Listerine for toenail fungus? There’s a lot of buzz on the net that recommends soaking your feet in Listerine to rid them of toenail fungal infection. The truth is that this may work for you. But it may not be for the reasons stated. Unfortunately, most people writing about it on the net quote a source (there are so many, I can’t tell who originated it) that says it’s the antiseptic quality of Listerine that kills the fungus. Actually, it’s the thymol.

Thymol is the active ingredient that cures the fungal infection. The fungus isn’t on the surface of the nail, it’s deep in the nail bed so just applying topical fungus-killing preparations won’t work. Thymol is also present in Vick’s VapoRub which can be applied under the nail with a Q-tip.

But if you don’t want to go around smelling like VapoRub all day and if the expense of twice daily Listerine foot baths would seriously dent your wallet, why not just buy concentrated Thymol? A small bottle of Thymol can be found available on the net for about $15.

Toenail growth takes time so don’t be discouraged when the effects are slow to show. Infected toenails are often thick, yellowed or discolored with black lines and spots. These nails take time to grow out. Keep up daily use of the thymol and within 6 to 12 months you will have healthy, normal-looking toenails.

There are always new fashion trends, even in accessories. I am not sure this is one I really want to follow, but some might find it fun and maybe a bit freeing.

The newest fashion accessory is handbags made out of bras. You can buy them or make your own and the internet is full of sites with simple instructions.

The fun part is that all you need is an old bra and some embellishments: feathers, beads, fringe - even tassels is you’re daring.

In the 60s women burned their bras to show their new freedom from conventional standards. Bras themselves have become a fashion accessory and now they make a fun and kicky handbag.

Here’s a site where you can buy them ready-made:

Red Hat Village

And here are some sites with instructions for crafting your own:

Craftbits.com

Sewing.org

There are scientists in all fields, we know that, but did you know there are scientists out there studying what makes fingernails hard or soft?

According to researchers at the University of Manchester, our nails are at their strongest when at a humidity of 60%, the natural humidiy of the nail bed. When the humidity is lower, nails become brittle, too high - such as when you have your hands in hot water - and they become soft and bend easily.

Nails are made up of three layers, the middle layer protects the inner layer from breaking towards the quick. At humidities higher or lower than 60%, these layers change and lose their protective qualities.

Hard as Nails!