Kamil Perry
Ingrown toenails are a common condition that usually affects the big toe. They are often caused by cutting toenails too short, wearing ill-fitting shoes, or fungal infections. If left untreated, ingrown toenails can lead to bacterial or fungal infections, which may cause a foul odour. The smell is typically a result of the accumulation of infected or dead skin, soap remnants, and sock lint under the nail. In some cases, the infection can spread beyond the nail, leading to more serious health issues. While home treatments are available for ingrown toenails, medical attention is necessary if an infection is suspected.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause | Fungal infection, bacterial infection, or debris accumulation |
| Appearance | Thickened, ragged, misshapen, crumbly, discoloured (white, yellow, brown, or black) |
| Symptoms | Foul odour, pain, redness, swelling, warmth in the toe |
| Treatment | Oral antifungal medication, topical medication, laser treatment, antibiotics, home remedies (soaking in warm saline solution) |
| Prevention | Good foot hygiene, proper nail trimming, well-fitting footwear |
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What You'll Learn
Toenail fungus causes a cheesy smell
Toenail fungus, or onychomycosis, is a fungal infection that affects the toenails, causing them to thicken, become ragged, misshapen, and crumbly in texture. It is a common condition, with around 14% of people in the United States experiencing toenail fungal infections, and the big toe being the most commonly affected. The infection typically spreads from the side or end of the toenail towards the cuticle, and can lead to discoloration of the nail, with white, yellow, or black hues being the most common.
While toenail fungus is often regarded as a cosmetic issue, it can result in more serious health complications if left untreated. For example, the fungus can cause a steady destruction of the nail plate, leading to nail discoloration and potentially cellulitis, an infection of the deeper layers of the skin. Additionally, fungal infections can be an indication of underlying health conditions such as lung disease or diabetes. Therefore, seeking proper diagnosis and treatment for toenail fungus is important.
The cheesy smell associated with toenail fungus is typically caused by the accumulation of infected and/or dead skin, soap remnants, and sock lint under the nail. This buildup of debris, combined with the warm and moist environment of the toe, creates an ideal breeding ground for bacteria and fungi, resulting in a foul odor that can be quite persistent.
To prevent and treat toenail fungus, maintaining good foot hygiene is crucial. Trimming toenails properly, ensuring they are not too long or too short, and avoiding tight-fitting shoes and socks are important measures to reduce the risk of infection. In some cases, oral antifungal medication, topical medication, or laser treatments may be necessary to eradicate the fungus and improve the overall health of the toenail.
If you notice a persistent cheesy smell coming from your ingrown toenail, it is advisable to consult a podiatrist or healthcare professional. They can provide guidance on proper foot care, recommend suitable treatments, and help address any underlying conditions that may be contributing to the issue.
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Ingrown toenails can lead to bacterial infections
An ingrown toenail is a condition that usually affects the big toe. It occurs when the toenail is cut too short, encouraging the skin next to the nail to fold over it. This can also happen when wearing tight-fitting shoes and socks, causing the toenail to press and dig into the skin. As a result, the skin becomes irritated, leading to pain, redness, swelling, and warmth in the affected toe.
If an ingrown toenail causes a break in the skin, bacteria may enter and cause an infection. This infection is often accompanied by drainage and a foul odour, which can smell like cheese. Ingrown toenails create the perfect environment for bacteria to thrive due to the warmth and moisture trapped within the folded skin. The trapped debris, which can include dead skin, soap remnants, and sock lint, provides an ideal breeding ground for bacteria, leading to a persistent foul smell.
Bacterial infections associated with ingrown toenails can range from mild to severe. In some cases, the infection may be limited to the area around the toenail, causing localised pain, redness, and swelling. However, if left untreated, the infection can spread to the surrounding tissues and even lead to cellulitis, a more serious infection of the deeper layers of the skin.
It is important to note that even if there are no obvious signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or pain, the ingrown toenail can still progress to an infection. Therefore, early treatment is crucial to prevent further complications. Initial treatment for ingrown toenails can sometimes be safely performed at home by reducing pressure on the toe and avoiding any trimming of the affected toenail. However, if an infection is suspected, it is strongly recommended to seek professional medical advice, especially for individuals with medical conditions such as diabetes, nerve damage, or poor circulation, as they are at a higher risk of developing foot complications.
To summarise, ingrown toenails can lead to bacterial infections, and the presence of a foul odour, such as a cheese-like smell, is a tell-tale sign of an established infection. Proper toenail care, including correct trimming and wearing properly fitted footwear, is essential to prevent ingrown toenails and reduce the risk of bacterial infections.
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Poor foot hygiene can cause toenail issues
Fungal infections can cause toenails to become discoloured, thick, and more likely to crack and break. Small cracks in your nail or the surrounding skin can allow germs to enter your nail and cause an infection. The infection typically starts at the side or end of the toenail and spreads toward the cuticle. The big toe is most commonly affected, but over time, the infection spreads to other toes. Toenail fungus can lead to thickened toenails, which become ragged, misshapen, and crumbly in texture. The infection usually has a foul odour, smelling sour or like cheese.
To prevent toenail fungus, it is important to practice good foot hygiene. This includes keeping your feet and toes clean and dry, changing your shoes and socks regularly, and wearing properly fitted footwear. It is also recommended to trim your toenails straight across and not too short. If you have thickened nails that are hard to cut, consider seeing a podiatrist for professional foot care.
In addition to good foot hygiene, other ways to prevent and treat toenail fungus include oral antifungal medication, topical medication, and laser treatments. The type of treatment will depend on the severity of the infection and the medications your body can tolerate. It is important to discuss the pros and cons of different treatment options with your healthcare provider.
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Long toenails can cause injuries and infections
Toenail fungus, or onychomycosis, is a common condition, affecting about 10% of people. The risk of contracting a fungal infection increases with age, with up to 50% of people over 70 developing this infection. Fungi thrive in dark and damp environments, so people whose feet remain wet for extended periods are more susceptible to toenail fungal infections.
Fungal infections can cause toenails to thicken, become ragged, misshapen, and crumbly in texture. They can also lead to toenail discoloration, with nails turning white, yellow, or even black. While many regard toenail fungus as a cosmetic issue, if left untreated, it could lead to more serious health complications such as cellulitis, an infection of the deeper layers of the skin.
In addition to fungal infections, long toenails can also increase the risk of bacterial infections. This is because long toenails can scrape against shoes, leading to injuries and cracking. Injured toenails are more susceptible to bacterial and fungal infections. Therefore, it is important to maintain proper toenail hygiene and keep toenails trimmed to a moderate length.
To prevent injuries and infections, it is recommended to trim toenails in a straight line, ensuring the corners align comfortably with the skin. Avoid clipping toenails too short or rounding the edges to match the shape of the toe. Toenails that are too short can lead to ingrown toenails, which can be painful and prone to infection. Ingrown toenails are a common condition, usually affecting the big toe, and can cause pain, inflamed skin, swelling, and sometimes infection.
If you notice any signs of infection, such as redness, severe pain, or drainage of pus, it is important to seek medical advice. A podiatrist can provide professional foot care and help address any underlying conditions that may be contributing to the problem. In some cases, a doctor may recommend surgery, medication, or nail removal to treat severe infections.
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Thickened toenails may be hard to cut, see a podiatrist
Toenail fungus, or onychomycosis, is a fungal infection that affects the nails and leads to a steady destruction of the nail plate. It is the most common nail disease globally, affecting 10% of the US population. It is more prevalent in people with diabetes, HIV, or other immune system disorders. Toenail fungus typically causes white or yellow discolouration, but it can turn black due to debris buildup. It can spread from another foot fungus, like athlete's foot, or from a surface like a shower floor or shoe.
Fungal infections can cause an abnormal odour in the feet or nails, often smelling sour or like cheese. Thickened toenails are a possible symptom of toenail fungus, and they can become challenging to cut. If you have thickened toenails, it is recommended to see a podiatrist for professional foot care. Podiatrists are specialists in foot and leg conditions, and some even focus on treating toenail issues. They can assist with routine nail care and address any underlying causes of thickened nails, such as mechanical stress from ill-fitting shoes, peripheral vascular disease, or nail psoriasis.
If you are experiencing a foul odour, it could be due to a mix of infected/dead skin, sock lint, and soap remnants. While a thorough cleaning can help if there is no infection, a persistent odour may indicate a fungal or bacterial infection. In such cases, it is advisable to consult a podiatrist for proper diagnosis and treatment.
To prevent toenail issues, it is essential to practise good foot hygiene and keep your toenails clean, dry, and trimmed. Soaking your feet in warm water for about 10 minutes can help soften your nails and make them easier to cut. When trimming your nails, use toenail clippers and cut them straight across, avoiding any rounding of the edges to prevent ingrown toenails. Maintaining proper foot care and hygiene can help reduce the risk of fungal infections and prevent their recurrence.
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Frequently asked questions
Toenail fungus or onychomycosis is a fungal infection that leads to the destruction of the nail plate and can cause discolouration. This infection usually begins at the side or end of the toenail and spreads towards the cuticle. The infection typically has a sour or cheese-like odour.
If caught early, nonsurgical treatment may be enough to treat an ingrown toenail. Reduce pressure on the toe by wearing sandals or simply not wearing shoes for several days. Avoid trimming the corner of the toenail, as this can lead to a worse condition. The goal of nonsurgical treatment is to allow the toenail to grow out beyond the nail groove. Intermittent soaks in a warm saline solution may be suggested.
Ingrown toenails can be prevented by trimming your toenails correctly. Trim your toenails in a straight line, ensuring the corners align comfortably with the skin. Avoid cutting your nails too short, as this encourages the skin next to the nail to fold over the nail.
