Andy Montoya
If you've ever wondered why your nails smell like cheese, you're not alone. This phenomenon is usually caused by a fungal infection, specifically Onychomycosis, which can affect both toenails and fingernails. The infection causes a cheesy odour due to the presence of the bacteria Brevibacterium, which is also used in the maturation of certain cheeses. While the smell may be embarrassing, it's important to remember that fungal infections are common and can be treated with antifungal medications or, in severe cases, laser therapy.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause | Fungal infection |
| Appearance | White to yellowish discolouration, crumbly chalky texture, creamy-yellow or greenish-black discolouration of soft sticky mash underneath the nail |
| Other symptoms | Streaking within the nail, nail lifting from the nail bed, thickened nail |
| Treatment | Over-the-counter antifungal treatments, prescription topical or oral antifungal medication, PinPointe laser treatment |
| Prevention | Wash hands and nails thoroughly, especially after handling stinky substances; use a nail brush for deep cleaning |
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What You'll Learn
Dirt trapped under long nails
The edges of your nails are like little dirt traps, especially if you have long nails. Residual smells and materials can get stuck under there and cause an odour. This is especially true if you didn't wash your hands after touching something. For example, if you've been working in the garden without gloves, you could be smelling dirt trapped under your nails. Other causes of trapped dirt under nails include changing a diaper, handling motor oil, or even something pungent that you cooked or ate, like onions or garlic.
Nails are a common spot to find dirt, bacteria, lint, dead skin cells, and other unwanted material. In a study of 20 college students, all 20 students had bacteria under their nails, including Staphylococcus and Pseudomonas. Pseudomonas, in particular, is commonly found on nails and produces a green pigment. This bacteria can cause an infection and is most often found in women who wear artificial nails because they are long and can have openings that are perfect havens for bacteria.
To prevent dirt from getting trapped under your nails, it is recommended to keep them short and evenly trimmed. Short nails are less likely to collect bacteria and dirt. You should also practice good handwashing techniques. Digging your nails into a bar of white soap in the shower will help to pull out dirt and debris and make the whites of your nails whiter. When washing your hands, always pay attention to your nails and ensure you get soap and water under them. Use lukewarm water as it is less drying than very hot water. You can also use a soft washcloth to help get those hard-to-reach spots under your nails and around your cuticles.
If you want to clean under your nails, use an orange stick (or cuticle stick) to gently sweep beneath them. You can also try using a fingernail brush for deep cleaning under the nails. After washing your hands and nails, always remember to dry them thoroughly. This minimizes the likelihood of a nail infection and prevents water from softening the nails too much. Finally, apply a moisturizer to your hands, nails, and cuticles to seal in moisture and keep them healthy.
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Food odours, like garlic or onions
If your nails smell like garlic or onions, it could be due to a variety of reasons. Firstly, it is important to consider whether you have recently consumed or come into contact with these pungent foods. The smell of garlic, onions, and other strong-smelling foods like hot peppers can linger on your fingers if you haven't washed your hands thoroughly after handling or cooking with them. This is especially true if traces of these foods have gotten lodged under your fingernails.
In some cases, the smell of garlic on your nails may be related to certain medical conditions. For example, people with fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, metabolic disorders, or celiac disease often report that their fingernails smell like garlic. This is due to the presence of sulfur-producing bacteria, which can be excreted in oily sweat triggered by stress or the pain and fatigue associated with these conditions. Additionally, medications used to treat fibromyalgia, such as dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), contain high levels of sulfur, which can also lead to a garlic odor on the skin and nails.
Furthermore, the act of cutting or trimming your nails can sometimes release a pungent odor. This is due to the stinky sulfur compounds found in the keratin proteins of the nails. Trimming the nails can damage the proteinase enzyme, releasing the sulfur-containing compounds and resulting in a strong smell. However, this odor should dissipate quickly and is not usually a cause for concern.
If the nail odor persists even after washing your hands and nails thoroughly, spreads to other areas of the body, or is accompanied by symptoms such as redness, swelling, or pus drainage, it may indicate an underlying medical condition like nail fungus or onychomycosis. In such cases, it is recommended to consult a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.
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Poor hygiene
Fungal nail infections can have a significant impact on an individual's quality of life, causing embarrassment and affecting their self-image. It can lead to secondary bacterial skin infections, such as cellulitis, and spread to other parts of the body if left untreated. Therefore, it is important to practice good nail hygiene and seek treatment if necessary.
Maintaining good nail hygiene involves regularly cleaning your nails and feet to avoid infection. This includes gently scrubbing under your nails with soap and water using a nail brush or toothbrush. Keeping your nails short and trimming them straight across can also help prevent the accumulation of dirt and bacteria.
Additionally, wearing clean and breathable shoes, changing your socks daily, and allowing your shoes to air dry between wears can help prevent sweaty feet and create an unfavourable environment for fungal growth.
If you suspect a toenail fungus, it is recommended to consult a podiatrist or nail doctor for diagnosis and treatment. They may suggest laser treatment, which is highly effective in killing the fungus, or prescribe antifungal medications.
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Toenail fungus
To prevent toenail fungus, it is recommended to keep toenails trimmed straight across, slightly shorter than the tip of the toe. Wearing well-fitting shoes made of breathable materials and synthetic fibre socks that wick away moisture can also help. Additionally, disinfecting nail-cutting instruments and avoiding excessively tight hosiery can reduce the risk of infection.
If you suspect toenail fungus, it is important to seek professional treatment early on. A podiatrist can examine the nail and determine the best course of action. Over-the-counter liquid antifungal treatments may be effective for mild infections, but more severe cases may require prescription topical or oral antifungal medication. In some instances, a last resort may involve the removal of the nail under local anaesthesia, followed by treating the nail bed with an anti-fungal agent.
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Brevibacterium bacteria
The smell of cheese from under your nails could be due to a bacterial infection. One type of bacteria that can cause a cheesy smell is Brevibacterium. Brevibacterium linens, to be precise. This type of bacteria is associated with certain types of cheese, including Limburger, Brick, and Muenster.
Brevibacterium linens are used in the production of certain cheeses, as it is a key component in developing their flavor and aroma. The bacteria act on the cheese during the ripening process, creating the distinctive smell and taste of these varieties.
In the context of nail health, Brevibacterium linens can be an indicator of a fungal infection. While it may not be the direct cause of the cheesy odor, its presence under your nails could suggest an environment conducive to fungal growth. This is often accompanied by visible changes to the nail, such as discoloration, thickening, and crumbling.
If you suspect a fungal infection, it is recommended to consult a doctor or podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Over-the-counter antifungal treatments are available, but persistent or severe cases may require prescription medication. It is important to address the issue promptly to prevent further complications.
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Frequently asked questions
Toenail fungus or Onychomycosis usually causes toenails to smell like cheese. The unpleasant odour is caused by the organism, tinea unguium.
Toenail fungus can cause discolouration and brittleness of the toenail. The nail may vary in colour from brown to black and can be associated with lifting of the nail from the nail bed.
Over-the-counter nail antifungal treatments may be enough to solve the problem, but it can take months to see results. Applying the treatment consistently is key. If an OTC product isn't working, you might need a prescription topical or oral antifungal medication, so talk to your doctor.
Toenail fungus thrives in dark, moist places like sweaty shoes. To prevent it, keep your feet clean and dry, especially if you've been in a public swimming pool, showers, or a gym locker room.
