What is the White smelly stuff under my toenails?

This overgrowth is called subungual hyperkeratosis. People with hyperkeratosis may notice a white, chalky substance under the nail. When this occurs in the toenails, the pressure of shoes pushing down on the nails might cause pain.
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What is that white stuff under my toenails?

Nail fungus is a common condition that begins as a white or yellow spot under the tip of your fingernail or toenail. As the fungal infection goes deeper, nail fungus may cause your nail to discolor, thicken and crumble at the edge. It can affect several nails.
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Why does the white stuff under my toenails smell?

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.
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How do I get rid of the smell under my toenails?

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.
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What is the cheese smell under toenails?

That sweat creates a prime environment for bacteria to grow, and their metabolic processes emit a certain odor. 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.
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What is the white stuff under my toenails that smells?



Can you scrape out toenail fungus?

Prescription Medicines

If your fungus doesn't clear up at home, you should check in with a dermatologist (a skin, hair, and nail specialist) or podiatrist (a foot doctor.) They may gently scrape under your nail to get rid of some of the fungus or send it to the lab for diagnosis.
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Why do my toenails stink when I cut them?

Bacterial infections usually leak pus and, sometimes, blood. Fungal infections produce discolored toenails that are thick, brittle, and smell bad.
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Why does it smell under my nails?

The edges of your nails are like little dirt traps, especially if you haven't clipped them in a while. "Oftentimes when a fingernail is long, residual smells and materials can get stuck under there and cause an odor," explains Miami-based board-certified dermatologist Anna Chacon, MD.
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What is toe cheese?

toe cheese (uncountable) (slang) The sticky, smegma-like substance that accumulates between one's toes in case of insufficient hygiene. Love is: learning to appreciate the smell of your sweetheart's toe cheese!
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What kills toenail fungus fast?

Medications
  • Oral antifungal drugs. These drugs are often the first choice because they clear the infection more quickly than do topical drugs. ...
  • Medicated nail polish. Your doctor may prescribe an antifungal nail polish called ciclopirox (Penlac). ...
  • Medicated nail cream.
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What does toe jam smell like?

Toe jam isn't a medical term. There is no formal medical term to describe the dead skin cells, sweat, sock lint and dirt that combine in the small and often cramped spaces between our toes. Toe jam can have the consistency of soft cheese or cake crumbs. It can smell or be odourless.
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What is the crud under toenail?

This overgrowth is called subungual hyperkeratosis. People with hyperkeratosis may notice a white, chalky substance under the nail. When this occurs in the toenails, the pressure of shoes pushing down on the nails might cause pain.
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What happens if you leave toenail fungus untreated?

If you have toenail fungus and it goes untreated, you may experience: Pain in your feet and toes due to thickened, distorted toenails. Spread of the fungus to your skin, causing athlete's foot. Infection of the surrounding areas, causing cracked skin, and increasing bacterial spread.
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What is toe gunk?

Toe jam is a nonmedical, umbrella term that refers to the smelly gunk which can accumulate between toes. When feet are sweaty or not washed often, toe jam may be more likely to result.
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How do I get rid of the white stuff between my toes?

Over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription antifungal creams, ointments, gels, sprays or powders effectively treat athlete's foot. These products contain clotrimazole, miconazole, tolnaftate or terbinafine. Some prescription antifungal medications are pills. These pills contain fluconazole, itraconazole or terbinafine.
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How do you permanently get rid of stinky feet?

Rowland on how to stop the stink in its tracks:
  1. Soak your feet. Thoroughly cleaning your feet is more than rinsing them in a quick shower. ...
  2. Keep your feet dry. Whatever method you choose, be sure to dry your feet well after bathing, soaking or swimming. ...
  3. Disinfect your shoes. ...
  4. Use powder.
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Do fungal toenails smell?

Toenail fungus, also known as onychomycosis, forms when fungal infections occur underneath the surface of the nail, causing color change, pain, and even unpleasant odor.
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Why do belly buttons smell?

Because of its shape and tiny skin folds, belly buttons can collect dirt, sweat, and bacteria. In fact, the average belly button contains about 67 types of bacteria. 1 This buildup can lead to a smell and even infection. Your belly button may smell because of a hygiene need or an infection caused by bacteria or fungus.
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Can nail fungus go away by itself?

Fungal infections of the toenails — also known as onychomycosis — don't go away on their own, and if left untreated, the fungus will spread and can eventually destroy the nail.
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What are the stages of toenail fungus?

Top 5 signs your toenail fungus has gone nuclear
  • Nail color changes. If your nail turns white and chalky or yellow, it's not a good sign. ...
  • Nail position changes. If your nail starts to curl downward or upward, it's time to be concerned. ...
  • Nail texture changes. ...
  • Nail smell changes. ...
  • Nail sensation changes.
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What is the number one cure for toenail fungus?

The best pill for toenail fungus is terbinafine. Evidence suggests it works better than the alternatives with the fewest side effects. Terbinafine results in resolution of toenail fungus 76% of the time. Common side effects may include headaches, skin rash, and vomiting.
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What is the fastest home remedy for toenail fungus?

Here are six of the best natural remedies:
  1. White Vinegar. White vinegar other wise known as Acetic Acid can help eliminate fungus when diluted in lukewarm water. ...
  2. Listerine and White Vinegar. ...
  3. Tea Tree Oil. ...
  4. Urea Paste. ...
  5. Pau D'arco Tea. ...
  6. Vicks VapoRub. ...
  7. Time.
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Can toenail fungus live in nail polish?

Can Toenail Fungus Spread Through Non-Medicated Nail Polish? Fungus will be able to grow and stay alive in a bottle of nail polish. If you paint infected nails with non-medicated nail polish you can spread the infection. This happens when you paint a healthy nail after painting an infected nail with the same brush.
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Does nail polish worsen fungus?

Polish traps in moisture from the nailbed (tissue below the toenail). Because fungi thrive in moist environments, wearing nail polish may make a fungal infection worse.
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How do you get rid of toenail fungus in 10 minutes?

You can directly wipe hydrogen peroxide on your infected toes or toenails with a clean cloth or cotton swab. Hydrogen peroxide can also be used in a foot soak. Mix 1/8 cup of hydrogen peroxide (or several capfuls) to four cups of cool water and soak feet for 10 to 20 minutes.
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