What is toenail 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.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on share.upmc.com


What causes toenail cheese?

“Nail keratin debris results from a fungal infection of the nail. In medical terms this is called onychomycosis or tinea unguium,” says Batra. The fungal infection breaks down the keratin in the nail to form a white or yellow chalky substance under the nail plate.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on menshealth.com


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.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on drugs.com


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.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on syracusepodiatry.org


Is it normal to have toe cheese?

Toe jam is a common foot malady that anyone can get. Some people are more prone to toe jam than others. These include athletes who frequent gyms, and individuals who have difficulty washing their feet thoroughly and often. Toe jam is usually harmless, and can typically be treated with lifestyle and hygiene changes.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on healthline.com


CUTTING NAILS with TOE CHEESE!



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.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on webmd.com


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.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on pmcfootandankleclinic.com


How do you get rid of gunk under your toenails?

You can use a loofah, sponge, or washcloth to really clean around the toenails. Try a foot soak. If you don't take a shower every day, consider soaking your feet in a tub of lukewarm water and soap. This can help break up or dislodge dirt underneath toenails.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on healthline.com


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.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on theconversation.com


Why is my big toenail so thick?

Toenails that grow thicker over time likely indicate a fungal infection, also known as onychomycosis. Left untreated, thick toenails can become painful. Prompt treatment can be key to curing the nail fungus. Fungal infections might be difficult to cure and may require months of treatment.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on healthline.com


Why does my toenail smell like cheese when I cut it?

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.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on share.upmc.com


What is the thick white stuff under 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.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on mayoclinic.org


What is the black stuff in the corner of my toenails?

Black Toenail: Common Causes

If your toenail turns black, it's most likely a bruise under the nail, technically called a subungual hematoma. You can get it from stubbing a toe or from footwear that cram your feet into the front of the shoe.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on webmd.com


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.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on mayoclinic.org


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.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on my.clevelandclinic.org


Are thick toenails always fungus?

Although there are many potential causes of thick nails, a fungal infection is the most likely cause in the toenails. Other conditions, such as psoriasis or diabetes, may also cause thick nails to develop. The exact cause of thick nails will help decide a person's treatment to correct the condition.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on medicalnewstoday.com


What is keratin debris under toenails?

Keratin also makes up your skin and hair, and other mammals' nails, quills, hooves, and horns. When the dermatophytes find their way to your feet, they feast on your keratin, breaking it down into smaller particles. The crumbly residue on your infected toenails is actually keratin debris.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on lekafootandankle.com


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.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on verywellhealth.com


How long should you keep your toenails?

Most people's toenails grow about 2 millimeters (0.08 inches) a month, so it's appropriate to cut them every six to eight weeks. That being said, if you are a very active person or an athlete — especially a runner — you will probably be more comfortable if you trim them more often.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on healthline.com


What does fungus toenails look like?

Nails with fungus might look yellow. Sometimes a white dot shows up on the nail and then gets bigger. When fungus builds up under your nail, it can loosen and even separate the nail from the bed. The fungus can also spread to the skin around your nail.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on webmd.com


How do I know if my toenail fungus is dying?

Top 5 signs your toenail fungus has gone nuclear
  1. Nail color changes. If your nail turns white and chalky or yellow, it's not a good sign. ...
  2. Nail position changes. If your nail starts to curl downward or upward, it's time to be concerned. ...
  3. Nail texture changes. ...
  4. Nail smell changes. ...
  5. Nail sensation changes.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on rockymountainfootandanklecenter.com


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.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on nypodiatry.net


Do toenails grow back after fungus?

Sometimes it grows back in as a healthy nail, and sometimes it grows back with the fungus. Home Remedies There are people who swear by applying Vicks VapoRub, oregano oil, or tea tree oil to the toenail daily, says Sunding.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on everydayhealth.com


How do you get healthy toenails?

10 Tips For Growing Healthy Toenails
  1. Daily Cleansing. ...
  2. Moisturize. ...
  3. Frequent Trimming. ...
  4. Filing. ...
  5. Toenail Friendly Diet. ...
  6. Wearing Proper Shoes and Socks. ...
  7. Occasional Massage. ...
  8. Treat Yourself To Foot Soaks.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on foot.com


Why are black people's toenails black?

Pigmentation changes

People's skin tones can naturally change over time. For people with darker skin, a dark patch may develop beneath the toenails. Pigmentation changes are usually uniform, so if it affects a toe on one foot, it will usually affect the matching toe on the other foot.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on medicalnewstoday.com