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How do I Use Listerine® for Toenail Fungus?

Misty Amber Brighton
Misty Amber Brighton

If you would like to use Listerine® for toenail fungus, also known as onycomycosis, you should first place a tiny bit in a basin. After doing so, soak the affected nail in the solution for 10 to 15 minutes. You can mix the product with apple cider vinegar if you like. It is also effective to take a small nail brushed dipped in this liquid and scrub the area lightly before putting on socks.

Taking a small tub, add just enough Listerine® to be able to fully submerge the affected toe. Soak for up to 15 minutes, and then dry your foot well. You may need to repeat this step two to three times a day before seeing results. The exact amount of time you might need to continue the treatment varies from person to person, but can often be a period of several weeks or even months.

Cotton balls can be soaked in Listerine.
Cotton balls can be soaked in Listerine.

Many times, apple cider vinegar can be used in conjunction with Listerine® for toenail fungus. This is because the vinegar is thought to act as an exfoliant, removing the damaged tissue of the toenail layer by layer. Mix a solution that is approximately half mouthwash and half vinegar. You can then soak your toe in this mixture for around 15 minutes. After doing so, take an emery board and lightly file away areas of the toenail that appear to be peeling or flaking.

Apple cider vinegar can be used along with Listerine for treating toenail fungus.
Apple cider vinegar can be used along with Listerine for treating toenail fungus.

In addition to soaking your feet, you can also scrub your toenail with a small nail brush. You can either use straight mouthwash or a mixture of mouthwash and apple cider vinegar. Try to lift the toenail slightly in order to allow the liquid to seep underneath it when using Listerine® in this way.

You might also want to use Listerine® for toenail fungus by dipping a cotton swab in this product and then applying it to the nail itself. You could also soak a cotton ball in this product, and then attach it to the affected toe with a bandage or medical tape. This can be a good alternative to soaking the toe should you be unable to do so.

Antiseptic mouthwash may be helpful when treating a toenail fungus.
Antiseptic mouthwash may be helpful when treating a toenail fungus.

Curing onycomycosis can take be difficult to do, even if a treatment regimen is strictly adhered to. Even so, using Listerine® for toenail fungus normally produces results after only a few uses. If you decided to use this mouthwash to treat toenail fungus, you should remain diligent in carrying out the treatment, as you may be able to rid yourself of this problem without needing to take medications that could be harmful to your body.

Discussion Comments

literally45

I don't have the time or the energy to do foot soaks, so I just apply Listerine to my toes throughout the day. It's only been a few days, so I'm not sure if it's working. I heard that aside from Listerine, eucalyptus chest rub cures toenail fungus too. If this doesn't work, I'm going to try that remedy.

bluedolphin

@fBoyle-- Yes, use only Listerine. Don't add any water to it.

Some people don't try this remedy because they think that they have to fill a foot tub with Listerine. That's not the case though. I personally use about 3 caps of Listerine in a tub large enough to put my feet in. To get the Listerine to cover my toes, I put a book under one side of the tub to tilt it toward my toes. This works perfect.

Just keep in mind that you need to do this treatment everyday if possible, for as long as it takes for the infection go away. Getting rid of toenail fungus can be hard and needs patience. After the infection looks gone, I continue this treatment for another week because fungal infections can be sneaky and can return quickly.

fBoyle

I tried Listerine as a toenail fungus treatment but it didn't work. It was a while back though and I think I mixed the Listerine with water before I soaked my feet in it. I should have just used Listerine right? Does water reduce the effectiveness of this remedy?

I might try it once again and just use Listerine this time around.

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    • Cotton balls can be soaked in Listerine.
      By: Vibe Images
      Cotton balls can be soaked in Listerine.
    • Apple cider vinegar can be used along with Listerine for treating toenail fungus.
      By: Comugnero Silvana
      Apple cider vinegar can be used along with Listerine for treating toenail fungus.
    • Antiseptic mouthwash may be helpful when treating a toenail fungus.
      By: ijacky
      Antiseptic mouthwash may be helpful when treating a toenail fungus.
    • A nail brush can be used to clean dirt and debris from the toenails.
      By: Coprid
      A nail brush can be used to clean dirt and debris from the toenails.