When you get nail fungus, it comes with many symptoms such as thickened, brittle nails that may turn yellow and possibly painful. Another symptom that patients notice, much to their dismay, is that their toes begin to smell like cheese. So why is it that your toenails smell like cheese?

In truth, it is not the nail fungus that causes the smell of cheese. There is a type of bacteria called Brevibacterium that is responsible for the odor. Brevibacterium is used to mature certain types of cheese, which is what causes the commonly known funky smell. The same bacteria live on your feet and cause a cheese-like smell. 

So you may now be wondering what this has to do with nail fungus, and why the smell and fungal infection so frequently occur together. This is simply because both fungus and Brevibacterium thrive in the same conditions, meaning dark, moist places like inside sweaty shoes. 

Laser Treatment for Nail Fungus

If you have caught nail fungus, it can be easily treated using the FDA-approved PinPointe laser, which typically only takes on treatment. Other treatments like topical solutions and oral medication are not as effective. Topical solutions have a very low cure rate. This is because the solution does not penetrate all the way through the nail bed.  This is because it can lead to liver toxicity. You would need to have consistent blood tests throughout the course of taking the medication. 

Our nail doctor in Pasadena, CA recommends this treatment for Toenail Fungus. The PinPointe Laser treatment has the highest cure rate in the market. It has no side effects and no recovery period. As a result, you can go about your daily activities right after the treatment. Also, it is not painful.

If you have any signs of nail fungus, call us at (800) 672-0625 or visit our website for more information on our doctors at one of our over 150 locations.