Onycomycosis is a skin condition wherein fungi called dermatophyte enters and invades the nail bed of the toes by either cutting your toenails wrong or by a simple scratch or a wound. This fungus loves dark, warm and moist areas, so the foot is the perfect living environment for them to thrive and multiply. Since these fungi hides in the nail bed, the nail itself protects the fungus from being medicated.

There are a variety of treatments for toenail fungus, but do you know that the common mouthwash, Listerine, is the easiest and cheapest way to cure this condition?

Brief History
The Father of all antiseptics, more popularly known as, Dr. Joseph Lister created Listerine in 1879 was used an antiseptic for hospitals, as a treatment for gonorrhea, and floor cleaner among other things, but it became most popular as a mouthwash in the 1970’s.

Using Listerine for Toenail Fungus
Listerine can possibly work as a toenail fungus treatment because it utilizes the different antiseptic properties of various alcohols and substances found within the formulation of the mouthwash. If you try to check out the back of any Listerine bottle, their most active ingredient is Thymol, which was first used by the Ancient Egyptians and the Blackfeet Indians to kill bacteria and fungi. It also contains 90% Euchalyptol, derived from the essential oil Eucalyptus, which known for its antimicrobial and antiseptic properties. It also acts as an active stimulant for the immune system that hastens cell growth. Salicylates present in Listerine formulation, acts as an active anti-inflammatory agent, meaning less pain and inflammation, drying and shedding the dried up skin making room for new skin cells to grow.

Soak the affected toenails with enough Listerine for about 15 to 20 minutes, twice a day until it heals. But this could take months before it heals and you have to make sure that you put
time and effort in the treatment process.

Other Ways to Use Listerine for Toe Nail Fungus
Another way could be by using a small brush, dip it in Listerine and apply directly to your
toenails. This has a lesser percentage of efficacy and must be done several times a day.

You may even try a 50-50 mixture of Listerine and vinegar, since the latter has a high acidic content so fungi present in the toenails will have a difficult time thriving in a high acidic environment.

Precautions
Okay, it is completely safe to soak your feet in a pool of Listerine, but you might have green toes after a while. Don’t fret, it will quickly disappear.

Like with any home remedy, Listerine as a treatment and cure for toenail fungus hasn’t been tested in an official medical research environment so, efficacy and results will differ from one person to another.

Prevention
Prevention is always the best cure for any ailment you may be experiencing right now. Just keep the toenails dry by using cotton socks and wear loose-fitting shoes to keep feet aerated. Keep the toenails dry and short for less chance of fungi entering the toe area.