What does it mean if your toenail smells like cheese?

What does it mean if your toenail smells like cheese?

In fact, one type of bacteria, brevibacterium, lives in between the toes, thrives in a damp, salty environment, and produces the cheese-like smell of feet. That same bacteria is actually used in the cheese-creation process for Muenster, Entrammes, and Limburger cheeses.

How do you get rid of cheesy toenails?

Oral and topical medications—Antifungal medications can be used internally and applied directly to the feet and toes to kill the microbes that are causing the infection. You can also spray the insides of your shoes with antimicrobials to prevent cross-contamination and renewed infections.

What does toenail fungus smell like?

An infected nail often will have unsightly white/yellow or orange/brown patches or streaks. It can also turn thicker, crumbly, ragged or dull, according to the Mayo Clinic. In some cases, the nail will emit a slightly foul odor and it may separate from the nail bed, a process known as onycholysis.

What is the white stuff under my toenails that smells?

Foul-smelling debris also may accumulate under the nail. As the infection continues, the nail may crumble gradually and fall off. Or, it may become so thick that the affected toe feels uncomfortable or painful inside shoes. A less common variety of toenail fungus is called white superficial onychomycosis.

Why do toenails smell when you cut them?

If left untreated, these leave you vulnerable to either a bacterial or a fungal infection. Bacterial infections usually leak pus and, sometimes, blood. Fungal infections produce discolored toenails that are thick, brittle, and smell bad.

Does toenail fungus go away?

But nail fungus doesn’t go away by itself. And if you don’t treat it, there’s a chance it could get worse. It could spread to other nails or through your body.

What does toenail fungus look like in the early stages?

An early stage fungal toenail infection will show up with white lines or spots evident on the surface of the nail. The nails will become thick, more yellow, and brittle. They can also exhibit a powdery and softened condition.

How do you stop your toenails from smelling?

Keep your feet clean and neat

1. Use a mild soap and scrub brush to wash your feet at least once a day.
2. Clip your toenails often so they’re short, and make sure to clean them regularly.
3. Remove the hard, dead skin from your feet with a foot file.
4. Change your socks at least once a day.

What is the gunk under your toenails?

The fungus or yeast grows under the nail bed, where it’s moist. The infection is initially minor, but with time may spread and cause your toenail to grow thicker as well as cause other symptoms. Your toes are very susceptible to a fungal infection because they’re frequently exposed to wet areas.