Due to one reason or the other, you find yourself putting your fingernails close to your nose. Weird, right? But that is not the issue right now. You discover this offensive smell coming right from your nails. I can imagine how alarmed you will be to curiously ask, why do my fingernails smell like poop.
One of the numerous reasons why your fingernails smell bad could be because of medical conditions. However, fingernail odor can also be caused by simple reasons like touching a smelling substance.
In this article, I will discuss other reasons why fingernails emit a bad smell and also home remedies you can use to tackle this issue.
Other Reasons Your Fingernails Smell Like Poop
Fingernails emitting an odor resembling feces can be an unusual and concerning issue. To be able to address these issues effectively, you need to know what causes the smell. Here are possible reasons why your fingernail might be smelling offensively:
1. Poor hygiene practice
Inadequate handwashing and cleaning under the nails, especially after touching any for dirt, can result in the accumulation of dirt and bacteria, leading to an unpleasant odor. Ensuring proper hand hygiene, including regular nail cleaning, can alleviate this issue.
2. Under-nail residue
Fecal particles can get trapped under the nails during bathroom activities, leading to an unpleasant odor. Thorough cleaning, including under the nails, can help eliminate this source of odor.
3. Underlying medical conditions
Certain medical conditions can affect the smell of your nails. For example, onychomycosis, a fungal infection of the nails, can produce a foul odor. Additionally, bacterial infections or imbalances in the gut or body may contribute to nail odor.
4. Digestive issues
Digestive problems or imbalances in your gut can affect the odor of your body, including your nails. An unhealthy gut or dietary choices may lead to unusual nail odors.
5. Diet and food choices
The foods you consume can impact your body’s odor, including your nails. Consuming sulfur-containing foods like garlic and onions may contribute to unpleasant odors.
5. Infection
Bacterial or fungal infections in the nail bed or the surrounding skin can lead to foul-smelling nails. A healthcare professional should treat these infections.
6. Medication side effects
Some medications can cause changes in body odor, which may extend to your nails. If you suspect your medication is responsible, consult with your healthcare provider.
If you experience persistent or severe nail odors resembling feces, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment. While maintaining good nail hygiene is a preventive measure, underlying medical conditions may require specific interventions.
Medical Condition Associated With Fingernails Bad Smell
Fingernails emitting a bad smell can be associated with several underlying medical conditions. Any persistent or concerning change in the odor of your fingernails should be evaluated by a healthcare professional for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Some medical conditions that may be linked to foul-smelling fingernails are onychomycosis, paronychia, bacterial infections, etc.
Onychomycosis is a fungal infection of the nails that can lead to changes in the appearance and odor of the nails. Also, paronychia, which is an infection of the skin around the nail, can produce an unpleasant odor.
Bacterial infections, conditions affecting the digestive system, like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or certain gut imbalances, may lead to unusual body odors, which can extend to the nails.
It’s essential to seek medical advice if you experience a persistent and unpleasant odor from your fingernails, as this may indicate an underlying health issue that requires attention. A healthcare provider can diagnose the root cause and recommend the appropriate treatment or interventions.
How To Get Rid Of Foul Smell From Fingernails
Before consulting your doctor, you can try getting rid of the smell using some home remedies, especially when the odor is caused by touching a foul, smelly substance or as a result of poor hygiene practices. Some home remedies to help get rid of bad smells from your fingernails include:
1. Soak in lemon juice mixture
A natural way to solve the problem of smelly fingernails is to soak your fingertips in a mixture of fresh lemon juice and warm water. Lemon’s natural acidity can help neutralize odors and brighten your nails.
2. Through baking soda paste
You can also create a paste by mixing baking soda and water, and this can also get the job done. Then, gently scrub your nails with this paste using a soft nailbrush. Rinse thoroughly.
3. Getting a vinegar soak
Soak your nails in a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and water for about 15 minutes. Vinegar is known for its odor-eliminating properties.
4. Hydrogen peroxide
Mix hydrogen peroxide with water and soak your nails in the solution for a few minutes. It can help eliminate odor-causing bacteria.
5. Tea tree oil
Apply a few drops of tea tree oil to your nails and gently massage it in. This essential oil has antimicrobial properties that can help combat odor.
6. Borax powder
Mix a teaspoon of borax powder in a cup of warm water and soak your nails for a few minutes. Rinse well afterward.
7. Mouthwash
Soak your fingertips in an alcohol-based mouthwash, such as Listerine. The alcohol can kill bacteria and leave your nails smelling fresher.
8. Activated charcoal
Place a piece of activated charcoal in a small container near your nail care supplies. Charcoal can absorb unpleasant odors.
9. Antibacterial Soap
Wash your hands and nails with antibacterial soap to eliminate odor-causing bacteria.
Maintain good nail hygiene practices to prevent foul smells. If the odor persists or if you suspect an underlying issue like a fungal infection, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional or dermatologist for a proper diagnosis and treatment.
Tips To Prevent Fingernails From Smelling Offensively
To prevent your fingernails from smelling offensively, follow these steps for good nail hygiene:
- Regularly clean your nails thoroughly with mild soap and water. Ensure you clean both the top and underside of your nails.
- Keep your nails at a reasonable length and file them regularly. Shorter nails are less likely to trap debris.
- A nail brush can help clean under your nails and remove dirt and bacteria.
- After washing your hands, make sure your nails are completely dry. Moist environments can encourage bacterial and fungal growth.
- When doing tasks that involve exposure to harsh chemicals, doing household chores, and gardening, use gloves to protect your nails.
- If you suspect a fungal infection, use antifungal cream as recommended by a healthcare provider.
- Apply moisturizing hand cream and cuticle oil to keep your nails and cuticles hydrated. Well-moisturized nails are less likely to become brittle or develop hangnails. Dry, cracked cuticles can harbor bacteria.
- If you wear nail polish, remove and reapply it regularly. Old nail polish can trap odors.
- Foul smells can sometimes originate from other areas of your body. Maintaining good personal hygiene is essential.
- Take a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals, especially biotin (a B vitamin), which can promote strong, healthy nails.
By following these steps, you can help prevent offensive odors emanating from your fingernails. If the problem persists or worsens, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare provider, as it may be a sign of an underlying medical condition that needs professional attention.
Takeaway
Your fingernails smell like poop due to a number of reasons, such as Fecal particles trapped under the nails during bathroom activities, fungal or bacterial infections, diet, and digestive issues, certain medical conditions, neglecting nail care, etc.
However, the beauty of the situation is that this smell can be easily rectified by some remedies such as lemon juice or vinegar soak, using tea tree oil, etc., and you would be able to get rid of the offensive smell.
Nevertheless, if you’re experiencing persistent or severe nail odor resembling feces, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional to identify the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment. In the long run, proper hand hygiene and nail care can assist in preventing unpleasant nail odors.
For further reading on why fingernails smell like poop, visit the site below:
- https://www.healthline.com/health/fingernail-fungus-from-acrylic-nails
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5688896/
