Claims that a Listerine foot bath will treat dry, cracked heels have been making their way around the websites and other social media sites. But does a Listerine foot soak really soften cracked heels? In this post, we will explore the truth in it and what benefits one may get by using Listerine foot soak.
How does Listerine get rid of cracked feet?
Listerine foot soak for fungus
Dry, cracked heels can be challenging to treat. Moisturizers and petroleum jelly do little to help, but walking on dry skin makes it worse. The skin sheds the epidermis over time naturally. But dry skin tends to get stuck, sloughing off more slowly. When this happens the feet become dry and cracked.
Human skin is often dry in areas where is there is friction from shoes and walking. Dry skin can also be layered on top of a callus- this can build an unsightly appearance. In severe instances, it can even make wearing shoes uncomfortable. In most cases, salicylic acid which is exfoliant in nature is used to slough off the outer layer which is cracked and dry more quickly. This helps to reduce the accumulation of dry skin and to treat concerns such as pimples. Listerine mouthwash uses the same concept.
Basically, there has been no Scientific research or clinical evidence on Listerine as an exfoliant, but blogs and other social media sites claim that users have positive results. Few people have reported negative effects. For people struggling with stubborn dry cracking heels, Listerine users claim it offers a better and more effective alternative to: Moisturizers, pumice stone, and other exfoliants. Considering that Listerine is designed for mouth use, which has softer and sensitive skin compared to feet, there is no reason to think it is harmful to the feet. If people can be able to use Listerine in the mouth without any allergic reaction, they should be able to use it on their feet, without a problem.
Benefits of Listerine as a Foot Soak
Below are benefits that may arise from soaking your feet into Listerine foot bath.
Listerine can prevent fungus infection
Listerine has disinfectant properties. Though it is designed to treat infections, it can help prevent them. You can soak your feet in Listerine as a preventive measure against:
- Athlete’s foot
- Fungal toenail infections
- Other feet infections
Listerine has natural antifungals essential oils, which may treat minor or moderate cases of toenail fungus and athlete’s foot. There is no harm in using Listerine foot soak to treat the infections mentioned, but if they do not go away, you should see a podiatrist or a foot care nurse. It is not proven that Listerine can treat skin infections, such as infected woods and cellulitis, but because of its disinfectant properties, it might burn open sores and reduce the time for healing.
Using Listerine to relief pain
Methyl salicylate which is contained in Listerine is similar to aspirin, which is used as a pain relief remedy. Methyl Salicylate can relieve muscle pain and joint pain in the feet. Coupled with various essential oils in Listerine, the product can be an excellent relaxing alternative to foot scrubs.
Who should not use Listerine foot soaks?
Listerine has a burning sensation, which could affect any part of the body. Individuals with sensitive skin or open wounds should not soak their feet in Listerine as it may irritate their skin, resulting in a burning sensation. You also avoid soaking your feet in Listerine if:
- Are allergic to any Listerine active ingredients such as eucalyptus, menthol, thymol and methyl salicylate.
- If you have sores on your feet, including blisters, cuts or dry skin which has opened avoid soaking your feet in Listerine foot bath.
- Avoid Listerine foot soak if you are allergic to aspirin since aspirin and methyl salicylate are almost the same chemically.
- Beware that the use of aspirin and methyl salicylates are linked to possible life-threatening disease in children known as Reye. Thus you might not want to soak your children feet in Listerine foot soak.
- Do not soak your feet in Listerine if your feet are bleeding, streaked, swollen, or shows any symptoms of infection.
- Always remember that a foot soak is not a medicine and painful rashes or wounds need medical intervention and not pedicure treatment.
Listerine Epsom salt foot soak
Soaking feet in a solution of Listerine and water is okay. But, one should mix with additional ingredients to offer further benefits. If you are interested in trying a Listerine foot soak to treat a cracked heel, you should combine it with Epsom salt and then follow the following recipe:
Step 1: Mix equal parts of Listerine and warm water, with a cup of Epsom salt. Epsom salt soothes the skin and muscles which could help in the treatment of minor skin irritation due to sunburn or other mild injuries.
Step 2: To make your feet smell good and feel relaxed, add some lavender oil to the foot soak.
Step 3: Soak your feet in the mixture for ten to fifteen minutes.
Step 4: Dry your feet thoroughly and apply petroleum jelly to the feet then wear cotton soaks and let the petroleum jelly soak overnight.
Step 5: Repeat the Listerine foot soak in the morning to get rid of dead skin that remains.
Other Listerine foot soak
Alternatively, you can use the following Listerine foot soak in place of vinegar.
Mix half a cup of Listerine, with a half cup of Vinegar with one gallon of warm water and two-three tablespoons of honey. Either honey or vinegar increases the antiseptic benefits of Listerine and can help soothe sensitive skin increase the antiseptic benefits of Listerine and can help soothe sensitive skin.
Mix one cup of Listerine, one gallon of warm water and some droplets of lemon juice. The Lemon juice will increase the exfoliating benefits of Listerine since it is a natural antiseptic.
Combine one cup of Listerine and one cup of chamomile tea with one gallon of warm water. The chamomile helps with callus and dry, cracked skin.
Does Listerine kill athlete’s foot?
Listerine for athlete's foot
Athlete's foot is an infectious fungal infection on the feet which initially develops between the toes and spreads to the adjoining region, sometimes as far as the toenails. If the infection happens to be particularly aggressive, it could affect other parts of the body.
Medication for athlete’s foot aims at relieving itching, scaling, pain, and discomfort as well as drying out any blisters. You can treat the athlete’s foot at home with a foot soak. A Listerine foot soak can be used at home to treat athlete’s foot. Listerine has active ingredients which when they come into contact with feet treat fungus infection, how it works to treat athlete’s foot. Below are steps to prepare a Listerine foot bath to manage an athlete’s foot.
1. Find a tub or bowl which fits the length and depth of your feet.
2. Top up the tub with Listerine along with two parts of warm water. You will require enough water to cover your feet.
3. You can use white vinegar instead of water. Mix in equal portions of white vinegar and Listerine. White vinegar is thought to get rid of fungus because of its high levels of acidity.
4. Immerse your feet in the solution for forty-five to sixty minutes at a time.
5. Repeat the procedure until the fungus goes away. You may also consider using the bath periodically as a preventative measure.
If you do not want to soak your feet in Listerine foot soak, you can apply Listerine a cotton ball to the feet twice daily until the infection clears. If you are using Listerine fungus to treat athlete’s foot, you need to be patient just like with other prescription of antifungal treatments. But you can start to see improvements with only a few days.
Warnings when using Listerine soak to treat athlete’s foot
Even though Listerine foot soak is considered safe, it may not be suitable for everyone. Presuming that you have sensitive skin, the soak could cause mild irritation. First, use a small portion of Listerine on your hand to test its reaction on your skin.
Beware Listerine does not prevent athlete’s foot from returning. Keep your feet dry and wash them regularly after periods of sweating. If you have ingrown nails avoid using Listerine as it could irritate the area. You might want the ingrown nail removed by your doctor.
Generally, when it comes to Listerine foot soak, it offers an alternative to other foot remedies for athlete’s foot. And it does not have serious risks and side effects. But, consider asking a podiatrist first before using this foot soak on children.
What is a good foot soak for dry, cracked feet?
Homemade foot soak for dry feet
There is various homemade soak for cracked, dry feet, but we are going to focus on vinegar and Listerine for this post. Below is the procedure to a foot soak which will help you smoothen those disturbing feet cracks. You will need:
- One cup of Listerine or any antiseptic mouthwash
- One cup of vinegar, you can use white vinegar or apple cider vinegar any will do
- Two cups of warm water
- Pumice stone, or foot file or a scrubby sponge
Procedure:
Step 1: Mix Listerine and vinegar in a bowl big enough to accommodate your feet.
Step 2: Soak your feet in the mixture for about ten to fifteen minutes.
Step 3: Using a foot file, pumice stone or even a scrubby sponge scrub your heel the soften dead skin.
You should be able to file off the right amount of dry skin. Repeat the procedure until the dry layer is gone.
Vinegar foot soaks can also soothe dry feet when used alone. Use cool water, since hot water can dry out your skin. Soak every night, then moisturize your feet and put on socks. Soaking too frequently or for too long may result in your feet to become even drier, so use this soak sparingly for dry and cracked feet.
Vinegar cannot harm your feet. However, you should still dilute it for a foot soak. Using 1-part vinegar to 2-parts water is a good ratio. If you are tolerating the diluted vinegar soaks, and not noticing any difference, you can use a stronger soak.
Whereas the bathe will smell strong, the dryness will dissipate after the vinegar is absorbed by your feet. You can also use natural carrier oils to change the scent slightly. Before soaking your feet, wash you are them thoroughly with soap and water. Then you can relax with your feet immersed in vinegar.
In addition to soaking, lifestyle choices are essential to consider when treating foot dryness. For instance, try wearing shoes made of leather or canvas. These allow your feet to breathe, unlike shoes made from plastic materials. Also, wear breathable cotton or wool socks. When you’re at home, go barefoot.
The symptoms don’t improve, or if they worsen or spread up the foot, you should seek medical attention. If you note increased dryness and cracking, you may need to decrease your soaking to a couple of times per week instead of daily.
