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Can Listerine Cure Toenail Fungus

Is There Any Real Proof That It Works

Toenail Fungus Treatment [Listerine Home Cure]

Let’s get right to the point here… is there any proof that this stuff actually works? Because I’m sure a lot of people reading this have wasted a lot of time, patience and money trying things that simply turn out to be complete duds.

Does it really work?

Well… when it comes to the effectiveness of VICK’s specifically dealing with nail fungus, there unfortunately isn’t much research out there. That said, there is some…

A study published in the Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine in 2011 took a look at the effects of VICKS on 18 patients who were suffering from onychomycosis over a period of 48 weeks .

The results were measured in 3 ways. They measured its effectiveness as a cure both mycologically and clinically, as well as on a personal assessment by the patients themselves.

The results: 15 of the 18 patients, or a whopping 83%, showed positive effects. And… 5 of the patients, or 27.8%, had been cured based on mycological and clinical results after the 48 weeks were up. 10 patients, or 55.6%, had infections that cleared up partially and only 3 had no change.

All in all… pretty good results.

Lack of proof?

As stated, there really isn’t much information and research out there specifically on VICKS VapoRub’s effectiveness when it comes to this.

The study mentioned above definitely proves some effectiveness and has some positives, however there has been some criticism as to the way this study was conducted, which might make it carry a little less weight.

Toenail Fungus Home Treatment:

  • These are our favorite products to treat toenail fungus at home.
  • It is difficult to properly diagnose any health problem such as toenail fungus with 100% certainty. So see your podiatrist and make sure you are not missing anything!
  • Also, many of these products are considered beauty products more so than health products. Just be aware that they are not always FDA evaluated or approved in any way.

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Listerine Soaks Proved Effective Against Toenail Fungus

Q. I have had fungus on one of my toes for a long time. I have been to the dermatologist and podiatrist repeatedly and even had the nail removed. I was given strong pills, but they didnt work. The podiatrist does not understand why the infection persists.

I started searching desperately for other things that might help and read about Listerine. This has given me the best results so far. The infection is almost gone, the nail has its nice pink color again and it is not sore. Hooray!

A. Soaking an infected nail in amber Listerine alone or mixed 50/50 with white vinegar is a favorite remedy for toenail fungus. You will need patience, since it takes months for toenails to grow out. The good news is that this remedy is neither difficult nor expensive.

You will find many other home remedies for nail fungus in our Guide to Hair and Nail Care.

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Vicks Vapor Rub For Toenail Fungus Myth Or Miracle Cure

Is VICKS VapoRub for toenail fungus effective?

There our a lot of home remedies out there for curing toenail fungus, but a lot of them simply do not work. You have apple cider vinegar, Epsom salt baths, all the essential oils, etc.

VICKS Vaper Rub, which is really called the trademark name of VICKS VapoRub, is one of the many cheap treatment options out there that some people suggest But Does It Actually Work?

The answer is YES, at least to some extent… It definitely does have some potential as a treatment option as you will see. And… it’s easy to find in stores and it’s cheap, so of course this is something that a lot of people are going to be interested in, especially when you look at other treatment options which can get pretty darn expensive.

Some statistics say that around 10% of the population has at least some amount of toenail fungus and around 50% of people 70 years old and older have it. It’s a pretty crazy statistic and there is no doubt that toenail fungus is a big problem.

Much of the time it goes away on its own due to the body’s effective immune response, but sometimes it can get out of hand and requires serious attention. Of course you do not want that to happen so treating as soon as possible should be a priority.

Toenail Fungus Explained:

  • Thickened nails
  • Discoloration, usually whitish or yellowish
  • Brittle fractured nails
  • Darkened color from all the dead debris
  • Bad smells and strange looks from onlookers

Why Does It Work A Look At The Ingredients

HOW TO USE LISTERINE FOR TOENAIL FUNGUS EFFORTLESSLY ...

In order to answer the question of why does VICKS work?… we first need to take a look at the ingredients it contains.

It has some proof of working, so what it is exactly that makes it effective?

The ingredients included in the normal VICKS VapoRub include the following:

Active Ingredients

  • Used commonly for pain relief, anti-irritant, against coughs, and yes… even as an antifungal.
  • Reduces pain and swelling and increases blood flow when applied topically.
  • 2014 study published in the journal Biological Research shows it does indeed have antifungal activity, although not particularly when dealing with toenail fungus. It has been shown to inhibit growth of fungi better than other essential oils.
  • Eucalyptus oil
  • Commonly used for coughs, clearing the chest, as a disinfectant, helping control blood sugar, joint pain, against infections and more.
  • Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
  • 2015 study in the Journal of Foot and Ankle Research took 22 participants with toenail fungus and tested the application of eucalyptus oil. The results were that 86% saw superficial nail fungus clear up within 4 months and those with subungual and proximal subungual onychomycosis also saw decent results.
  • Menthol
  • Used to reduce inflammation, sooth cuts/burns, for respiratory problems, etc
  • Cool soothing properties that give a very relieving feeling.
  • Shown to inhibit fungal growth, as stated in Journal de Mycologie Medicale.
  • Inactive Ingredients

    • Turpentine oil

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    Ways To Use Listerine For Toenail Fungus Treatment

    Most people use Listerine as it allows the toenail to smell fresh and remain dry throughout the day. You can use Listerine in the following ways:

    • 1. Topical Application

    Topically applying Listerine is not so effective, however, it is a great way to keep your nails clean.

    You may use a soft brush to apply some Listerine on your toenails repetitively.

    This should be done twice or thrice in a day as the amount of Listerine applied through a brush is comparatively very less.

    • 2. Listerine Foot Soak

    This is one of the most common methods of Listerine treatment for your toenails. You can simply take a tub and fill it with a quarter of Listerine and the rest with warm water.

    You will need a lot of Listerine to cover the affected area. Once the solution is ready, let your feet be soaked for 20 to 30 minutes at once.

    You can repeat this twice a day or at least once a day for two to three months to see the best results.

    This soak can also be used as a preventive measure against toenail fungus infection.

    • 3. Listerine and Vinegar Soak

    Sincevinegar is highly acidic in nature, you can use half of vinegar and half of Listerine to prepare your foot soak. Now soak your feet in this solution for 20 to 30 minutes at once. You can repeat this on a daily basis.

    What Real Users Are Saying

    There is a lot of talk about using VICKS for toenail fungus and a lot of people recommending it online, HOWEVER, there is a lack of information coming from people who have actually used it to treat such.

    Most of the information I have found comes from sources saying things like “it can be used for this”, “it has been used for that”, and things like this.

    It would be nice to see some more good evidence of it working, but at the same time, the lack of good evidence doesn’t mean that it doesn’t work.

    I was able to find a small number of reviews on Amazon. Of course there weren’t many because most people’s reviews talk about other things since treating toenail fungus isn’t the reason most people buy it.

    *If you do have your own success story with VICKS VapoRub be sure to leave it in the comment section below for others to see!

    Also Check: How To Cut Out Toenail Fungus

    Listerine Toenail Fungus Cure

    By | Submitted On September 28, 2009

    Of course you heard of antiseptic mouthwash as a cure for bad breath, but, have you heard already about mouthwash that can cure toenail fungus? That’s kind of weird, but actually antiseptic mouthwash does really help to get rid of toenail fungus. Listerine is popularly known as its slogan says “kills germs that cause bad breath”. You can also use Listerine for treating your nail. Joseph Lister who discovered the surgery for killing bacteria should also recognize the healing property of Listerine as well. It does not only kill germs that cause bad breath but it can also fight germs effectively.

    Although there was no research about its effectiveness, there are still many people who are claiming about the wonderful effect of Listerine for naiil infection. Many people try to use alternative treatment for the same probably because they do not want to spend much on some expensive products prescribed by their doctors. The first thing that will come on their mind is how to cure the infection in an easy, inexpensive and effective way. As much as possible, if there’s an available remedy at home, they will use them because it is much better rather than buying expensive products.

    How does Listerine work?

    Listerine works best with vinegar too. That’s what many people are saying. Since both vinegar and Listerine has acid property, fighting toenail fungus is more powerful. They will kick and punch the fungus away from your toenail more effectively.

    Best Product To Prevent Athletes Foot

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    How To Clear Up Fungal Toenails Fast

    Nobody likes toenail fungus. The yellow, brittle toenails, however, are very common. Toenail fungus is not only embarrassing, but it can lead to further, more serious foot conditions if not treated.

    If you have an event or maybe a beach vacation coming up, and you want to show off your cute and relaxing sandals, you want to get rid of your toenail fungus fast.

    As toenail fungus is a common foot health issue, many treatment options are now available. There are over-the-counter creams, and pills as well as those prescribed by your podiatrist.

    There are also natural, at-home toe fungal treatments as well that include the use of essential oils, spices, vinegar and a healthy diet.

    Does A Listerine Foot Soak Work

    The skin naturally sheds its outer layer over time. However, dry skin tends to get stuck, sloughing off more slowly. When this occurs, areas of the feet can become dry and cracked.

    As skin is often driest in areas where there is a lot of friction from shoes and walking, dry skin is sometimes layered on top of calluses. This can create a particularly unsightly appearance. In extreme cases, it can even make wearing shoes uncomfortable, since the shoes rub the dry skin and calluses.

    Salicylic acid is a chemical exfoliant found in many acne and anti-aging remedies. It helps the skin slough off the outer layer more quickly, thereby reducing the accumulation of dry skin and addressing concerns, such as pimples and blackheads.

    Methyl salicylate, contained in the branded mouthwash Listerine is chemically similar. As such, it has similar exfoliating properties.

    Though there has been no scientific research done on Listerine as an exfoliant, anecdotal evidence from blogs and other online sources suggests that users have good results. People report few negative side effects.

    For people struggling with chronic dry, peeling, hardened foot skin, Listerine may be a good option. It could offer a better and more effective alternative to:

    • moisturizers
    • pumice stone
    • other exfoliants

    People who can safely use Listerine in their mouths without an allergic or other reaction should also be able to use it on their feet.

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    Most Effective Remedies For Toenail Fungus

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    Do you have a toenail that is hard, discolored, disfigured, and falls off after some time? This kind of toenail is because of an infection called toenail fungus caused by a type of dermatophytes.

    Toenail fungus is also called onychomycosis. It is a distressing infection, not because it is painful, but mostly because it makes your toenails lose the beauty and natural shine they should have.

    Sometimes having over the counter prescriptions does not help in getting rid of the fungus. Here are some remedies to get rid of toenails fungus that you can use at home to get your toenails back in shape.

    Contents

    A Splash Of Listerine For Athletes Foot

    The Pros and Cons of Using Listerine to Cure Toenail Fungus

    Q: Upon learning that Listerine could help control athletes foot, I first thought that meant soaking your feet in Listerine. That could get quite expensive over time.

    I have found a more affordable solution. After my shower, as I am drying off, I pour a partial capful of amber Listerine across my toes, using my fingers to work it between and under them. I wiggle my toes around to make sure it gets everywhere. My toes are completely dry by the time I put my socks and shoes on.

    This has completely taken care of my athletes foot problem without using bottles and bottles of Listerine!

    A: Readers of this column have been using old-fashioned amber Listerine to treat a variety of fungal infections including nail fungus, athletes foot and jock itch. A popular strategy for nail fungus is a 20-minute foot soak in a solution of equal parts white vinegar and Listerine. That may be needed to allow the solution to soak through to the fungus-infected nail bed. For athletes foot, which is a fungus infection of the skin, your strategy sounds cost-effective.

    You can learn about inexpensive ways to treat many common ailments in our book The Peoples Pharmacy Quick & Handy Home Remedies. The book should be available in your local library. It may also be found in the books section of the store at www.PeoplesPharmacy.com.

    Q: I am hearing about elderberry syrup as an immune booster. Do you have any pros or cons?

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    Should You Use Listerine For Fungal Infections

    Considering there is no conclusive evidence or scientific studies that Listerine actually works for nail fungus should say a lot about a treatment.

    At Toe Fungus Journey, we advise against the use of Listerine for toenail fungus especially if your infection is more severe. Instead, you should use products designed for the treatment of onychomycosis AKA nail fungus.

    When To See A Doctor About Toenail Fungus

    If you are experiencing persistent toenail fungus or pain is present, you may need to see a specialist. A dermatologist or podiatrist may be able to assess your symptoms and send a small sample of the affected toenail or flesh to a laboratory to be analyzed as there are various types of fungi and yeasts that cause onychomycosis. Knowing the specific cause of your foot fungus can help identify what route to take to treat your condition.

    Nail changes can also be caused by underlying conditions, like psoriasis and diabetes, so its important to seek professional medical advice if your condition persists or worsens. Bacterial and fungal infection of skin in diabetes patients often result in hospital admissions, and in severe cases, can result in amputations. If you are at a higher risk for infection, you should skip home remedies and seek professional medical treatment.

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    The Price Certainly Doesn’t Get Any Better

    If you are going to try a treatment for toenail fungus then one thing you definitely have to consider is the price… and the price here is pretty darn good fortunately.

    A 1.76 oz little tub usually costs somewhere around $5-6 and you can pick it up at any Walmart, Walgreen’s, CVS, and plenty other stores.

    That is a very cheap treatment and I’m sure you are well aware of that if you have been searching for treatments for any good length of time.

    There are some rather ridiculously priced toenail fungus treatments out there that show less promising results than VICKS.

    *Emuaid MAX is a more expensive topical treatment, but is something else you may want to read about. It is one of the very few toenail fungus treatments that we recommend here at Operation Wellness.

    Does Listerine Work For Toenail Fungus

    Listerine Toenail Fungus Home Remedy [Doctor Treatment]

    There is no scientific or clinical evidence to support claims that Listerine works for toenail fungus. The only evidence we have to go on is purely anecdotal.

    However, there is a case to support that Listerine could work. The Food and Drug Administration does not include Listerine on their list of effective treatments for fungal toenail infections. It is only listed as a suggested treatment for halitosis due to its antiseptic properties.

    Furthermore, the FDA has classified Listerine as a Class 1 product. This means the company cannot claim it treats conditions that it doesnt. Johnson & Johnson does not brand Listerine as a treatment for fungal infections.

    Listerine has active ingredients that are used in antifungal treatments. Therefore, it stands to reason that Listerine can kill fungi and prevent it from spreading. When feet are soaked in water with Listerine, the active ingredients should be able to penetrate the epidermis of the skin.

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