Noah Sinclair
Have you ever noticed a pungent odour after trimming your nails? Well, you're not alone. This phenomenon can be attributed to the presence of stinky sulfur compounds within the keratin proteins of our nails. Additionally, the edges of our nails can trap dirt and residual smells from various substances we come into contact with, such as garlic or dirt from gardening. While the smell usually dissipates quickly, it could also be an indication of something more concerning, like a fungal infection or nail fungus (onychomycosis). If the odour persists or is accompanied by other symptoms, it may be wise to consult a doctor for advice.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause of the smell | Stinky sulfur compounds in the keratin proteins of the nails; Bacterial growth under the nails; fungal infections |
| Prevention | Using a nailbrush in the shower; using a fold-out pick under the nail clipper handle to scrape out dirt; keeping nails short, clean, and dry; washing hands and nails thoroughly; using anti-fungal agents on socks and shoes or replacing them; using anti-fungal nail lacquer and cream |
| Treatment | Over-the-counter nail antifungal treatments; fungicidal creams and sprays for athlete's foot |
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What You'll Learn
Nails can trap dirt and odours
The edges of your nails are like little dirt traps, especially if you haven't clipped them in a while. Residual smells and materials can get stuck under your nails, causing an odour. This is especially true if you didn't wash your hands after touching something smelly. For example, you may smell garlic or onions if you cooked with them recently, or dirt if you spent time gardening without gloves. You could even be smelling poop if you changed a diaper and forgot to wash your hands properly.
The foul smell is likely caused by bacterial growth under the nails, which is stirred up when you cut them. This can be prevented by using a nailbrush in the shower or a nail clipper with a fold-out pick to scrape out the dirt from under your nails.
In some cases, the odour could be caused by a fungal infection. If the smell persists even after washing your hands and nails thoroughly, spreads to other areas of the body, or is accompanied by other symptoms such as redness, swelling, and pus drainage, it is recommended that you consult a doctor.
To prevent nasty odours, it is important to wash your hands and nails thoroughly, including the undersides of your nails. Keeping your nails short, clean, and dry can also help prevent the collection of bacteria and fungi under your nails.
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Stink caused by fungal infection
Stink can be caused by a fungal infection of the nails, known as onychomycosis or tinea unguium. This condition accounts for approximately 50% of nail conditions and is more common in toenails than fingernails. The infection can be caused by various fungi, including dermatophytes and non-dermatophytes, which can enter the nail through cracks, cuts, or bruises. Public places like swimming pools, showers, and gym locker rooms can expose individuals to fungal infections, especially if walking barefoot.
The symptoms of toenail fungus may vary depending on the type and severity of the infection. Typically, the infection causes nail discolouration, with white, yellow, or black hues being the most common. The nails may also thicken, becoming ragged, misshapen, and crumbly in texture. In some cases, the nail may separate from the nail bed, and a foul odour may be present. The infection usually affects the big toe first and then spreads to other toes over time.
Fungal nail infections can be treated and managed effectively. Over-the-counter antifungal treatments, such as nail repair solutions, can be used to address the issue. However, it may take months to see results. Oral and topical medications are also available and can be used internally or applied directly to the affected area to kill the microbes causing the infection. Additionally, it is recommended to treat any existing fungal skin infections and to check other family members for potential infections.
To prevent fungal nail infections, it is important to maintain good nail hygiene. Washing your hands and nails thoroughly, especially after handling pungent substances, can help prevent the build-up of odour-causing residue. Using a nail brush in the shower or cleaning under your nails with the fold-out pick attached to most nail clippers can help remove dirt and grime.
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Sulphur compounds in keratin proteins
Fingernails can sometimes give off a pungent odour right after trimming. This is due to the stinky sulphur compounds that exist inside the keratin proteins of the nails. Keratin is a structural fibrous protein that makes up nails, hair, and the outer layer of skin in vertebrates.
Keratin is composed of large amounts of the sulphur-containing amino acid cysteine, which is required for the disulfide bridges that confer additional strength and rigidity by permanent, thermally stable crosslinking. The percentage of sulphur present in α-keratins, which include hair, fur, wool, nails, and horns, varies greatly, ranging from 2% to 6%. The sulphur content of these α-keratins can be used to distinguish them from one another. For example, sheep horn typically has a lower sulphur content than the wool from the same animal.
In human hair, cysteine residues (Cys-SH) were believed to contribute to hair strength by forming intra- and inter-molecular disulfide bond crosslinks. However, it was discovered that many polysulfide bonds exist in keratin, which are similar to cysteine persulfide (Cys-SSH). These polysulfides regulate oxidative stress and redox signaling, contributing to hair strength and antioxidant activity against stressors such as ultraviolet radiation.
While the sulphur compounds in keratin proteins are responsible for the pungent odour associated with cutting nails, it's important to note that other factors can also contribute to the smell. For instance, residual smells from handling various substances, such as onions, garlic, or dirt, can get trapped under long fingernails and cause an odour when the nails are cut. Additionally, bacteria, dirt, and grime that accumulate under the nails can produce a foul smell when released after cutting the nails.
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Preventing nail odours
Nail odours are usually caused by the dirt and bacteria that get stuck under your nails. This can be prevented by keeping your nails short, clean, and dry. Wash your hands and nails thoroughly, especially after handling something stinky. To clean under your nails, soap up your hands and gently scratch your nails against the opposite palm. For a deeper clean, use a nail brush or a fold-out pick from your nail clippers to scrape the dirt out from under your nails.
If you have a persistent nail odour, it could be a sign of a fungal infection. In this case, trim your nails shorter and use over-the-counter antifungal treatments, such as nail repair solutions or anti-fungal creams. Keep your nails and the underside of your nails clean and dry to prevent infectious organisms from collecting under your nails. Sanitise your nail care instruments after each use by sterilisation. Additionally, maintaining good health habits, such as managing diabetes or quitting smoking, can help improve your overall health and reduce the risk of nail infections.
If the odour persists or is accompanied by other symptoms such as redness, swelling, or pus drainage, consult a doctor or a podiatrist for advice and guidance on treatment.
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Proper nail cutting technique
The smell that occurs when cutting your nails is due to the stinky sulfur compounds inside the keratin proteins of the nails. This can be prevented by keeping your nails and hands clean and washing them thoroughly, especially after handling something stinky.
Now, for the proper nail-cutting technique, it is important to use the right tools. For your fingernails, use a nail clipper or nail scissors, and for your toenails, use a toenail clipper. Remember to disinfect your tools regularly by soaking them in isopropyl alcohol and then rinsing them with hot water.
When cutting your fingernails, trim them in a curved shape, following the round shape of your finger tips. Leave a little bit of the white part of the nail showing. Use a nail file or emery board to smooth out any rough edges and shape the corners slightly to keep them strong and prevent catching on things. Always file in the same direction to avoid weakening your nails, and avoid cutting or pushing back your cuticles, as this can lead to infection.
When trimming your toenails, cut straight across with minimal curvature to prevent ingrown toenails. Leave 2-3 mm of space before the nail bed and avoid rounding the corners too much. As with fingernails, use a nail file to smooth out any rough edges.
Finally, remember to moisturize your nails and cuticles after trimming to keep them flexible and healthy, especially during dry seasons.
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Frequently asked questions
The stench could be caused by bacteria, dirt, grime, and other substances that have accumulated under your nails and fermented. The gas from the bacteria is released when you cut your nails and break the seal.
To prevent the smell, it is recommended to use a nailbrush in the shower to clean under your nails. Most nail clippers also have a fold-out pick that can be used to scrape out the dirt from under your nails.
In some cases, a persistent foul smell on your nails could indicate a fungal infection or another underlying medical condition. If the odor does not go away after washing your hands and nails thoroughly, or if it is accompanied by other symptoms such as redness, swelling, or pus drainage, it is recommended to consult a doctor.
