Kamil Perry
Have you ever noticed a strange odour emanating from your fingers and, upon closer inspection, realised that they smell like cheese? While unusual, this phenomenon is not unheard of and can be caused by a variety of factors. From dietary choices to skin conditions and even underlying health issues, there are numerous potential reasons why your fingers may smell cheesy. In this article, we will explore the most common causes and provide insights from dermatologists and other experts on how to address this peculiar problem.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause | Touching different things, including foods like garlic and onion |
| Cause | Underlying medical conditions, such as diabetes, liver or kidney disease, trimethylaminuria, pitted keratolysis, bromhidrosis, or eczema |
| Cause | Medication, such as penicillin |
| Solution | Wash with antibacterial soap |
| Solution | Consult a doctor |
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Dry skin on hands and fingers
Dry skin on the hands and fingers is a common issue, often occurring in the cold winter months. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including environmental conditions, frequent handwashing, exposure to chemicals, and underlying skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis.
To alleviate dry skin on the hands and fingers, it is important to establish a good skincare routine. This includes using lukewarm water when washing your hands and choosing a mild soap that supports the skin's natural pH. Avoid hot water, as it can strip the skin of its natural oils and exacerbate dryness. Remember to dry your hands carefully, especially between the fingers, and pat them dry instead of rubbing. Applying a moisturising product regularly after washing is crucial, especially if your hands are frequently exposed to water, dirt, or chemicals. Look for moisturisers with ingredients like urea, ceramide, citrate buffer, dexpanthenol, or menthoxypropanediol, which can provide immediate relief and intense moisturisation.
If you have eczema, it is essential to manage stress, as it can trigger or worsen symptoms. Severe eczema may require medication, such as topical steroids or antibiotics, to allow the skin to heal. Wearing gloves can also help protect your hands from further dryness, especially when immersed in water or exposed to irritants.
In more severe cases of dry skin, hands may feel very rough, and the skin may develop fine cracks or scaly, tight patches. This could indicate underlying conditions such as atopic dermatitis, which causes skin to become rough, itchy, and inflamed. If your dry hands do not improve with home treatments or over-the-counter moisturisers, it is recommended to consult a dermatologist or medical professional for advice and appropriate treatment options.
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Fungal infection
A fungal infection of the skin on the fingers and hands may cause a cheesy smell. This type of fungal infection thrives in dark and damp environments and is usually accompanied by symptoms such as thickened, yellowing nails. The same fungus can also cause fungal infections of the skin, commonly known as athlete's foot and jock itch. While not always the case, it is possible for the cheese-like odor and the fungal infection to be linked. The bacteria responsible for the cheesy smell is called brevibacterium, which is also found in certain smelly cheeses.
If you are experiencing a fungal infection, it is recommended to consult a doctor or dermatologist for guidance and treatment options. Local antifungals can be used to treat the fungal infection, and if the infection is accompanied by sore skin, it may indicate a secondary bacterial infection that will also need to be addressed.
It is important to note that other factors could be contributing to the cheesy smell. For example, certain foods like garlic and onions can cause odor, and dry skin can make individuals more prone to infection. In some cases, the smell may be due to infected eczema or another skin infection. Consulting a medical professional is the best way to determine the exact cause and receive appropriate treatment.
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Bromhidrosis
There are two types of bromhidrosis: apocrine and eccrine. Apocrine bromhidrosis is the most common type and is linked to sweat from the apocrine glands, which are located in the armpits and genital area. Apocrine sweat is thicker than eccrine sweat and contains proteins and lipids. On its own, this type of sweat doesn't smell, but when it comes into contact with bacteria on the skin, it can create a strong, persistent odour. This type of bromhidrosis is often associated with a strong odour of sulfur, onions, or raw meat.
Eccrine bromhidrosis is the rarer form of the condition. Eccrine sweat glands are found all over the body, including the palms, soles, head, and torso. Eccrine sweat is mostly water and salt, and is typically odourless. However, when it mixes with bacteria, environmental factors, or metabolic waste, it can develop an unpleasant odour. This type of bromhidrosis is often associated with ammonia-like or vinegar/sour-smelling odours.
The treatment options for bromhidrosis vary depending on the severity of the condition. For mild cases, pharmacological or injection therapies may be recommended. For moderate cases, laser treatments or surgical interventions may be suggested. Other management options include local medications, phototherapy, and other physical interventions. The current approach to treating bromhidrosis often involves the removal of apocrine sweat glands, inhibition of sweat secretion, and suppression of bacterial growth.
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Food and diet
If your fingers smell like cheese, it could be due to the food you eat and your diet. According to dermatologist Anna Chacon, "hands and fingernails tend to pick up odors simply because they're touching different things". Pungent foods with a strong, sulfur-like smell, such as garlic and onion, can linger on your hands after you handle them.
In addition, certain foods, drinks, and medications can lead to increased body odor, which you may notice on your hands. For instance, penicillin doesn't make you sweat more, but its compounds can be excreted through sweat glands all over the body, causing an odor when mixed with the skin's bacteria.
Furthermore, certain health problems can cause unusual odors in the body, including the hands. A sweet, fruity smell could indicate undiagnosed or poorly managed diabetes, while a bleach-like odor may suggest liver or kidney disease. In rare cases, a foul, pungent odor resembling rotting fish or garbage could indicate trimethylaminuria, a metabolic disorder where the body cannot break down trimethylamine, a chemical compound found in specific foods.
It is important to note that bad or weird hand smells are typically temporary and often resolve on their own. However, if the odor persists or is accompanied by other symptoms, it is advisable to consult a doctor to rule out any potential infections or underlying medical conditions.
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Medication
If you are taking medication and notice an unusual odour, it is important to consult your doctor. They may be able to adjust your dose or change your medication. Washing with an antibacterial soap can also help to combat short-term medication-related odours.
It is worth noting that bromhidrosis is not caused by poor hygiene, but a lack of washing can make the problem worse. Therefore, frequent washing with antibacterial soap may be helpful in managing medication-related odours. Antiperspirants, topical treatments, and other treatments prescribed by a dermatologist, such as iontophoresis or Botox injections, can also help to manage excessive sweating.
In addition to medication, there are several other potential causes of cheesy-smelling fingers. These include a fungal infection, secondary bacterial infection, or eczema. If the skin on your fingers is sore, dry, cracked, or bleeding, it is advisable to consult a dermatologist for guidance on the best course of treatment.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several reasons why your fingers might smell like cheese. One reason could be a fungal infection of the skin on your fingers. Another reason could be a bacterial infection on your hands. In some cases, it could be due to a condition called bromhidrosis, where bacteria break down sweat proteins, resulting in a cheesy odour.
To get rid of the cheesy smell, you should consult a dermatologist or your doctor. They may recommend using an antibacterial soap or a topical steroid, or they may suggest a different treatment depending on the underlying cause.
Yes, your fingers can pick up odours from touching different things, such as certain foods (e.g. garlic, onion), drinks, or even some medications. In some cases, an unusual hand odour can be a sign of an underlying health condition, such as liver or kidney disease, diabetes, or a metabolic disorder.
