The petroleum in
Studies have shown that Vicks VapoRub helps relieve cough, congestion, sore muscles, and toenail fungus. It hasn't been proven safe or effective for other purposes, such as to treat headaches or as a bug repellant.
Topical camphor absorbed through mucous membranes or broken skin also can be toxic. That's why you should never put VapoRub in or around the nostrils — especially a small child's nostrils. And if VapoRub gets in your eye, it can injure your cornea.
Vicks VapoRub isn't a wound or burn ointment. Don't want to put it on cuts, burns, sores, or open wounds. It doesn't have antibacterial properties. And putting it on open skin puts you at risk for camphor poisoning.
The petroleum in Vicks VapoRub may help to heal minor cuts and scrapes when applied once or twice daily as the thick formula creates a barrier between your cuts. "The menthol and eucalyptus act as anti-inflammatory properties to help promote and stimulate healing," says Sobel.
(A word of warning though: don't use Vicks on an open wound or gash, and if you notice any type of sting or burning sensation, take the product off immediately and rinse with water.)
How do I use Vicks vaporub? For adults and adolescents aged 12 years and over, Vicks vaporub should be rubbed liberally on the chest, throat and back underneath loose clothing to allow the vapour to be inhaled. Alternatively, two teaspoonfuls can be melted in hot (not boiling) water to use as a steam inhalation.
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Less serious side effects may be more likely, and you may have none at all.
The NIH also describes camphor and menthol as mild topical analgesics (pain relievers). 1 These work by activating and then desensitizing pain receptors in the skin called epidermal nociceptors . 3 (This is why you get a cooling sensation followed by a numbing sensation when rubbing Vicks VapoRub onto the skin.)
You can't overuse or abuse Vicks VapoRub like you would other drugs of abuse, such as opioids or stimulants. If anything, applying too much rub to the skin could possibly lead to an allergic reaction if you're allergic to any of its ingredients.
In addition to relieving nasal congestion, the ingredients in Vicks VapoRub can also be used to treat other conditions. Menthol reduces the skin's sensitivity to pain, and Vicks VapoRub can be used as a topical pain reliever (analgesic) for muscle and joint aches.
Furthermore, menthol has been shown to activate temperature-activated transient receptor potential (TRP) ion channels such as TRPM8,41 TRPV3 and inhibits TRPA1 providing a rationale for its use as an analgesic. Stimulation of these thermosensitive neurons is also associated with an analgesic effect.
What's in Vicks VapoRub? combined into an ointment at levels in which they can deliver soothing, medicated vapors that last for up to 8 hours. Camphor and menthol are also topical analgesics. In short, that means VapoRub can also temporarily relieve minor aches and pains for muscles and joints.
As a cough suppressant for minor throat and bronchial irritation associated with the common cold, rub a thick layer on your chest and throat and cover them with a warm, dry cloth, she says. To let the vapors reach your nose and mouth, keep your clothing loose around those areas, she says.
Vicks Vaporub softens and lightens toenails. This makes it look like the fungus is being treated. Vicks may have some antifungal qualities, but it is unable to penetrate the toenail well enough to cure the infection. Many topical antifungal medications have this issue.
The cooling power of menthol will provide relief to sore throats. The powerful numbing agent, benzocaine, will tackle sore throat pain fast. Vicks VapoCOOL is intended to temporarily relieve occasional minor irritation and pain due to sore throat and sore mouth.
Vicks BabyRub (for the skin) is used to help protect minor cuts, scrapes, burns, or eczema. Vicks BabyRub is also used to treat or prevent chapped lips or cracked skin, and to protect skin from the drying effects of wind or cold weather.
Really, just a tiny amount because too much can potentially burn your skin. But I really do love it and it helps cool the area and sometimes the menthol helps open the flare so I can get relief from the pressure that's built up underneath my skin.
Results showed that Vicks exposure increased mucus secretion in both normal and inflamed airways. In addition, the studies showed that exposure to the product decreased the rate by which mucus was cleared from the trachea.