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Enter: theListerinefoot soak.

Sometimes it blisters, too.

woman soaking feet in pool

Stocksy

Meet the Experts

What Is a Listerine Foot Soak?

Supporters claim the mixture contains antifungal, antiseptic, and cooling/calming properties.

Lets start by trying to understand some of the soak’s potential benefits.

Does It Actually Work?

Seema Panduranga Kini, a board-certified dermatologist withKaiser Permanenteisn’t on board with a Listerine foot soak.

The menthol in Listerine soaks may be soothing, she says.

But aside from that, [it] has no real benefits.

But a better way is to lower the skin pH.

Overall, Skotnicki doesnt recommend Listerine foot soaks.

verify theres enough liquid so that your feet are covered.

Soak your feet for somewhere between 15 and 20 minutes (though some recommend up to 45 minutes).

Remember that checking in with your doctor is always important, too.

Especially if youve been trying this soak for a few weeks and it doesnt seem to be working.

You may need a different treatment.

As with anything, a Listerine soak should be used in moderation.

Would I recommend it as a board-certified dermatologist for treatment of athletes foot or toenail fungus?

Not really, since I have other things in my armamentarium, St. Surin-Lord says.

Do I respect natural skincare practices?

Yes, as long as they do no harm.

This will offer effective exfoliation without wastefulness.

Athlete’s foot: Overview.

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Antibacterial effects of Listerine on oral bacteria.

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Adamczyk K, Garncarczyk A, Antonczak P, WcisoDziadecka D. The foot microbiome.J of Cosmetic Dermatology.

2020;19(5):1039-1043.