Randy Chandler
If your nails smell like cheese, it could be due to a fungal infection. This is more common in toenails than fingernails and can cause a lingering cheesy odour that doesn't go away with washing. The fungus can cause discolouration, brittleness, and a build-up of dirt or residue under the nail, which is usually where the smell comes from. In some cases, the smell may be due to bacteria called Brevibacterium, which is also used to mature certain types of cheese. This type of bacteria thrives in dark, moist places, such as sweaty shoes, and can contribute to the cheesy odour associated with nail fungus.
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What You'll Learn
Toenail fungus
The fungus thrives in dark, moist environments, such as sweaty shoes, and is often associated with sweaty feet and poor hygiene. However, it's important to note that the smell itself is caused by a type of bacteria called Brevibacterium, which also plays a role in the maturation of certain cheeses. This bacteria thrives in the same conditions as the fungus, leading to their frequent co-occurrence.
To diagnose toenail fungus, a podiatrist or doctor will examine the nail and may take nail clippings for laboratory testing. Treatment options include over-the-counter antifungal medications, prescription topical or oral antifungal medications, and laser therapy. However, treating toenail fungus can be challenging and often requires a long-term treatment plan lasting several months or even years.
To prevent toenail fungus, it is important to practise good foot hygiene and clean your feet regularly. Avoiding walking barefoot in public places, such as swimming pools, showers, and locker rooms, can also help reduce the risk of contracting the fungus. Additionally, wearing breathable shoes and avoiding tight, sweaty socks and shoes can help prevent the creation of a breeding ground for the fungus.
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Poor hygiene
Fungal infections thrive in dark, moist environments, such as sweaty shoes, and can be contracted from public places like swimming pools, showers, and gym locker rooms. They are more common in individuals with poor hygiene who do not regularly clean their feet and nails.
The fungus can cause the nails to become discoloured, brittle, and separated from the nail bed. It can also lead to a build-up of white, smelly gunk under the nails, which is the source of the cheese-like odour. This can be a cause of embarrassment and discomfort for many people.
To prevent and treat poor hygiene-related nail issues, it is important to maintain good nail hygiene. This includes regularly washing the hands and feet, keeping the nails trimmed, and cleaning under the nails with a nail brush or toothbrush. Over-the-counter antifungal treatments can be used to address fungal infections, but persistent cases may require prescription medications.
Additionally, maintaining overall personal hygiene can help reduce the occurrence of nail issues. This includes wearing breathable shoes, changing out of sweaty socks, and avoiding walking barefoot in public places to minimise the risk of contracting fungal infections.
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Brevibacterium bacteria
Toenail fungus, or Onychomycosis, is a common condition that causes the toenails to smell like cheese. While the fungus itself does not cause the cheesy odour, it is, in fact, caused by a type of bacteria called Brevibacterium. This bacteria is also used to mature certain types of cheese, such as Brick, Limberger, and Muenster, and is responsible for their characteristic smell.
The presence of Brevibacterium bacteria on the feet or toenails can lead to a range of unpleasant symptoms. In addition to the cheese-like odour, individuals may experience discolouration of the toenails, ranging from white to yellowish, or even greenish-black. The texture of the nails can also be affected, becoming crumbly or chalky. In some cases, the nails may thicken, develop white spots, or separate from the nail bed.
It is important to address the underlying cause of the odour to effectively get rid of smelly toenails. While maintaining proper foot hygiene and regular cleaning can help prevent and manage the condition, seeking medical advice from a podiatrist or a doctor is recommended. They can provide an accurate diagnosis and suggest appropriate treatment options, which may include systemic or topical medications, laser therapy, or other targeted interventions.
To summarise, the presence of Brevibacterium bacteria on the feet and toenails can result in a range of undesirable symptoms, including the distinctive smell of cheese. Maintaining good foot hygiene and seeking timely medical advice are crucial steps in managing and treating this condition effectively.
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Blunt force trauma
If your nails smell like cheese, it could be due to a fungal infection, also known as onychomycosis or tinea unguium. This condition typically causes other nail changes, including discolouration, brittleness, and separation of the nail from the nail bed. The infection usually begins at the side or end of the toenail and spreads towards the cuticle. While it is generally painless, it can cause discomfort and embarrassment, leading to a decrease in enjoyment of life.
Fungal nail infections occur when fungi enter through the nail bed, which can happen due to blunt force trauma that causes blood to pool under the nail and breaks the seal. They thrive in dark, moist environments, such as sweaty shoes, and can spread to the foot, causing athlete's foot. Other risk factors include ageing, as older adults are more susceptible, and medical conditions such as diabetes, anemia, and kidney and heart disease.
To prevent and treat fungal nail infections, it is important to maintain good foot hygiene and clean your feet regularly. Wearing breathable shoes and avoiding walking barefoot in public places, especially those that are warm and wet, can also help reduce the risk of exposure to fungal infections. If you suspect a fungal infection, it is recommended to consult a podiatrist or doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.
In some cases, the cheese-like smell may be related to poor hand hygiene, allowing dirt and bacteria to accumulate under the nails. This is more common with longer nails, as they tend to trap more residue and emit an odour. Improving hand hygiene by regularly cleaning under the nails with soap and water can help address this issue.
Additionally, certain medical conditions can cause body odour that affects the entire body, including the nails. For example, trimethylaminuria can result in a body odour resembling rotting fish or garbage. If the nail odour persists despite proper hygiene and is accompanied by other symptoms, it is advisable to consult a doctor for further evaluation.
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Yellowish discolouration
The smell of cheese from your nails is likely due to a fungal infection. The fungus responsible for this is called Onychomycosis or Tinea unguium, and it affects toenails more commonly than fingernails. The infection usually starts at the side or end of the toenail and spreads towards the cuticle. It is characterised by a white to yellowish discolouration on the surface of the nail, with a creamy-yellow or greenish-black discolouration of soft, sticky matter underneath the nail, which is the source of the smell. The nail may also exhibit streaking and lifting from the nail bed. The thickness of the nail can vary, and the nail can become pitted, rough, and develop white spots.
In some cases, yellowish discolouration of the nails can be a sign of a rare genetic disorder, characterised by yellowish wart-like blemishes on the skin. It can also be seen in people with certain health conditions such as cancer, autoimmune diseases, and lymphedema, which is a condition where the lymphatic system is not functioning properly. Additionally, conditions like diabetes, anaemia, and kidney and heart disease can contribute to discoloured nails.
To confirm the presence of a fungal infection, a laboratory test is recommended. This involves sending a sample of nail clippings for analysis. Once the specific fungus is identified, targeted treatment can be administered, which may include systemic or topical preparations. Topical agents are applied directly to the nail, such as paints, lacquers, or solutions.
It is worth noting that nail odour can also be influenced by external factors, such as residual smells from daily activities, or the use of certain products for DIY nail treatments.
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Frequently asked questions
The cheesy smell is likely due to a fungal infection, such as toenail fungus or Onychomycosis, which usually causes the toenails to smell like cheese. This is caused by the organism, tinea unguium.
Toenail fungus is caused by blunt force to the nail, which can cause blood to pool and break the seal between the nail and its bed. This provides an entry point for the fungus. Toenail fungus can also be caused by wearing non-breathable shoes, which provide the perfect breeding ground for a fungal infection.
To get rid of toenail fungus, you should treat the root cause as quickly as possible. You can visit a podiatrist or try over-the-counter nail antifungal treatments. If OTC products are ineffective, you may need a prescription topical or oral antifungal medication, so be sure to consult a doctor.
