Listerine for Toenail Fungus

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August 20, 2017
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Toenail fungus is a common problem and occurs when a fungus known as Dermatophyte gets beneath the nail. Like all fungi, it likes places that are often damp, warm and dark and under a toenail is regularly all of these things. Also called onychomycosis it is tricky to treat because the fungus is hard to reach as it is protected by the nail. There are several treatment options you can choose from, medicated, natural treatment and home remedies. People are even using Listerine for toenail fungus.

Of course, when you hear the name Listerine you presume someone has bad breath or something after Listerine is a mouthwash right? Well yes, but Listerine for toenail fungus is also a commonly used home remedy that for some has proven to be very effective! Toenail fungus is difficult to treat, and prescription drugs come with no guarantee when it comes to this problem, so many people turn to cheaper and simple alternatives including this one.

About Listerine

Listerine was first invented in 1879 by Dr. Lawrence and Dr. Jordon as a disinfectant and surgical antiseptic and is named after Dr. Joseph Lister, an English scientist seen as the father of modern antiseptics.

It has been used for many things over the years, a treatment for gonorrhea, a floor cleaner but became successful as a mouthwash in the 1920s though it had been used as an oral treatment as far back as 1895.

Listerine’s ingredients include;

thymol
methyl salicylate
eucalyptol
ethanol

How to use Listerine for toenail fungus

The key fact to accept about treating toenail fungus is that it is going to take time. Whichever treatment method you opt for, you are going to need to do it for a while, and wait for a healthy toenail to grow while ensuring it doesn’t get infected by the fungus. Any remedy or treatment that claims it can get you a healthy nail or cure in a matter of weeks or days is to be viewed with mistrust. You might see some improvement in the appearance of your nail in that time, but not a complete cure.

In general, the advice when using Listerine for toenail fungus is to soak it in it for 30 minutes a day over a period of months. Make sure you do not miss a day and keep doing it until the whole nail appears healthy. Some suggest combining Listerine for toenail fungus with vinegar if you think you need a treatment with a little bit more strength.

There is also the option of instead of soaking your nails, using the mix like a nail polish and painting it in. However, with a soak, there is more likely going to be some of the liquid reachings under and around the nail; it will have a harder time penetrating the nail when being painted on. Make sure after soaking your feet you rinse and dry thoroughly. As the nail grows, trim off the infected part.

Why is Listerine used?

The belief by those who have had success with Listerine for toenail fungus is that the antiseptic ingredients and combination of alcohols is what makes it effective.

Is Listerine for toenail fungus effective?

It is hard to say with absolute certainty that this will work for you because different treatments work for different people. There have been no studies done about this remedy, and reviews by people vary, some say it worked for them some say it did not. Which group you will be on can only be found out by giving it a go. There is an unfortunate side effect, though completely safe in terms of health, due to the color of Listerine it can temporarily turn your feet green if you choose to soak them in it!