Why do toenails smell like cheese?

What is it that gives toenails their cheesy aroma?
13 May 2012

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Question

Why do toenails smell like cheese?

Answer

Hannah Critchlow put this question to microbiologist Professor Kevin Kerr, from Harrogate District Hospital...

Well, you could turn the question around the other way and ask why do cheeses smell like feet? And if you did, you'll come up with the same answer. And the answer is, bacteria - bacteria called Brevibacteria, which are used to ripen or mature certain types of cheeses can also be found growing harmlessly on the skin of humans especially areas where it's warm and moist such as sweaty feet. As the bacteria grow, they produce compounds which smell, well, cheesy and the chemicals responsible for this powerful pungent odour are sulphur containing compounds known as S-methyl thioesters.

If you've eaten asparagus, you may well find that your wee smells funny too and again, it's those S-methyl thioesters that you've got to thank, or blame, for your smelly wee. You may find something that actually looks like cheese underneath your toenails. So, does this mean that our bacterial friend, Brevibacterium is actually making cheese under your nails? Well, it may look like cheese, but it certainly wouldn't taste like cheese because what's going on here is that you've probably got a fungal infection in your nail, and the name for that is onychomycosis. Onychomycosis can be tricky to treat, so it's best to see your family doctor to discuss the available treatment options.

Hannah - And onychomycosis toenail infections are caused by fungi known as dermatophytes. These dastardly dermatophytes produce an enzyme which acts on the nail. Bad news for the nail, but good news for the fungus, because an enzyme called keratinase breaks down the keratin in the nail to provide tasty treats for the dermatophytes. 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. And you are likely to get both the Brevibacterium cheesy pong in combination with the fungi eating hardened toenail as both seem to like warm, moist environments.

Comments

Limburger cheese and under the toe nails have the same bacteria that stinks : brevibacterium linens . Limburger enthusiasts might want to
consider getting out the nail file, when
they run out of limburger ! Ummhmm
Good !

shower you stinky people because that is gross lolllllll nemo

there's some green gunk under my toenail and it smells like cheese... almost good enough to eat...

If your toenails ever smell like cheese, take a bath, preferably. I mean you can take a shower, but a good soak is what your ass needs. Sounds like you haven't showered in a while, which is okay, understandable sometimes people forget.

Clip your toenails and smell it you’ll see

I can smell the Brevibacterium from all the way over here, so don't lie to me.

I get a smiliar problem around my private area, if i dont wash after a few days any help guys

Shower

I smell when I don't wash, help!

Just treat it with a good antibacterial for a while. I get the smell behind my ears, I've known people with it on the down- under like you. I've used tea tree oil. Its harmless, and if you apply it religiously for a while you can kill off the bacteria on your skin and so the smell won't come back after you wash.
You'll still stink though if you don't shower. Just not like cheese.

im really honestly concerned my toes have smelled like this since like 2014-15 i know its kinda gross, but when i get out of the shower they smell fine, they stink when i dont take a shower for a few days but i still make sure they are really clean, i scrape under the toenails to make sure there is no dirt or anything like that, i cut my toenails every week and i wash them really well please explain if this is normal or not! :/

GROSS!

First, shower daily then check your progress.

Mmmmmm.... cheese........ *drool sounds*

Yea my toe does that some times but it usually comes from the dirt in my toenail and it actually smells like cheese

That is the most disgusting article I ever read,..
Never.... Ever have I encountered any thing like this article/post.
I truly think am gonna be sick.
B - A - R - F !

Gross dude, you just puked on m...
R--A--L--P--H

Yes, science can be ugly at times

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