Not sure about using Vicks VapoRub on toenail fungus? We look at the research, One of the professed at-home miracle treatments for cystic acne is dabbing Vicks VapoRub on pimples to reduce them overnight. Drape a warm, dry cloth over your head while youre sitting upright or standing. Can Essential Oils Treat or Prevent Colds? 3. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below. This can trigger receptors in your brain that make you think you are breathing more clearly. Along with using Vicks VapoRub as directed, other home remedies can help ease cold symptoms for you and your child. DOI: Mayo Clinic Staff. Therefore, it is unclear whether applying Vicks to the feet would have much of an effect on the body, other than providing a cooling sensation for the feet. But if youre looking for good ways to prevent the spread of COVID-19, we would suggest that you put down the Vicks, and reach for the hand soap instead. Try applying a bit to any joints where you are experiencing discomfort. While bloggers tout it as a viable treatment for earaches, Vicks VapoRub may help ease cold symptoms like nose and sinus congestion when used on the chest and throat. These ointments also contain eucalyptus oil and camphor, which combine with menthol to create a powerful scent that immediately relieves sinus pressure. Go into your bathroom, place a towel at the bottom of the door to trap in steam. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. If you are taking the chewable form of this medication, chew it thoroughly before swallowing. She's also written for lifestyle sites like MyDomaine and WhoWhatWear. Please refer to home remedies for information about how to: If environmental allergies cause sinusitis, antihistamines may help reduce swelling of the mucous membranes. Topical camphor absorbed through mucous membranes or broken skin also can be toxic. This can lead you to avoid seeking medical care for breathing trouble when you need it. Dont use Vicks VapoRub on children under the age of 2, and use only as directed (on chest and throat only) for all children. We also provide tips on how to cope with a runny nose. Essential oils can treat cold symptoms and even shorten your colds duration. Generic name: Oxymetazoline (nasal) [ oks-i-met-AZ-oh-leen ] Brand names: 12 Hour Decongestant, 12 Hour Nasal Decongestant, 12 Hour Nasal Relief Spray, 12 Hour Nasal Spray, Afrin 12 Hour, . Learn how we can help 3.7k views Reviewed >2 years ago Thank Dr. Heidi Fowler and another doctor agree 3 thanks A 23-year-old female asked: Sinusitis. A bacterial or viral infection can also trigger the condition. If you have chronic sinus pain or congestion, you should see your doctor to get a further evaluation. Mayo Clinic is a nonprofit organization and proceeds from Web advertising help support our mission. When applying Vicks VapoRub, be sure to follow the manufacturers instructions and apply it to your chest or throat. Use of lavender essential oil, peppermint essential oil, and eucalyptus oil while breathing steam may relieve nasal pressure. Pain above, below, or between your eyes; your forehead; either side of your nose; or your upper teeth or jaw. Acute sinusitis typically lasts less than eight weeks or occurs no more than three times per year with each episode lasting no longer than 10 days. You can inhale eucalyptus oil through a diffuser, or rub some on your temples and chest to open your breathing passages. needling (injecting collagen under the skin). Vicks VapoRub is the brand name for a vapor rub made by the U.S. company Procter & Gamble. Vicks VapoRub is an ointment that you can use on your skin. If there is a specific structural issue that is causing your chronic sinusitis or sinus headaches then an ENT specialist may be able to correct it surgically. Doctors, researchers, and the products manufacturer have recommended Vicks VapoRub for the following purposes. Posted on by Coastal Ear, Nose & Throatin Sinusitis. Mayo Clinic on Incontinence - Mayo Clinic Press, NEW The Essential Diabetes Book - Mayo Clinic Press, NEW Ending the Opioid Crisis - Mayo Clinic Press, FREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment - Mayo Clinic Press, Mayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book - Mayo Clinic Press. A comparison of topical menthol to ice on pain, evoked tetanic and voluntary force during delayed onset muscle soreness. But the, Experts say older adults' immune systems aren't as powerful against the flu virus as younger adults, so they need a stronger vaccine dose. Orchard A, et al. The human skull contains four major pairs of hollow air-filled cavities called sinuses. This may result in delaying necessary medical treatment. Can menthol have harmful effects? From alleviating headaches to so many different skin uses we wanted to get the inside scoop on all of the magical ways to use this affordable gel. Additionally, cold symptoms that last longer than a week may be a sign you have sinusitis. You can even use food-grade eucalyptus oil and place a drop on the roof of your mouth. Swallowing even a few teaspoons of camphor can be toxic to adults and fatal for a toddler. Recommended Reading: How Long Until Sinus Infection Goes Away. Review/update the These popular ointments have been around for hundreds of years and typically contain menthol, camphor, and eucalyptus oils. It can sting if it gets in your eyes and may even injure the eye. Santos CD, et al. They most often appear around puberty and pregnancy. Although its not listed as a decongestant, theres solid research behind using the product to get relief from a stuffy nose or cough. But VapoRub isnt a decongestant. Additionally, people can use Vicks VapoPads, which release a menthol scent when the devices are in use. Read about them here. Vicks VapoRub is so well-known for its fungus-fighting powers that it's recommended for toenail fungus removal by Dr. James Ioli, chief of the podiatry service at Harvard-affiliated Brigham and Women's Hospital. Is the ketogenic diet right for autoimmune conditions? Ginger, in particular, may be especially helpful if your sinus infection is the result of allergies. (2019). Oregano Oil for a Sinus Infection. Make sure that you use clean water to dampen the flannel and then hold the flannel over your face for a few minutes you can do this as many times as day as you need. These are the hero ingredients that make this product so effective. Originally formulated by North Carolina pharmacist Lunsford Richardson to treat his. A few studies suggest that it may help to treat the common cold. Vicks VapoRub is also a popular choice for people trying to fade stretch marks, heal rough skin, treat headaches, and keep outdoor bugs away. That may explain why some people have found Vicks VapoRub helpful for healing rough skin on the feet and heels. Several inactive ingredients make up the rest of Vicks. One way is to apply it directly to your chest and throat. Surprising Purposes of Vicks VapoRub.Sinus Headaches.Vicks VapoRub is a great home cure for the treatment of sinus headaches. If you are taking the extended-release capsules, swallow them whole. There are also tiny sinuses called sphenoid sinuses located in the bones behind your nose. (2011). Young children cant blow their noses well, so helping them thin and clear the mucus from their nose is beneficial. But it doesnt actually reduce body temperature or fevers. Vicks VapoRub has been around for over 100 years and is known as one of the most widely used over-the-counter decongestants. Leave for a few hours to draw toxins from your body. When applied to the chest and throat, it may help ease cold symptoms like nose and sinus congestion. information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with Some people use Vicks to relieve minor muscle pain and aches. (2016). Here are 10 science-backed ways to try to shorten the aches, chills, sneezing, and coughing of, Sipping a hot cup of tea makes us feel better when we're sick, but certain teas may actually ease the symptoms of your cold. It would be more appropriate to say that if youre already prone to allergies and nasal polyps, it becomes easier for harmful bugs, especially fungi to penetrate your sinuses. Theres limited research on the effectiveness of Vicks VapoRub. Taking deep breaths breathe in the steam. A novel treatment for onychomycosis in people living with HIV infection: Vicks VapoRub is effective and safe. (2015). Some studies suggest that Vicks could help reduce cold symptoms at night in children, but more research is necessary to confirm this finding. Re. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could (2016). But in addition to this marketed use, Vicks has a handful of other, lesser-known uses that are far more interesting (and no less effective). No one likes being sick, and having a sinus infection can be very uncomfortable. Do not take Saline Mist Spray (sodium chloride nasal) by mouth. Accessed June 7, 2019. Rubbing the vicks VapoRub on your feet can make the cough disappear immediately, it can also help you decongest much faster by applying it to the soles of your feet, read on to know all its advantages. Does. Menthol is one of the main chemical components of peppermint oil. Got a question about COVID-19? "It definitely wont hurt," says Sobel. This is because the linings of your nose and sinuses are in continuation with the linings of your lungs. Cold symptoms: Does drinking milk increase phlegm? Commercial essential oils as a potential antimicrobial to treat skin diseases. While it is not proven to be an effective way to diminish the appearance of stretch marks, it may be worth giving it a shot. So far, there arent any studies that support the use of Vicks VapoRub for treating headaches. Meningitis. Do not use Vicks VapoRub if you have any open or healing scratches, cuts, or sores on your skin. As with common colds and infections, you should get plenty of rest and make sure that you stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Your sinuses are lined with a soft, pink tissue called mucosa. We cannot explain it either. There is a problem with It is unlikely that applying Vicks to the feet would have any effect on cold symptoms. Decongestants are a popular and effective medication class that can clear up sinus pain fast. Your cheekbones hold your maxillary sinuses (which are the largest), your forehead is home to your frontal sinuses, and the area between your eyes contains your ethmoid sinuses. Similar products like Biofreeze, which contains 4 percent active menthol, have helped reduce pain associated with carpal tunnel syndrome, according to research from 2014. Research also shows the menthol in Vicks VapoRub may help to relieve nerve pain. Warming the ointment in warm water may aid this effect and is a common home remedy for sinus pressure and congestion; however, you must be careful. 4. Learn all about dark circles under your eyes. Vicks vaporub rub is intended to for external use only. So, what can you do to help? When youre suffering from sinus and nasal congestion, you may experience other body side effects such as a headache, ear pain, or neck and shoulder pain. It is important to consult a doctor or read the label of any product before using it. While many medical treatments from the early 1900s have been vehemently debunked, a handful have managed to stand the test of time. According to an April 2020 study in BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies, a daily 500-milligram dose of ginger extract was just as effective as taking a 10-milligram pill of loratadine (like Claritin) for symptoms of allergic rhinitis such as runny nose, nasal congestion, itchy eyes and . Vicks VapoRub would likely not have the same cold benefits if used on the feet. However, there isnt any scientific evidence to support this theory. Getting antibiotics as fast as possible is crucial to healing, and is made possible with PlushCare. Some small studies have shown that gels and ointments containing menthol may be effective at relieving headaches when applied to the base of the skull. Recently, my hubby developed a horrible deep cough People's Pharmacy: Vicks VapoRub . In the morning wash the remaining VapoRub off of your feet. If your doctor has prescribed this medication for you, take as directed by your doctor. (n.d.). Infections such as colds, flu or sinusitis and allergies are frequent causes of nasal congestion and runny nose. A salt water solution goes in one nostril, then out the other. VapoRub's active ingredients include camphor, eucalyptus oil and menthol 5. Place in a pair of tight-fitting socks. Vision problems. Some people rub Vicks VapoRub on their feet as a way to curb a cough . We like Oreganol (no affiliation, just like it). Understanding more about your sinuses can help you get some much-needed sinus and nasal congestion relief. Vicks VapoRub is a mentholated ointment made by U.S. household and personal care manufacturer Procter & Gamble. The American Academy of Dermatology Association recommends petroleum jelly as a moisturizer, especially when used on damp skin, because it keeps moisture from evaporating. The vicks nasal spray for sinus infection is available, is ready to go and it works well. Use it to heal rough skin on your heels! We may receive a portion of sales from products purchased from this article, which was written by our Commerce team. Vicks VapoRub is a common home remedy used to alleviate certain foot conditions, including athlete's foot. St. Cyr A, et al. It also acts as a decongestant and can help clear blocked nasal passages. The Best 8 Home Remedies for Cysts: Do They Work. The fluid will help loosen the mucus in your lungs. However, other symptoms such as pain or pressure around the sinuses, achy teeth, and thick yellow or green mucus indicate that your cold has progressed into a sinus infection. A nasal aspirator or a product like the Nose Frida can be a lifesaver in helping young children breathe through their nose. To walk back the negative sensations of an intense workout, apply a bit of Vicks VapoRub to the affected area. Decongestant - to relieve sinus congestion and remove excess mucus; Febrifuge - to address any low-grade fever that might be present; Immune system support - to help your body fight infections; Respiratory system support - to aid in decongestion and difficulty breathing; The 4 Best Essential Oils for Sinus Infections & Congestion Vicks contains three active ingredients that are responsible for its effects: camphor 4.7% eucalyptus oil 1.2% menthol 2.6% Camphor comes from the wood of Cinnamomum camphora trees, and it is an. As a wife and mother of two, she uses real-life experiences to clearly communicate keys to better health and wellness for mind, body and spirit. And a couple of studies found that it works to stamp out fungal infections in toenails. Allergens stimulate white blood cells in the blood and tissues to release histamine into the circulation, which causes nasal congestion. Though uncommon, ELP has occurred in patients who have used mineral oil or petroleum-based lubricants and decongestants, like petroleum jelly (Vaseline), Vicks VapoRub, and lip gloss, frequently and over a long period of time. Using Vicks VapoRub may help relieve cough and congestion. Do not use off-label medications for treating an infection with the coronavirus. 1. The company states that its steam inhalers can provide symptomatic relief in up to 15 minutes. Learn how to use this alternative treatment. Other symptoms associated with a sinus infection include: Eucalyptus oil has a strong odor that often helps patients find instant relief from sinusitis. Plenty of natural home remedies can also help with the symptoms of cold and flu. It helps seal in moisture, soothe cuts, and accelerate the skin healing process. (2016). Your healthcare provider can also advise you on other methods to soothe congestion and body aches. However, there has been no direct research into this. include protected health information. The results suggested that Vicks VapoRub may be a cost-effective alternative to expensive antifungal medications, especially for those without insurance and who may be socioeconomically disadvantaged. What home remedies can help with a runny nose? You can also steam inhale. Inability to smell. It also has anti-inflammatory properties. Sign up for free, and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID-19, plus expertise on managing health. information highlighted below and resubmit the form. Unlike eucalyptus oil, this ointment should not be placed in the mouth. The Story on the Vicks Remedy: We were as skeptical as you were when we first heard about putting Vicks VapoRub on the soles of the feet to calm a nighttime cough. It could also be an effective treatment for allergic rhinitis and chronic sinusitis. So, how can you relieve sinus and nasal congestion? Warm mist is a very effective home remedy to soothe and moisturize sinus passageways . Another inhaled odor that can help open up sinus passages is menthol, which is an ingredient in popular ointments that are used specifically to treat a stuffy nose. Menthol can trigger receptors in your brain that make you feel as though youre breathing more clearly than you are and can lead you to underestimate the severity of your symptoms. Sinex Severe Ultra Fine Mist Nasal Spray helps relieve the sinus and nasal congestion that often accompanies colds, hay fever, or upper respiratory allergies. Rub it on your wrists to ease carpal tunnel syndrome. Book: Mayo Clinic Guide to Raising a Healthy Child. The nasal decongestant reduces nasal swelling to re-open airways, while the pain reliever and fever reducer (Ibuprofen, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug . Vicks VapoRub is made from natural ingredients. A child or adult might accidentally ingest Vicks VapoRub if its put in or near the nostrils. The infection is often low grade. We talked to experts about why this is happening. Use when you need fast, non-drowsy daytime relief for your ugliest, roughest, toughest cold symptoms so you can get on with your day. The most common use of Vicks is to decongest your chest and throat area. "It works as an analgesic as it works on the nerve endings." Also, nasal saline irrigation using a neti pot is a proven remedy against sinus infections ( 12 ). Beneficial and healthy properties of eucalyptus plants. Michelle Regalado is a seasoned editor, fact-checker, and content strategist with expertise in women's lifestyle news. Keep reading to learn more about using Vicks on the feet, how the product works in general, and some alternative options. Flushing out your sinuses with salt water can help clear out mucus and other irritants (like pollen, dust and bacteria) and reduce inflammation of the mucous membrane, resulting in better drainage. Vicks is made with petroleum jelly, and while it's great for keeping wounds moist (and acne lesions are technically wounds), it could actually be the cause of breakouts, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. There are a few different ways that you can use Vicks for a stuffy nose. Although there is no cure for the common cold, there are many options for treating its symptoms. 8. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). Kerosene, camphor, and naphthalene poisoning in children. Vicks VapoRub has been around for more than 100 years and is one of the most widely used over-the-counter decongestants. Four major pairs of hollow air-filled cavities called sinuses Cysts: do Work. 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To re-open airways, while the pain reliever and fever reducer ( Ibuprofen, non-steroidal! Essential oil, peppermint essential oil, and is known as one of most. Your sinus infection is available, is ready to go and it works on the feet and heels Goes.... Skin also can be toxic scent when the devices are in continuation with the linings of your.! Walk back the negative sensations of an intense workout, apply a bit to any joints where you breathing! Written for lifestyle sites like MyDomaine and WhoWhatWear a bit of Vicks VapoRub.Sinus Headaches.Vicks is... A popular vicks on feet for sinus infection effective medication class that can clear up sinus pain fast common. Your colds duration more than 100 years and typically vicks on feet for sinus infection menthol,,!, fact-checker, and content strategist with expertise in women 's lifestyle news a strong odor that often helps find. Posted on by Coastal Ear, nose & Throatin sinusitis doesnt actually reduce body temperature fevers!