Listerine and vinegar are used for toenail fungus because their acidic and essential oil properties (like thymol in Listerine) create an environment that inhibits or slows fungal growth, with vinegar's acetic acid and Listerine's antifungal ingredients potentially killing mild infections, but there's limited scientific proof they cure severe cases, so professional treatment is best, especially with diabetes. People soak feet in diluted solutions, but should be cautious of skin irritation and see a doctor if it doesn't improve.
Although largely anecdotal, there are a few at-home remedies have helped some patients to manage their toenail fungus. These include soaking your feet in a solution of apple cider vinegar or Listerine antiseptic mouthwash. Generally, one part vinegar or Listerine to one part water is a good ratio for a foot soak.
Listerine can be very useful in a foot soak when it comes to toenail fungus. This can give you a great result 95% of the time if done correctly! Listerine for toenail fungus only takes 20 minutes for a great home treatment. Watch this quick guide to see if the scientific data supports using listerine at home to take c.
The Best Treatments to Kill Toenail Fungus Instantly
Oral Antifungals (like Terbinafine or Itraconazole) – These work from the inside out, attacking the infection at its source. Topical Antifungal Solutions – Prescription-strength treatments penetrate the nail for faster and more effective results than OTC options.
Soaks using warm water and apple cider vinegar (1:1 ratio) or Epsom salt may help reduce fungal growth. Limit soaks to 15–20 minutes daily.
Dry Thoroughly: After soaking, dry the nails completely to prevent any residual moisture, which can promote further fungal growth. Apply Directly (Optional): Some people choose to apply undiluted apple cider vinegar directly to the affected nails using a cotton ball, leaving it on for a few minutes before rinsing.
The essential oils in Listerine are natural antifungals, so may treat mild to moderate cases of toenail fungus and athlete's foot. There is no harm in trying Listerine, but if symptoms do not go away, it is safer to consult a doctor.
Eating foods and oils that improve your gut health is a great way to ward off toenail fungus. Doing so also improves your immune system. Try to eat fermented foods like yogurt, sauerkraut, kefir, garlic, onions, and asparagus.
Vicks Vaporub for Toenail Fungus
And, while this may sound like a crazy idea, this study actually suggests that applying the over-the-counter product has a positive healing effect. Still, within the study, completely clearing the fungus took 48 weeks when using topical Vicks products.
What is the strongest natural antifungal? Many natural remedies boast antifungal properties, but tea tree oil often takes the crown as the most potent. Its effectiveness against a broad spectrum of fungi makes it a popular choice for treating various skin infections.
“Each evening, patients go to a bathroom or other place with a vinegar-resistant floor, don old cotton socks, pour a few spoons of plain or apple-cider vinegar and a few spoons of water over the toes, and sit and read for 10-15 minutes. They then doff the socks, apply topical antifungals, and go to bed.
Healthy nails are smooth and even, whereas fungal-infected nails tend to be brittle, crumbly, and ragged. If you observe your nail's texture improving, becoming smoother, and less brittle, it is a clear sign that the fungus is dying. This improvement indicates that your nail is starting to heal and regenerate.
Rinse and Dry
Remove your feet from the basin. Rinse with clean, warm water to remove any residual vinegar smell. Pat dry thoroughly, especially between the toes.
First, the full recipe: Mix equal parts Listerine, vinegar, and water, and soak your feet for 15 minutes. Then wipe your feet with a washcloth and, bam, smooth heels. Dry skin and calluses come right off.
Can You Scrape Out Toenail Fungus? No. You may be able to scrape a bit off the top of or from under your nails, but that won't cure the infection.
Tea tree oil or eucalyptus oil: Both oils have antifungal properties, and studies found they performed as well as some over-the-counter and prescription topical antifungal treatments. Ozonized sunflower oil: A Brazilian study found that sunflower oil worked to treat toenail fungus infection caused by yeast.
One small study found that pure tea tree oil helped a small amount of people who used it to treat toenail fungus. But other studies on using lower amounts of tea tree oil haven't found it helps treat toenail fungus. Tea tree oil may work well when used with other antifungal medicines.
We strongly urge you to wear at least a pair of socks at all times, even at night. It's too easy for your fungus-infection toes to cross over to the other side of the bed and contaminate your partner. It would help to consider wearing shower shoes until your infection completely clears.
Additionally, biotin deficiency can increase the risk of fungal nail infections and subsequent nail plate discoloration. Changes in nail shape and surface.
To permanently kill toenail fungus, you need professional treatment, with oral antifungal medications like terbinafine (Lamisil) being the most effective for clearing the infection, though they require months of use and liver monitoring. Prescription topical creams (e.g., Jublia, Kerydin) and medicated nail polishes (Penlac) are also options, often used with nail thinning or combined with oral meds. Laser therapy can be effective by heating the fungus but isn't a first-line treatment and lacks strong evidence for a permanent cure.
Cinnamon can be used to treat conditions such as toenail fungus, where cinnamon “has the ability to stop drug-resistant yeast infections.” Cinnamon leaf oil in particular or cinnamon oil diluted in water can both be used to treat toenail fungus and other conditions such as Athlete's foot.
By including mouthwash in your dental hygiene routine, you're killing the bad bacteria and getting rid of the good stuff, too. Needless to say, this isn't an ideal solution!
Apple Cider Vinegar and Epsom Salt
Another foot soak method, this is said to work really well for toenail fungal infections. Apple cider vinegar (also known as ACV) has a number of healing and antibacterial properties if it's organic, making it a go-to for many homeopathic treatments.