Are you plagued by toenail fungus? If you move about in damp and humid environments, or wear uncomfortable shoes all day long and sweat heavily, you are prone to toenail fungus. Both men and women are prone to this infection.

As the infection progresses, the pain and the swelling can make things terrible for your feet. A fungal infection in the toenail is not superficial but goes deep. Initially, the infection starts as a black spot, followed by yellowing or discoloration of the nail and a white powdery substance forming on the toenail. If left untreated over a period, you will be saddled with thickened nails, a nasty smell, pain, and swelling.

Antifungal medication is the most common medication used to treat toenail fungus. But there is a flipside to these oral medications. In addition to common side effects like nausea and vomiting, there is a risk that some people can develop liver disease or heart-related issue.

So, now begins the search for natural/side-effects free options to treat toenail fungus. A remedy that has found mass appeal is using Listerine for toenail fungus. The same liquid you use to ward away bad breath can help you ward off the nasty smell of the infected toenail as well. Listerine for toenail fungus is an effective and easy home remedy to cure toenail fungus. The active constituents in the mouthwash help to reduce the infection, albeit over a long period.

What makes Listerine for toenail fungus work?
The constituents in Listerine include disinfecting agents that help to stop the spread of infection and cure it. However, you need lots of patience as it takes a good deal of time for the Listerine to cure your toenails.

The active agents are:

• Thymol, an effective fungicide that is used to treat fungal infections of the skin.
• Eucalyptol, an essential oil, with eucalyptus oil as the base. The oil has antimicrobial properties coupled with the ability to reduce pain and inflammation.
• Salicylate is a non-steroidal compound that is an analgesic and anti-inflammatory. It is an organic acid that helps to shed dead skin cells and promote the growth of healthy skin cells.

A Peek into Listerine’s history
Listerine saw the light of the day in 1879 and was put to use as a surgical antiseptic and disinfectant. Subsequently, it was used as a treatment option for gonorrhea and a floor cleaner as well. Of course, now Listerine is synonymous with fresh breath.

Preparing a foot soak
The Listerine for toenail fungus foot soak is a time-tested remedy to cure toenail fungus. You can use it when the severity of the infection is at a manageable level. The foot soak, when used on a regular basis, offers remarkable results.

For light to moderate symptoms (like the appearance of white spots, or a slight discoloration of the nail), make use of the foot soak once daily. For severe infections (like swelling, pain, dark discoloration of the nail), make use of the foot soak twice daily.

Take a wide-mouthed basin and fill it with a 50% Listerine and 50% water mixture. Soak the affected foot/feet for about 20 to 30 minutes. To remove the dead cells, use a soft bristled brush and exfoliate. Repeat the procedure on a consistent basis to see results.

You can also use concentrated Listerine for toenail fungus on the affected toenail. Take a nail paint brush, apply the concentrated Listerine for toenail fungus in the same manner as you would apply nail polish. You can then cover it up with cotton and secure it with a medicated tape.

While the thymol arrests the infection, the salicylate promotes new cell growth.

You can also mix apple cider vinegar along with Listerine. Apple cider vinegar helps you fight off the infection. Use a nail paint brush and apply the mixture over the toenail. Alternately, you can soak cotton balls in the Listerine plus apple cider vinegar mixture and tape it to your toe. Though apple cider vinegar is an acid, it is alkaline making the environment hostile to the growth of the fungus.

Listerine for toenail fungus works effectively in the early stages of toenail fungus and is a home remedy that has been in use since decades. Severe toenail fungal infections may not respond to Listerine, and you may have to choose topical applications containing tea tree oil.

If you have just developed toenail fungus, you can make use of the Listerine for toenail fungus foot soak and contain the infection.

Are there any side effects?

The best part about using Listerine for toenail fungus as a foot soak for toenail fungus is that it has no harmful side effects. The only hitch is that your toenail acquires the color of Listerine, which is temporary. There are no scientific studies to back the curing capability of this treatment. The results and duration are hence subjective to users.

Listerine for toenail fungus is an inexpensive and easy to access remedy. You can adopt it with little concern for safety. Keeping your feet dry and well-ventilated will help prevent toenail fungus.