, making them a great option for everyday activities.
In addition to wearing cotton or wool socks, there are other ways to keep your feet dry and odour-free. Wash your feet regularly and dry them thoroughly, especially between the toes. Soaking your feet in diluted vinegar mixed with rubbing alcohol can also help eliminate odour. Applying foot powder or corn starch after washing your feet can also help keep them dry.
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Frequently asked questions
The smell is likely caused by a build-up of sweat and bacteria. Your feet have about 250,000 sweat glands, making them one of the sweatiest parts of your body. When bacteria break down the sweat on your skin, they produce isovaleric acid, which is also found in cheese.
To prevent your toes from smelling, you should wash and dry your feet regularly, wear clean socks, and rotate between different pairs of shoes. Opting for moisture-wicking socks and breathable shoes can also help.
Yes, toenail fungus can cause a cheesy smell. This is because the fungus creates an environment that is ideal for the growth of bacteria that produce isovaleric acid.
You can treat toenail fungus with antifungal medication, either oral or topical. Laser treatments are also available. It is recommended that you consult a podiatrist or doctor before starting any treatment.
