Ojeda IC, et al. It acts locally in the nasal passages and only very small amounts are released into the bloodstream. 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 ingredients in Vicks VapoRub can be dangerous for animals. Learn the difference between the cold, flu and COVID-19 based on your symptoms. Several inactive ingredients make up the rest of Vicks. Doctors, researchers, and the products manufacturer have recommended Vicks VapoRub for the following purposes. If a child swallows Vicks, it can have toxic effects. (2015). We talked to experts about why this is happening. Also, children and adults of any age should not place Vicks VapoRub under their nose or in their nostrils. Never use Vicks VapoRub on children younger than 2 years old. The standout antimicrobial ingredients of the rub, plus the inclusion of petroleum jelly, help to lock in moisture while killing off bacteria. However, home remedies could help, like apple cider vinegar and tea tree oil. Natural Medicines. Valussi M, et al. Camphor poisoning a cause of seizure: Case report. Dont use it near your mouth or in your nostrils. Additionally, cold symptoms that last longer than a week may be a sign you have sinusitis. For example, dermatologists have recommended camphor essential oil as an acne treatment. Over-the-counter nasal decongestants reduce blood flow to the nasal membranes, which decreases swelling and congestion. Fever. The Vicks helps moisturize the skin through the night. 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. Using Vicks VapoRub may help relieve cough and congestion. Put a generous amount of Vicks Vapor Rub or Eucalyptus Essential Oil under your nose and on your temples. Vicks VapoRub An effective nasal decongestant, Advertising and sponsorship opportunities. Santhi N, et al. Read on to learn some genius uses for this drugstore staple. As with common colds and infections, you should get plenty of rest and make sure that you stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. The ingredients are toxic when ingested. Long ago, I heard about using Vicks VapoRub at bedtime on the soles of the feet to calm a nighttime cough. We love to slather our feet in the product before bed, apply socks, and sleep tight. The manufacturer recommends rubbing it on your chest or throat to relieve congestion from colds. While theres little or no research to support the following uses of Vicks VapoRub, some people have said they tried it with favorable results. "Vicks VapoRub has three major oils in its ingredients. 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. Flushing out your sinuses with salt water can help clear out mucus and other irritants and reduce inflammation of the mucous membrane, resulting in better drainage. Your healthcare provider can also advise you on other methods to soothe congestion and body aches. Int J Sports Phys Ther. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. Send it to us at , and well do our best to provide an answer. Research by Penn State found that Vicks VapoRub helped treat cold symptoms in children better than other over-the-counter cough and cold medications. A warm bath can help clear the sinuses and take a childs mind off their illness. 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. Oregano Oil for a Sinus Infection. Like the traditional formula of vapor rubs, the ingredients in Vicks VapoRub include: Other pain-relieving skin ointments have similar ingredients. Sinusitis. Swallowing a few teaspoons of camphor one of the main ingredients in VapoRub and other topical medications, such as Campho-Phenique and Bengay can cause deadly poisoning in toddlers. When youre suffering from sinus congestion and pressure, you probably feel it most in your eyes, forehead and cheeks. It's guaranteed your nose, cough or achy joints and muscles will be given a well-deserved rest. 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. Nevertheless, some people report success in fading stretch marks using Vicks VapoRub. Keep reading to learn more about Vicks VapoRub, what it is, what the research says about its effectiveness, and precautions you should be aware of. Dont Miss: Advil Cold And Sinus Warnings. The sinuses are covered with a mucous layer and cells that contain tiny hairs on their surface that help trap and propel bacteria and pollutants outward. Can Vaseline Really Remove Eyelash Extensions? A daily application of Vicks VapoRub on your feet can kill the fungus that affects your toenails and causes athlete's foot. But remember as per packet instructions, Vicks VapoRub is meant for application to the chest, neck and the back. Can Essential Oils Treat or Prevent Colds? Johar P, Grover V, Topp R, Behm DG. Ingest once a day. A warm compress over the nose and forehead helps relieve sinus pressure. Back; Foot Care; Inserts . Unlike a common cold, which at least has the decency to pass when you sleep it off and take the right medications, managing chronic sinus pain is a bit trickier. Sinus steam - To soothe a sinus infection, add a tsp of Vicks to a bowl of hot water and inhale the steam. Before you touch your nose its important that you wash your hands, this will stop the spread of bacteria and infection. Camphor. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below. So far, there arent any studies that support the use of Vicks VapoRub for treating headaches. In higher doses, camphor is poisonous and can damage nerves in the brain. Vicks VapoRub is meant to be used for the treatment of coughs, congestion, and muscle aches. Research from 2014 shows that camphor can be absorbed through your mucous membranes and is toxic, especially to toddlers and babies. Use of lavender essential oil, peppermint essential oil, and eucalyptus oil while breathing steam may relieve nasal pressure. This oil has also been used as an insecticide against certain types of beetles. In serious cases, this can trigger seizures in babies and small children. How do you apply Vicks for Tinnitus? Does. Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. For fast relief, try Sinex Severe All-in-One Sinus Liquicapsthe non-drowsy formula contains a powerful pain reliever and phenylephrine, a safe and effective decongestant. The active ingredient oxymetazoline hcl is an effective nasal decongestant and works for 12 hours for long - lasting relief of nasal stuffiness and sinus . Never eat or swallow Vicks VapoRub. "Its important to only use sparingly as the jelly can be known to clog pores and might end up causing additional breakouts," says Sobel. Recommended Reading: Can You Take Tylenol Cold And Sinus While Pregnant. According to surveys filled out by the parents, Vicks VapoRub helped reduce their childs cold symptoms and let them sleep better. Well, for one thing, make it a habit to sleep with a cool-mist humidifier in your room. VapoRub's active ingredients include camphor, eucalyptus oil and menthol 5. No one likes being sick, and having a sinus infection can be very uncomfortable. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. 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. When using a nasal rinse, be sure to use sterile or previously boiled water, and rinse and dry the device thoroughly after each use. Petroleum jelly is composed of natural mineral oils and waxes. Earache & Infection Relief; Ear Plugs; Ear Wax Removal; Ear Drying; Nasal Strips; Nasal Sprays; Sinus Medicine; Saline; Cough & Sore Throat Relief; Cotton Balls & Swabs; Shop Ear, Nose & Throat Care; Sale on Ear, Nose & Throat Care; Foot Care. Some of the most common symptoms of sinusitis are pain, tenderness, nasal congestion, and headache. 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. Recommended Reading: Can Flonase Help A Sinus Infection. "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. One of the more unknown uses of Vicks VapoRub? Exogenous lipid pneumonia related to long-term use of Vicks VapoRub by an adult patient: A case report. Pappas DE. This may result in delaying necessary medical treatment. But is it safe? Plenty of natural home remedies can also help with the symptoms of cold and flu. Apply it to your feet to relieve neuropathy 4. You May Like: What Antibiotic Is Prescribed For Sinus Infection. Cold and flu viruses: How long can they live outside the body? 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. 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. Again, the anti-inflammatory properties of the product have been known to reduce scarring (including stretch marks). Instead, the menthol smell is so overpowering that it tricks your brain into thinking that youre breathing better. says Sobel. Kweka EJ, et al. Some of the ingredients in Vicks could be harmful. The Best 8 Home Remedies for Cysts: Do They Work. A nasal aspirator or a product like the Nose Frida can be a lifesaver in helping young children breathe through their nose. Boiling Hot Water in a Steam Tent: Avoid Steam That Is Too Hot. 1. 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. Toggle navigation lori goldstein husband (n.d.). Chronic sinusitis may have many of the same symptoms as acute sinusitis, but the symptoms last longer or are more severe. We may receive a portion of sales from products purchased from this article, which was written by our Commerce team. Camphor. 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. St. Cyr A, et al. The sinuses are air-filled cavities within the bones in the face and nose; sinusitis occurs when these cavities become inflamed and blocked, leading to a buildup of mucus and air. Just keep in mind that although this remedy helps you get relief from the pain, it does not cure ear infection. Theres also evidence that the camphor, eucalyptus oil, and menthol in the ointment make it a good choice for relieving muscle and joint pain. While steam inhalers are generally safe to use, has found that those who use steam inhalers are at risk of scalding injuries when the user comes into contact with hot water. Vicks. Do not use off-label medications for treating an infection with the coronavirus. information highlighted below and resubmit the form. 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. But the strong menthol odor of VapoRub may trick your brain, so you feel like you're breathing through an unclogged nose. In this article, best antibiotic for bronchitis and sinus infection you will get a comprehensive guide and Medications for Bronchitis. But a word of caution: some of the ingredients may be irritating on an open wound. That may explain why some people have found Vicks VapoRub helpful for healing rough skin on the feet and heels. It is a fast-acting nasal spray decongestant that shrinks swollen nasal membranes so you can breathe more freely. Michelle Regalado is a seasoned editor, fact-checker, and content strategist with expertise in women's lifestyle news. Some people claim that putting Vicks VapoRub on your feet can help with cold symptoms. Do not crush or chew extended-release capsules or tablets. 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. Here are six science-backed ways to get sinus pain relief fast. While the flu shot appears to be a good match to the circulating strains, a recent survey found that nearly half of Americans dont plan to get, The Seinfeld actor says his mother would be very proud of his new role as the face of a campaign to raise awareness about the importance of getting, Australia's flu season started early this season and experts say the United States could be in the same situation this fall and winter, Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. There is little research into how well Vicks actually treats cold symptoms. In the morning wash the remaining VapoRub off of your feet. Tea Tree Oil. 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