What is the gunk under your toenails?

This overgrowth is called subungual hyperkeratosis. People with hyperkeratosis may notice a white, chalky substance under the nail. When this occurs in the toenails, the pressure of shoes pushing down on the nails might cause pain.

How do you get clear toenails?

How to Clear Up Fungal Toenails Fast
  1. Non-prescription options. There are many toenail fungus treatments available in stores and online including antifungal creams, gels, and nail polish. …
  2. Prescription polish and creams. …
  3. Prescription drugs. …
  4. Laser treatment. …
  5. Natural, at-home remedies.

Why do toenails turn yellow?

When toenails turn yellow, a fungus is usually to blame. This type of fungal infection is so common that you might not even need to see a doctor for treatment. Try an over-the-counter antifungal cream. If your nail is yellow and thick, gently file down the surface so that the medicine can reach deeper layers.

Why do toenails get thick?

Toenails can thicken as a result of sudden or repeated trauma or injury. Mostly, this happens to people involved in sport or exercise, such as soccer players, runners, and dancers, but also to people with ill-fitting shoes. Often, thick nails due to injury are mistaken for fungal infections.

Why do toenails get thick and yellow?

Thick yellow toenails are usually caused by a fungal infection called onychomycosis. This can be irritating or painful. It’s less common, but the infection can affect your fingernails as well. Thick yellow toenails can be prevented by taking certain precautions.

How can I clear my toenails naturally?

Vinegar is an antifungal ingredient that can be mixed with water to create a foot soak. It’s acetic acid component helps to whiten discolored toenails and stop the spread of the infection to other toes. Try two parts vinegar to one part warm water and soak feet for 20 minutes daily.

What is the white stuff under my toenails that smells?

Foul-smelling debris also may accumulate under the nail. As the infection continues, the nail may crumble gradually and fall off. Or, it may become so thick that the affected toe feels uncomfortable or painful inside shoes. A less common variety of toenail fungus is called white superficial onychomycosis.

Should I cut my nails wet or dry?

Cut nails when they’re dry, not wet.

Wet nails may be likely to tear, bend, or not cut smoothly because they’re softer when wet. Cutting dry nails will give you a cleaner, smoother cut.

Why does Vicks work on toenail fungus?

Vicks VapoRub is a topical ointment. Although designed for cough suppression, its active ingredients (camphor and eucalyptus oil) may help treat toenail fungus. A 2011 study found that Vicks VapoRub had a “positive clinical effect” in the treatment of toenail fungus.

How do you clean gunk from toenails?

You can use a loofah, sponge, or washcloth to really clean around the toenails. Try a foot soak. If you don’t take a shower every day, consider soaking your feet in a tub of lukewarm water and soap. This can help break up or dislodge dirt underneath toenails.

Why does my big toenail stink?

Getting a fungal infection on your toenails can cause the nails to turn yellow and brittle, and the bugs that cause the infection often emit a foul odor as they feed on your body. The same microorganisms that cause athlete’s foot also are the cause of fungal toenail infection.

What is toenail jam?

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. Luckily, this condition is usually not serious, and responds well to lifestyle changes.

Should I clean under my 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. Sutera, pointing to fungal infections, nail damage, or ingrown nails as risks that come with ignoring your toenails.

What can I soak my nails in to clean them?

Soak your nails in a bowl of warm, soapy water for about three minutes. Submerge the very tips of your fingers, not your whole hands, under the water and let them soften slightly. Make sure the water isn’t too lukewarm or scalding hot, but a comfortable temperature somewhere in between.

How do you clean yellow toenails?

Treatment
  1. mixing tea tree oil with a carrier oil and applying it to the affected nail.
  2. soaking the affected nail in hot water mixed with baking soda.
  3. applying vinegar to the affected nail.
  4. including a sufficient amount of vitamin E in the diet.
  5. soaking the affected nail in a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and hot water.