What Is A Listerine Foot Soak And Does It Work?

Listerine consists of essential oils packed with alleged antiseptic properties such as eucalyptol, menthol, thymol, and methyl salicylate, which are believed to be able to lessen the growth of fungal organisms and bacterial species, per a study published in The Bulletin of Tokyo Dental College . Among them, methyl salicylate is used in numerous topical pain relief treatments. Because of its disinfectant qualities, people use Listerine in the treatment of athlete’s foot, a fungal infection that causes itchiness, and toenail fungus, a condition that causes discoloration and cracks in the nail. This famous mouth is purportedly also able to slough off dead skin from the feet or toes and moisturizer cracked heels.

Dipping infected feet or toes in Listerine mixed with water for about 20 minutes twice a day helps soften the nail plate, allowing the thymol to get inside and destroy the fungus, dermatologist Dr. Tsippora Shainhouse tells Byrdie. In case you have only one infected nail or are short on time, you can apply a cotton ball soaked in Listerine directly to the nail. You can use a Listerine foot soak on a daily basis until your condition clears up along with your prescribed infectious treatments, or simply use it as a preventative measure. While Listerine has purported effectiveness against fungal infections in the foot, studies on the antibacterial properties of Listerine concentrated more on its benefits for oral care.