For current information about MIT Medicals services, please see relevant areas of the MIT Medical website. Last medically reviewed on February 18, 2020, One folk remedy for cold and flu is to put an onion against the sole of the foot, inside a sock. Our online doctors can diagnose your sinus infection, write a prescription, and send it to your local pharmacy in 15 minutes. Some people claim that putting Vicks VapoRub on your feet can help with cold symptoms. (2017). Information contained in this story may be outdated. VapoRub's active ingredients include camphor, eucalyptus oil and menthol 5. When applying Vicks VapoRub, be sure to follow the manufacturers instructions and apply it to your chest or throat. (2016). Tea Tree Oil. Along with the causes of dark, Split nails are often caused by an injury such as a stubbed toe or receiving a severe blow to a finger or thumb. Swiner is a family medicine/general medicine expert, covering a broad spectrum of both medical and mental health issues. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below. 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. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. 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. At first glance, an at-home flu test sounds like a great idea a simple swab and then you know whether to stay home from work or school. Recently, my hubby developed a horrible deep cough People's Pharmacy: Vicks VapoRub . See a doctor immediately if you or your child have any of these symptoms: Limited research shows that Vicks VapoRub may help with cold symptoms. Research by Penn State found that Vicks VapoRub helped treat cold symptoms in children better than other over-the-counter cough and cold medications. While medical studies have tested this use of Vicks VapoRub for colds, there are no studies about using it on your feet to relieve cold symptoms. That's why you should never put VapoRub in or around the nostrils especially a small child's nostrils. Vicks vaporub rub is intended to for external use only. It acts locally in the nasal passages and only very small amounts are released into the bloodstream. Recommended Reading: Can Flonase Help A Sinus Infection. Nasal congestion. Inhaling steam can also help to clear your sinuses, although children should not do this as they can be at risk of being scalded by the hot steam. One study in the journal Pediatrics examined the effects of Vicks in 138 children between the ages of 2 and 11 years. Santhi N, et al. Sinusitis. Ive heard that putting Vicks VapoRub under your nostrils helps to keep germs out. Sinusitis normally caused by a virus and often continues even after other upper respiratory symptoms are gone. Methanol in Vicks helps in easing and reducing headache and cold inflicted sinus. You can also use your index fingers to apply pressure on the bridge of your nose, right between your eyebrows; hold for 2 to 3 minutes. Vicks VapoRub is meant to be used for the treatment of coughs, congestion, and muscle aches. So far, there arent any studies that support the use of Vicks VapoRub for treating headaches. Other infections. These include brands like Tiger Balm, Campho-Phenique, and Bengay. 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: Inability to smell. Also avoid rubbing your eyes after using Vicks VapoRub. 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, . We like Oreganol (no affiliation, just like it). The side effects, dosage, interactions with other Medications are also provided. The American Academy of Dermatology Association recommends petroleum jelly as a moisturizer, especially when used on damp skin, because it keeps moisture from evaporating. If you want to intensify the experience you can drape a towel around your head that also covers the edge of the bowl or sink, this will help to trap in the steam. Keep reading to learn more about using Vicks on the feet, how the product works in general, and some alternative options. This content does not have an Arabic version. 8. 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. 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. 1. In addition, research from 2012 suggests that products containing menthol may also be effective against mosquitoes. The American Academy of Dermatology Association recommends against using products with petroleum jelly on acne-prone skin. St. Cyr A, et al. If you want to take advantage of the anti-inflammatory properties of camphor, some beauty bloggers recommend mixing a few drops of camphor essential oil with a carrier oil like jojoba and dabbing it on a blemish. Use Saline Mist Spray (sodium chloride nasal) as ordered by your doctor. Kerosene, camphor, and naphthalene poisoning in children. Effective nasal spray decongestant that relieves sinus pressure and shrinks swollen nasal membranes. Applying Vicks to the throat and chest can help with symptoms such as a blocked nose. If you are taking the chewable form of this medication, chew it thoroughly before swallowing. Thats because these areas hold your largest sinus capillaries. The standout antimicrobial ingredients of the rub, plus the inclusion of petroleum jelly, help to lock in moisture while killing off bacteria. Some OTC medications are unsafe for young children. Relatively safe: Vicks is relatively safe. The manufacturer recommends rubbing it on your chest or throat to relieve congestion from colds. 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. Environmental allergies are also much more common in people with chronic sinusitis. However, Vicks does not actually lower body temperature. This sinus massage will bring comfort to your nasal passages. Learn more about the ways you can treat a stuffy nose, or nasal congestion, at home, including tips on decongestants, humidifiers, and steam remedies. Can Essential Oils Treat or Prevent Colds? It is not possible to cure a cold, but the symptoms will go away on their own after a few days. The possible benefits of Vicks mostly come from inhaling the product, which means that it must be close to the nose. Alas, like so many things in life, theres a kernel of truth in this rumor, but it wont work in practice and could actually make you very sick. While medical studies have tested this. Santos CD, et al. This is due to ingredients like camphor and eucalyptus, which are known anti-inflammatories and antibacterial agents; however, just like any DIY skincare tip (toothpaste on a pimple anyone? If you are looking for treatment options, heres an OTC Tinnitus supplement that will help cure Tinnitus. Its marketed to relieve cold and cough symptoms. Dab a bit on your arms, legs, neck, or other areas of exposed skin to keep bugs (including mosquitoes) at bay, however, it is not as effective at preventing bites as a commercial insect repellant. Over-the-counter nasal decongestants reduce blood flow to the nasal membranes, which decreases swelling and congestion. The role of moisturizers in addressing various kinds of dermatitis: A review. Book: Mayo Clinic Guide to Raising a Healthy Child. How do you apply Vicks for Tinnitus? 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. All three of these ingredients have a very strong, minty smell. Kids are often fascinated by the condensation that forms on surfaces in a steamy room. Re. Flushing your nose with a neti pot is a process called nasal irrigation, or nasal lavage. And none of these studies look at its effectiveness when applied to the feet. Please refer to home remedies for information about how to: If environmental allergies cause sinusitis, antihistamines may help reduce swelling of the mucous membranes. View the latest deals on Vicks Sinex Sinus Medicine. Home remedies that open and hydrate the sinuses may promote drainage. But is it safe? A warm bath can help clear the sinuses and take a childs mind off their illness. But VapoRub isnt a decongestant. Find out why people do this, and whether there is any, If the insides of the nasal passages are too dry, it can cause pain, itching, scabbing, nosebleeds, and congestion. Also Check: Does Advil Relieve Sinus Pressure. Purnamawati S, et al. Vicks VapoRub is made from natural ingredients. 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. Chowdareddy N, et al. Vicks VapoRub has been around for over 100 years and is known as one of the most widely used over-the-counter decongestants. 4 Tips to Relieve Sinus and Nasal Congestion. Sometimes a congested and runny nose can be caused by irritants such as tobacco smoke and car exhaust. 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. "Vicks VapoRub has three major oils in its ingredients. You can inhale eucalyptus oil through a diffuser, or rub some on your temples and chest to open your breathing passages. Sinex Severe Ultra Fine Mist Nasal Spray helps relieve the sinus and nasal congestion that often accompanies colds, hay fever, or upper respiratory allergies. A comparison of topical menthol to ice on pain, evoked tetanic and voluntary force during delayed onset muscle soreness. Phlegm-producing cough or a cough that gets worse at night, You can either fill a bowl or your sink with hot water. (2013). 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. Mandy Zee is a contributing writer for Byrdie. 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. Sinus pain can be agonizing. There is another way to use Vicks to get relief from the awful pain. information submitted for this request. Also, children and adults of any age should not place Vicks VapoRub under their nose or in their nostrils. Chronic sinusitis may have many of the same symptoms as acute sinusitis, but the symptoms last longer or are more severe. How Viagra became a new 'tool' for young men, Ankylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or Fiction, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Complementary Medicine / Alternative Medicine, https://www.poison.org/articles/what-happens-with-swallowing-or-inhaling-too-much-menthol--174, https://www.cdc.gov/antibiotic-use/community/for-patients/common-illnesses/colds.html#anchor_1566415570171, https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=e69a7c9b-fd04-4109-a7c8-6edfd83855fc, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3600823/. Research has found that cineole, the main ingredient in eucalyptus oil, helps people recover from sinus infections more quickly than those who dont use eucalyptus oil. We talked to experts about why this is happening. This infection causes inflammation of the membranes and fluid surrounding your brain and spinal cord. Got a question about COVID-19? How should you NOT apply Vicks Vaporub for Tinnitus? The cooling sensation of the vapor rub may be pleasing and temporarily help you feel better. We Asked the Experts, Confirmed: The Uses for Witch Hazel Are Pretty Much Endless, Forget DeetThese Essential Oils Repel Mosquitos and Soothe Bites, Bhringraj Is an Ayurvedic Oil That Helps With Everything From Dandruff to Dry Skin, How to Use Lavender Oil to Soothe Your Skin, Emu Oil Has Been a Dry Skin Fix for Nearly 40,000 YearsHere's Why, The 12 Best Natural Bug Sprays for Summer, The 17 Best Acne Spot Treatments of 2023 to Zap Pimples Fast, Does Tea Tree Oil Really Work For Acne? Extreme fatigue would make preparing meals, changing diapers, and keeping others safe and entertained exceptionally difficult. "The menthol and eucalyptus act as anti-inflammatory properties to help promote and stimulate healing," says Sobel. The researchers tested the vapor rub on 138 children ages 2 to 11. Before scientists identified germs as being responsible for illness, people believed that raw onions could purify the air in the room. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Cold symptoms: Does drinking milk increase phlegm? IBM Micromedex. Some people rub Vicks VapoRub on their feet as a way to curb a cough . Some people have used the strongly scented ointment to keep pets from peeing on or scratching furniture, but be careful using this training method. Recommended Reading: How Long Until Sinus Infection Goes Away. Researchers havent found evidence that any topical cream or lotion is effective in reducing stretch marks. Combine Vicks with a hot compress to help soothe sore muscles. All rights reserved. This can be done with a neti pot, syringe or various other products that can be found in drug stores. There are, however, other causes of. Flu Season Could Start Early: When's the Best Time to Get Your Shot? If you are taking the extended-release capsules, swallow them whole. 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. This means it may help soothe pain and reduce swelling. Research suggests that several of the ingredients in Vicks VapoRub are effective at healing blemishes, but other ingredients may actually worsen acne. A comparison of topical menthol to ice on pain, evoked tetanic and voluntary force during delayed onset muscle soreness. Anecdotal stories of curing a cough this way involve rubbing Vicks VapoRub on the bottom of your child's feet and chest at night, covering with a warm towel for 30 seconds, and repeating a few times. Put a generous amount of Vicks Vapor Rub or Eucalyptus Essential Oil under your nose and on your temples. 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. Understanding more about your sinuses can help you get some much-needed sinus and nasal congestion relief. Sinus infections make everyone miserable, children as well as adults! Can Putting Vicks VapoRub on Your Feet Relieve Cold Symptoms? Accessed June 7, 2019. It can cause a skin reaction, and in large enough amounts, it can cause seizures and even death. Heat a clove of garlic (10 seconds in a microwave), apply some of the ointment on it and keep it inside the ear. And where theyre actually located? Store Vicks VapoRub safely out of reach of children. Can You Take Advil Cold And Sinus With Dayquil, Sinus Pressure But Can Breathe Through Nose. Her interests include Minority Health, Womens Health and Pediatrics. Symptoms unique to COVID-19 include body aches, nausea, shortness of breath and vomiting. Review/update the They can help open up your nasal passages and decrease pressure in your sinuses. People with allergies are more prone to develop chronic sinusitis. Ojeda IC, et al. (2016). You can either use eucalyptus oil for steam inhalation or dilute it with a carrier oil and directly apply it to the chest and throat. Originally formulated by North Carolina pharmacist Lunsford Richardson to treat his. using a humidifier or cool mist vaporizer. 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. Apply it to your feet to relieve neuropathy 4. Likewise, a weak immune system makes you more susceptible to catch bacterial, viral, or fungal sinus infection. Also, a small number of people have chronic sinusitis, because of immune system problems. It helps seal in moisture, soothe cuts, and accelerate the skin healing process. VapoRub has drawbacks in addition to its ineffectiveness as a nasal decongestant. How to use onions under your feet for detox: Advertisement. Doing so can release all of the drug at once, increasing the risk of side effects. Vicks VapoRub has been around for more than 100 years and is one of the most widely used over-the-counter decongestants. Theres also evidence that the camphor, eucalyptus oil, and menthol in the ointment make it a good choice for relieving muscle and joint pain. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist. A word of caution, though: Vicks VapoRub isnt recommended if your cough has lots of phlegm or if its chronic, such as with asthma or emphysema. Camphor a fumigant during the Black Death and a coveted fragrant wood in ancient Egypt and Babylon a review. People should read the manufacturers instructions before using their device. Use when you need fast, non-drowsy daytime relief for your ugliest, roughest, toughest cold symptoms so you can get on with your day. Vicks Vaporub Reduces Sinus and Headaches: The strong and soothing smell of Vicks vaporub helps in reducing sinus and headaches a great deal. Originally formulated by North Carolina pharmacist Lunsford Richardson to treat his sons croup, the salve has been around for more than 125 years. Swallowing even a few teaspoons of camphor can be toxic to adults and fatal for a toddler. Before you touch your nose its important that you wash your hands, this will stop the spread of bacteria and infection. There are a few different ways that you can use Vicks for a stuffy nose. When placed against the skin of the foot and kept in a sock,. But another ingredient in Vicks VapoRub petroleum jelly may cause breakouts. It is a fast-acting nasal spray decongestant that shrinks swollen nasal membranes so you can breathe more freely. These are connected to the space between the nostrils and the nasal passage . Camphor. Symptoms of sinus infection include pain in the forehead or between the eyes, toothache, feeling of fullness in the mid-face, stuffy nose, and congestion. If stomach upset occurs, it may help to take this medication with food or milk. Well, for one thing, make it a habit to sleep with a cool-mist humidifier in your room. (2010). 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). "Do you know what the best antibiotic for bronchitis and sinus infection is? Read on to learn some genius uses for this drugstore staple. Some studies suggest that Vicks could help reduce cold symptoms at night in children, but more research is necessary to confirm this finding. There is little research into how well Vicks actually treats cold symptoms. 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. Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. Try a nasal spray. Camphor is toxic to animals. You know how uncomfortable sinus and nasal congestion can be, but have you ever wondered exactly what your sinuses are? health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health You can also use your index fingers to apply pressure on the bridge of your nose, right between your eyebrows hold for 2 to 3 minutes. Some of the most common symptoms of sinusitis are pain, tenderness, nasal congestion, and headache. Do not take Saline Mist Spray (sodium chloride nasal) by mouth. But the strong menthol odor of VapoRub may trick your brain, so you feel like you're breathing through an unclogged nose. Experts dont know why we have sinuses but one theory is that they help humidify the air we breathe in. This can be done with a neti pot, syringe or various other products that can be found in drug stores. 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. 2. She's also written for lifestyle sites like MyDomaine and WhoWhatWear. Some of the older sedating OTC antihistamines are no longer recommended because they tend to dry out and thicken the mucus, making drainage more difficult. Is this something that might help to keep someone from getting infected with COVID19? Dont heat Vicks VapoRub before you use it, as it can cause burns. Experts Explain, Vitamin K Claims to Reduce Dark Circles, So We Asked Derms for Their Thoughts, Sit Back and Relax With the 14 Best Foot Soaks. When using a nasal rinse, be sure to use sterile or previously boiled water, and rinse and dry the device thoroughly after each use. This can lead you to avoid seeking medical care for breathing trouble when you need it. information highlighted below and resubmit the form. Vicks is a popular product for treating the symptoms of a cold, such as a blocked nose. The age-old mentholated topical cream relieves head, throat, and chest stuffiness. Sometimes a hot shower may also relieve sinus symptoms. How to Get Rid of Dark Circles Permanently. And a couple of studies found that it works to stamp out fungal infections in toenails. However, if you apply Vicks VapoRub to your feet, its unlikely the smell will be strong enough to reach your stuffy nose and make your brain believe its breathing better. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. Benefits of this vapor rub for congestion and other cold symptoms likely come from smelling it. (n.d.). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend: Several over-the-counter (OTC) medications are also available for reducing cold symptoms. Vicks DayQuil SEVERE provides powerful, maximum strength 9-symptom relief to treat coughing, stuffy nose, minor body pain, chest congestion, sinus congestion, sinus pressure, sore throat, headache, and fever. What home remedies can help with a runny nose? Do you notice how quickly your congestion loosens when you use VapoRub on your chest? 3. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The Vicks inhaler is also safe for the pregnant or nursing mom. This oil gives instant relief from sinus and associated symptoms like headache, nasal congestion running nose, cough, and pain around the eyes. Unlike eucalyptus oil, this ointment should not be placed in the mouth. Wait 24 hours and check the area for any sign of an allergic reaction. You can use your fingers to gently massage your sinuses to get nasal congestion relief. That may explain why some people have found Vicks VapoRub helpful for healing rough skin on the feet and heels. It's a potential quick fix to clear your head and alleviate cranial pain. Vicks VapoRub is a popular product for helping with the symptoms of a cold. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. One way is to apply it directly to your chest and throat. A daily application of Vicks VapoRub on your feet can kill the fungus that affects your toenails and causes athlete's foot. Other uses that people report work for them, American Academy of Dermatology Association, aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-secrets/routine/petroleum-jelly, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC6270224/, saspjournals.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/SJMCR-2157-58.pdf, parasitesandvectors.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1756-3305-5-189, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC6996713/, bmcearnosethroatdisord.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12901-016-0032-6, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC5849435/, sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0736467914007343, researchgate.net/publication/317175257_Efficacy_of_a_Topical_Aromatic_Rub_Vicks_VapoRub_R_on_Effects_on_Self-Reported_and_Actigraphically_Assessed_Aspects_of_Sleep_in_Common_Cold_Patients, researchgate.net/publication/284069170_A_Novel_Treatment_for_Onychomycosis_in_People_Living_With_HIV_Infection_Vicks_VapoRub_is_Effective_and_Safe, frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fneur.2015.00011/full, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC4178917/, onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jdv.13223, sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2210803321000312, dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/fda/fdaDrugXsl.cfm?setid=6b16b47e-9cbe-4e62-825b-f65416c900a1&type=display, Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI. 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. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could A saline solution, typically 0.9% non-iodized sodium chloride and purified or filtered water, is often used to flush out mucus from congested sinuses and to keep the mucous membranes moist. In this article, best antibiotic for bronchitis and sinus infection you will get a comprehensive guide and Medications for Bronchitis. This can trigger receptors in your brain that make you think you are breathing more clearly. Leave for a few hours to draw toxins from your body. The manufacturer recommends rubbing it on your chest or throat to relieve congestion from colds. As with common colds and infections, you should get plenty of rest and make sure that you stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. other information we have about you. DOI: Mayo Clinic Staff. The standout antimicrobial ingredients of the rub, plus the inclusion of petroleum jelly, help to lock in moisture while killing off bacteria.