Why does it smell like poop under my toenails?

Symptoms. When a toenail develops a fungal infection, it typically turns yellow or brown. It becomes thick and overgrown. Foul-smelling debris also may accumulate under the nail.
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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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Why do my nails smell rotten?

A foul odor may indicate you're dealing with a fungus. It's possible to have both nail psoriasis and a fungal infection.
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Why do my nails smell like rotten eggs?

Experts at Livestrong explain that our nails can sometimes emit a sulfur-like smell after having been cut. The keratin proteins in our nails contain sulfur compounds, and once cut, that smell can be released.
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Why does the dirt under my nails smell?

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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Why do toenails smell when you cut them?



What is the gunk under my toenails?

"The 'gunk' underneath fingernails is most commonly the keratin debris from the underside of the nail, as well as skin cells from the nail bed," says Dana Stern, M.D., a dermatologist with practices in New York City and Southamptom, New York (she's actually one of the few doctors in the country who specializes in nail ...
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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 does my big toe smell like cheese?

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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Can you scrape out toenail fungus?

To get rid of the infection, you will need to treat all infected areas. Before giving you the diagnosis, your dermatologist may also take some samples. Collecting a bit of debris from beneath a nail, trimming off part your nail, or scraping off a bit of skin can be very helpful.
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How do I know if my toenail has fungus?

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.
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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 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 happens if you leave toenail fungus untreated?

A severe case of nail fungus can be painful and may cause permanent damage to your nails. And it may lead to other serious infections that spread beyond your feet if you have a suppressed immune system due to medication, diabetes or other conditions.
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Does nail fungus go away permanently?

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. It could cause pain when you walk.
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What kills nail 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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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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Why does my toenail smell like cheese when I cut it?

So, the cheesy appearance, the yellow and thickening nail represents the damage done to the nail by the fungus feasting on it. But the cheesy aroma coming from fetid feet is from Brevibacterium festering between sweaty unwashed toes and producing stinky S-methyl thioesters.
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Should you clean under your toenails?

While your fingernails are also prone to getting all sorts of debris stuck underneath them, you wash your hands way more than you wash your feet (and toenails). "We pay more attention to our hands on a daily basis, but buildup underneath toenails can lead to pain and sometimes infection," says Dr.
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What is black stuff under toenails?

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.
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Can toe 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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How did I get toenail fungus?

Many people pick up the fungi when they have skin-to-skin contact with someone who has a fungal infection such as athlete's foot or ringworm on their hands. Another common way to get a fungal nail infection is by walking barefoot in a warm, moist area such as a pool deck or locker room.
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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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Why do ingrown toenails smell?

If an ingrown nail causes a break in the skin, bacteria may enter and cause an infection in the area, which is often marked by drainage and a foul odor.
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Why do my toes smell?

Because their feet are extra sweaty and become home to bacteria called Kyetococcus sedentarius (say: kite-oh-KAH-kus SEH-den-tair-ee-us). These bacteria produce more than just stinky organic acids — they also produce stuff called volatile sulfur compounds. Sulfur compounds usually are powerful and awful smelling.
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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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