(2012). It is also an insect repellant and kills fleas," says Jose. Relatively safe: Vicks is relatively safe. The vapor rub is mainly used on a person's chest when they are suffering from a cold or even the flu. Experts dont know why we have sinuses but one theory is that they help humidify the air we breathe in. This oil gives instant relief from sinus and associated symptoms like headache, nasal congestion running nose, cough, and pain around the eyes. They are lined with mucosa, a soft, pink tissue. They can help open up your nasal passages and decrease pressure in your sinuses. Before purchasing Vicks steam inhalers, individuals may wish to consider some potential pros and cons of these devices: Dont Miss: Medicine To Treat Sinus Infection. Remove any clothing or jewelry that is not stuck to the skin. 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 The active ingredients in Vicks VapoRub are camphor, eucalyptus oil, and menthol, which work together to suppress coughs and produce a warming sensation on the skin that is soothing when youre sick. "Do you know what the best antibiotic for bronchitis and sinus infection is? Successful treatment counteracts damage done to the mucous lining of the sinuses and surrounding bone of the skull. However, the amount of menthol in the tested products was much higher (6 percent and 10 percent) than the amount of menthol in Vicks VapoRub (2.6 percent). The best treatment for you based on your tastes and lifestyle. Vicks VapoRub a topical ointment made of ingredients including camphor, eucalyptus oil and menthol that you rub on your throat and chest doesn't relieve nasal congestion. And where theyre actually located? 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. So, what can you do to help? information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with Test a tiny amount of Vicks VapoRub on your skin before using it. Understanding more about your sinuses can help you get some much-needed sinus and nasal congestion relief. Learn how to use this alternative treatment. Orchard A, et al. One study compared the nighttime use of vapor rub, petroleum jelly, or nothing at all on children with coughs and cold. Some people claim that putting Vicks VapoRub on your feet can help with cold symptoms. Also avoid it if you have sensitive skin. Oregano oil is an extract of the oregano herb. Johar P, Grover V, Topp R, Behm DG. The most reliable way to remove a cyst is to have your doctor do it. The nasal decongestant reduces nasal swelling to re-open airways, while the pain reliever and fever reducer (Ibuprofen, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug . If you notice any type of pain or a burning sensation, take the product off immediately and stick to Neosporin and a Band-Aid. If your doctor has prescribed this medication for you, take as directed by your doctor. Post nasal drip is thought to be caused either a fungus or mold that's got into the sinus. Michelle Regalado is a seasoned editor, fact-checker, and content strategist with expertise in women's lifestyle news. Recently, my hubby developed a horrible deep cough People's Pharmacy: Vicks VapoRub . Using eucalyptus oil for sinus congestion is an age-old remedy. Sinus medically distinguished as rhinosinusitis, a sinus infectionoccurs when your nasal cavities become swollen, infected, and inflamed. "The third major ingredient of Vicks is menthol, which when derived from peppermint helps with headaches," confirms Jose. Sinusitis normally caused by a virus and often continues even after other upper respiratory symptoms are gone. According to the directions on the package, you should talk with a doctor before using Vicks VapoRub for any illness with a cough that occurs with too much mucus. Health officials and the products manufacturer say you shouldnt use Vicks VapoRub: Other safety warnings include the following: Before using Vicks VapoRub for pneumonia, talk with a doctor. Vicks Sinex. "It definitely wont hurt," says Sobel. How to Get Rid of Dark Circles Permanently. They offer a nasal spray and a Vicks inhaler. When applied to the skin, it can help to clear the sinuses and provide relief from nasal congestion. Kerosene, camphor, and naphthalene poisoning in children. Keep reading to learn more about using Vicks on the feet, how the product works in general, and some alternative options. Santos CD, et al. Ojeda IC, et al. Never use Vicks VapoRub on children younger than 2 years old. Symptoms unique to COVID-19 include body aches, nausea, shortness of breath and vomiting. Long ago, I heard about using Vicks VapoRub at bedtime on the soles of the feet to calm a nighttime cough. (2016). Vicks VapoRub is also a popular choice for people trying to fade stretch marks, heal rough skin, treat headaches, and keep outdoor bugs away. Swallow the whole or split tablet without crushing or chewing. show all 28 brands Drug class: Nasal antihistamines and decongestants Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Risk Factors Several factors can increase your risk of getting a sinus infection: A previous cold Seasonal allergies Smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke Structural problems within the sinuses. Allergic contact dermatitis caused by both eucalyptus oil and spruce oil. Along with using Vicks VapoRub as directed, other home remedies can help ease cold symptoms for you and your child. 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. Beauty bloggers have promoted the use of Vicks VapoRub as an overnight spot treatment to shrink pimples. You can also steam inhale. This infection causes inflammation of the membranes and fluid surrounding your brain and spinal cord. Applying Vicks to the feet, however, is unlikely to have any effect. Run the burn under lukewarm or cool water for 20 minutes. 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: 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. Efficacy of a topical aromatic rub (Vicks VapoRub® ) on effects on self-reported and actigraphically assessed aspects of sleep in common cold patients. Do not crush or chew extended-release capsules or tablets. In order to find out if sinus surgery is a good idea, youll need to be assessed by an ENT specialist. Some sinus cavities may be about an inch across, while others are much smaller. Vicks VapoRub would likely not have the same cold benefits if used on the feet. Nguyen says sinus problems arent always related to infections. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Other infections. Apply a thin layer over any areas that need a little bit of extra moisture. People are still inventing uses for it some of which are backed by solid science and others that are (so far) unstudied. We clear this all up below. Vicks contains three active ingredients that are responsible for its effects: Camphor comes from the wood of Cinnamomum camphora trees, and it is an ingredient in many oils and ointments. Sometimes a congested and runny nose can be caused by irritants such as tobacco smoke and car exhaust. You can even use food-grade eucalyptus oil and place a drop on the roof of your mouth. The Vicks helps moisturize the skin through the night. Phlegm-producing cough or a cough that gets worse at night, You can either fill a bowl or your sink with hot water. 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. The fluid will help loosen the mucus in your lungs. Using Vicks VapoRub on your feet or other areas of your body has a cooling effect. (2010). A few studies suggest that it may help to treat the common cold. But the strong menthol odor of VapoRub may trick your brain, so you feel like you're breathing through an unclogged nose. There is little research into how well Vicks actually treats cold symptoms. Medications are generally effective against acute sinusitis. This oil has also been used as an insecticide against certain types of beetles. These are the hero ingredients that make this product so effective. In addition, research from 2012 suggests that products containing menthol may also be effective against mosquitoes. These are connected to the space between the nostrils and the nasal passage . If we combine this information with your protected Recommended Reading: Can You Take Tylenol Cold And Sinus While Pregnant. Vapor rub, petrolatum, and no treatment for children with nocturnal cough and cold symptoms. Many products include eucalyptus oil due to its antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties. "Vicks is made with anti-inflammatory ingredients such as eucalyptus, so putting a little on a patch of acne can actually calm skin." 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. There have been cases when Vicks VapoRub caused the skin under the nose to lighten. https://vicks.com/en-us/shop-products/vaporub/vaporub-topical-ointment. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.org," "Mayo Clinic Healthy Living," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. Rather, strong menthol and camphor vapors create a cooling sensation in your nasal passages that trigger receptors in your brain to feel that youre breathing more openly. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. Vicks VapoRub is a mentholated ointment made by U.S. household and personal care manufacturer Procter & Gamble. 3. Re. Uncommonly, an infection can spread to the bones (osteomyelitis) or skin (cellulitis). I'm going to write about the 40 uses for Vicks VapoRub. 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. In fact, VapoRub catapulted to popularity during the pandemic flu of 1918 and has been a popular over-the-counter remedy for respiratory illnesses ever since. A daily application of Vicks VapoRub on your feet can kill the fungus that affects your toenails and causes athlete's foot. Here are some other remedies to try. The cooling sensation of the vapor rub may be pleasing and temporarily help you feel better. Originally formulated by North Carolina pharmacist Lunsford Richardson to treat his sons croup, the salve has been around for more than 125 years. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. It helps seal in moisture, soothe cuts, and accelerate the skin healing process. Joe Graedon, a pharmacologist with an M.S. You May Like: What Antibiotic Is Prescribed For Sinus Infection. Advil Sinus Congestion and Pain is a non-drowsy tablet formulated with a proven nasal decongestant (Phenylephrine HCI) for powerful relief of cold symptoms, sinus pressure and congestion. "The product is very cooling, so it can certainly help with minor bruises to calm the skin," confirms Sobel. Uses; Before taking . Theres limited research on the effectiveness of Vicks VapoRub. The ingredients in Vicks VapoRub can be dangerous for animals. Your sinuses are lined with a soft, pink tissue called mucosa. 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. According to surveys filled out by the parents, Vicks VapoRub helped reduce their childs cold symptoms and let them sleep better. It is possible that applying Vicks to the feet could help with these symptoms in this area. Rub a layer of Vicks VapoRub on your chest and neck only. 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. While Vick's is great at soothing cracked heels, it also is soothing for other patches of extremely dry skin. Sinusitis. Novel treatment of onychomycosis using over-the-counter mentholated ointment: A clinical case series. 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