What should you know about Listerine for nail fungus?

Listerine contains antiseptic ingredients and may make a nail feel cleaner, but nail fungus lives within or beneath the nail plate. A soak therefore may not reach the infection well enough to clear it. Discolouration, thickening, crumbling or separation can also result from injury, skin disease or another nail problem rather than fungus.

A clinician can examine the nail and, when needed, test a clipping before treatment. Nail fungus may occur alongside Athlete's Foot, so check for scaling, itching or cracking between the toes. See [Nail Fungus](/conditions/nail-fungus/) and [Discoloured Nails](/symptoms/nail-discoloration/) for related explanations.

Keep the nail short and dry, use clean clippers, and do not share footwear, socks or nail tools. Avoid applying Listerine to broken skin, a painful nail fold or an open wound; it can irritate tissue and does not address the cause.

Arrange a dermatology assessment if the nail is changing, several nails are involved, or self-care has not helped. Depending on the examination, options may include [Topical Antifungal Treatment](/treatments/medical-dermatology/topical-antifungal-therapy/), [Oral Antifungal Treatment](/treatments/medical-dermatology/oral-antifungal-therapy/) or another approach. Laser treatment and nail surgery are specialist options for selected cases.

Seek prompt medical advice for spreading redness, warmth, swelling, drainage, severe pain, fever or a dark streak that is new or changing. People with diabetes, reduced circulation or a weakened immune system should arrange assessment sooner because a small foot or nail problem can become harder to manage.

Ask whether the nail appearance needs testing, whether another condition could be responsible, which treatment fits the number of nails involved, and how to prevent reinfection from footwear or Athlete's Foot.