Toe jam can have the consistency of soft cheese or cake crumbs. It can smell or be odorless. And its color can range from white to gray-brown. You're more likely to create toe jam if you wear closed-in shoes when it's hot, or gum boots that don't allow sweat to evaporate.
Toe jam is a nonmedical, umbrella term that refers to the smelly gunk which can accumulate between the toes. When feet are often sweaty or not washed frequently, toe jam may be more likely to result. Luckily, the condition is usually not serious and responds well to simple lifestyle changes.
These bacteria, which include ones in the genus Brevibacterium, feed on sweat, releasing molecules that give the characteristic “cheesy” smell of sweaty feet.
Toenail fungus, also known as onychomycosis, forms when fungal infections occur underneath the surface of the nail, causing color change, pain, and even unpleasant odor. Dermatophytes, the fungi that also causes athlete's foot, cause the majority of fungal toenail infections.
Nail fungus is a common infection of the nail. It begins as a white or yellow-brown spot under the tip of your fingernail or toenail. As the fungal infection goes deeper, the nail may discolor, thicken and crumble at the edge. Nail fungus can affect several nails.
While painful, your toe will still remain functional. This means you can still walk and put your body weight on it. However, you may also feel throbbing, tenderness, or increased pain while moving the injured toe.
If it hurts the rest of the day and longer, you may have a fracture. When you stub your toe, it's normal to expect some bruising and even some blood under the toenail. But, if the discoloration lasts for a few days, if it spreads, or if it seems like there is too much blood under the nail, you might have a broken toe.
The simplest way to both prevent and get rid of toe jam is good, proper hygiene. Make sure to clean between your toes every time you shower and wear breathable shoes if possible.
Toe jam isn't really a formal medical condition or term. Instead, it's a collective phrase used to describe the diverse list of stuff that builds up between your toes. This jam isn't necessarily a gunky substance— like you might imagine by the name.
Swelling and pain usually get better in a few minutes or hours. But some stubbed toes can result in broken bones or injuries to soft tissues. Untreated, the bone can heal improperly, causing long-term pain and trouble walking.
Stubbing a toe can even cause breaks, sprains, broken nails, and infections. The pain of a stubbed toe usually subsides after a few minutes. In some cases, however, the impact could break the toe or the toenail, causing intense pain that may get worse over hours or days.
People with poor circulation may notice their feet feel cold or numb. They may also notice discoloration. The feet may turn red, blue, purple, or white. These symptoms may worsen in certain situations, such as when a person sits still for long periods of time or goes outside in cold weather.
Rest. Avoid doing the activity that caused the sprain, such as running or playing sports. If it hurts to walk on the sprained toe, try to stay off the foot until it feels better. Ice.
“If you can still move it then it's not broken.” – False. This is another harmful old wives' tale. Although it may be possible to move and walk on your broken toe, you should avoid doing so as this can lead to even greater damage and prolonged healing time.
“Applying Vicks VapoRub to fungus-infected toenails can clear up the notoriously hard-to-treat condition. Michigan State University clinicians found that applying the product daily to the infected nail cleared the condition in 32 of 85 patients, though it took anywhere from 5 to 16 months…”
In white superficial onychomycosis, for example, the white patches of fungus that form on the nails can sometimes simply be filed off and an over-the-counter antifungal topical medication can be applied to the nail to kill the fungus.
Signs and symptoms of a fungal nail infection
thickening and distortion of the nail – it may become an unusual shape or texture and be difficult to trim. pain or discomfort – particularly when using or placing pressure on the affected toe or finger. brittle or crumbly nails – pieces may break off and come away ...
Treatment usually begins with your dermatologist trimming your infected nail(s), cutting back each infected nail to the place where it attaches to your finger or toe. Your dermatologist may also scrape away debris under the nail. This helps get rid of some fungus.
Bacterial infections usually leak pus and, sometimes, blood. Fungal infections produce discolored toenails that are thick, brittle, and smell bad.
Thick toe nails can be managed using an emery board and filing your nails. This will stunt nail growth and keep them manageable. Gently file each nail across the thickened part 2-3 time weekly to reduce the thickness. The best time to do this is when the nail is dry, before a bath or shower.