
This oil has also been used as an insecticide against certain types of beetles. Repelling mosquitoesĪccording to a 2013 review of older research, the camphor oil found in Vicks VapoRub can repel certain species of mosquitoes.
Cvs vicks vaporum skin#
That may explain why some people have found Vicks VapoRub helpful for healing rough skin on the feet and heels.īut more research is needed to support the anecdotal claims about its usefulness as a treatment for dry, calloused skin on the feet. The American Academy of Dermatology Association recommends petroleum jelly as a moisturizer, especially when used on damp skin, because it keeps moisture from evaporating. It can cause a skin reaction, and in large enough amounts, it can cause seizures and even death. Never put Vicks VapoRub directly on your pet’s skin.Ĭamphor is toxic to animals. Some people believe the strong scent of Vicks VapoRub can keep pets from urinating on or scratching up furniture in your home.ĭabbing a small amount of the product on the area you want to protect may keep your pet at bay, but make sure your pet can’t lick or chew the ointment off the surface. needling (injecting collagen under the skin).If you want a surefire remedy, you may want to try one of these three treatments: Nevertheless, some people report success in fading stretch marks using Vicks VapoRub. Researchers haven’t found evidence that any topical cream or lotion is effective in reducing stretch marks.

They most often appear around puberty and pregnancy. Stretch marks are purplish, red, or white lines that appear on the skin after a period of quick growth. While there’s little or no research to support the following uses of Vicks VapoRub, some people have said they tried it with favorable results. Other uses that people report work for them Not sure about using Vicks VapoRub on toenail fungus? Here are some other remedies to try. 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. After previous studies suggested that OTC mentholated ointments may be effective in treating toenail fungus, a small 2015 study tested the effectiveness of Vicks VapoRub against toenail fungus in people living with HIV. Treating toenail fungusĪll three of the active ingredients in Vicks VapoRub have antifungal properties. Similar products like Biofreeze, which contains 4 percent active menthol, have helped reduce pain associated with carpal tunnel syndrome, according to research from 2014. Products containing camphor and menthol can create a powerful cooling sensation that may temporarily override your ability to feel the pain of sore muscles and joints. The NIH describes both camphor and menthol as topical analgesics, or pain relievers you rub on your skin.

Research from 2014 shows that camphor can be absorbed through your mucous membranes and is toxic, especially to toddlers and babies. Repeat, if needed, up to three times in 24 hours.Īvoid putting Vicks VapoRub on, in, or around your nose.Loosen any clothing around your chest and throat so vapors can rise to your nose area.Drape a warm, dry cloth over your head while you’re sitting upright or standing.Don’t use it near your mouth or in your nostrils. Rub a layer of Vicks VapoRub on your chest and neck only.The manufacturer recommends that you follow these steps to maximize effectiveness for cold symptoms: The National Institutes of Health (NIH) lists camphor, eucalyptus oil, and menthol as cough suppressants.Ī word of caution, though: Vicks VapoRub isn’t recommended if your cough has lots of phlegm or if it’s chronic, such as with asthma or emphysema. The results of a 2017 study, in which adult cold patients self-reported how they slept, suggest that using VapoRub can improve subjective sleep quality.

Rather, strong menthol and camphor vapors create a cooling sensation in your nasal passages that trigger receptors in your brain to feel that you’re breathing more openly. Doctors, researchers, and the product’s manufacturer have recommended Vicks VapoRub for the following purposes.
