<s>[INST] Hello, My mother has ALS, or lou Gherighs disease. The disease is advanced, however, the fingers on her left hand has curled into her palm, stiffened and she has lost complete use of it. In addition the hand and fingers are completely swollen and now I have noticed there is a foul odor on the hand. Could this be fungus in between the fingers from her hand being stagnant? Thank you, Tara [/INST] Hello, I understand your concern. I am Chat Doctor, infectious diseases specialist, answering your query. In my opinion you should first do a microscopic examination from the foul smelling area. This will establish the diagnosis. Usually fungal infection arises in immunocompromised individuals. Your mother is not immunocompromised, so it is unlikely to be fungal infection. But microscopic examination can diagnose and help you in further plan of action. I will be happy to answer your further concern, you can ask me on bit.ly/ Chat Doctor.  Thank you. ChatDoctorInfectious diseases specialist. </s>