Sundstrup E, et al. DOI: Mayo Clinic Staff. If your cough or muscle soreness lasts longer than a week, talk with a doctor. If you have eczema or acne, one of the top uses for Vicks VapoRub is helping to soothe skin, reduce inflammation, and clear up your complexion. One of its main properties is to relieve congestion and coughing. Last updated on Jun 20, 2022. A daily application of Vicks VapoRub on your feet can kill the fungus that affects your toenails and causes athlete's foot. 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. Theres also evidence that the camphor, eucalyptus oil, and menthol in the ointment make it a good choice for relieving muscle and joint pain. You'll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox. But the strong menthol odor of VapoRub may trick your brain, so you feel like you're breathing through an unclogged nose. It can sting if it gets in your eyes and may even injure the eye. 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. It is a topical analgesic that contains some ingredients such as camphor, menthol, eucalyptus and several other ingredients that have been combined in a petroleum base. Some sinus infection and COVID-19 symptoms may overlap. Other symptoms associated with a sinus infection include: Eucalyptus oil has a strong odor that often helps patients find instant relief from sinusitis. (2014). In this article, best antibiotic for bronchitis and sinus infection you will get a comprehensive guide and Medications for Bronchitis. 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. Drape a warm, dry cloth over your head while youre sitting upright or standing. Most of the tips above also work for kids, but antihistamines arent recommended for young children. Signs and symptoms of sinus infections depend upon the sinuses that are affected, and whether the sinus infection is acute or chronic. It's like pouring a cup of tea for your nose, literally. The standout antimicrobial ingredients of the rub, plus the inclusion of petroleum jelly, help to lock in moisture while killing off bacteria. Keep out of your mouth and eyes (may burn). The researchers tested the vapor rub on 138 children ages 2 to 11. Kumar S, et al. That may explain why some people have found Vicks VapoRub helpful for healing rough skin on the feet and heels. Three ways to use Vicks VapoRub on feet for pain relief: Use it as a muscle rub to prevent post-workout soreness. 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 content does not have an Arabic version. 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. "It works as an analgesic as it works on the nerve endings." says Sobel. 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. 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. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. ), we suggest taking this one with a grain of salt. The side effects, dosage, interactions with other Medications are also provided. (2019). These are connected to the space between the nostrils and the nasal passage . 1. Pour a small amount of the salt water into your hand , and sniff the water into one nostril and then into the other. (2019). Try the following tips: You can use your fingers to gently massage your sinuses to get nasal congestion relief. How to use onions under your feet for detox: Advertisement. 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. Another theory is that they help decrease the weight of the skull and enhance our voices. 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. It is best to keep this product out of reach of any younger children. Dont use it near your mouth or in your nostrils. The sinuses contain defenses against foreign viruses and bacteria (germs). Vicks VapoRub: An effective nasal decongestant? Byrdie takes every opportunity to use high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. It also has anti-inflammatory properties. The study doesnt specify what kind of vapor rub was used or where on the body it was applied. But if youre looking for good ways to prevent the spread of COVID-19, we would suggest that you put down the Vicks, and reach for the hand soap instead. But in addition to this marketed use, Vicks has a handful of other, lesser-known uses that are far more interesting (and no less effective). Read about them here. Doctors, researchers, and the products manufacturer have recommended Vicks VapoRub for the following purposes. "Its important to only use sparingly as the jelly can be known to clog pores and might end up causing additional breakouts," says Sobel. Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education. Some OTC medications are unsafe for young children. 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. These include: These ingredients help create the other properties of Vicks, such as its texture. 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. Using eucalyptus oil for sinus congestion is an age-old remedy. A warm bath can help clear the sinuses and take a childs mind off their illness. According to surveys filled out by the parents, Vicks VapoRub helped reduce their childs cold symptoms and let them sleep better. 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. Accessed June 7, 2019. Mayo Clinic offers appointments in Arizona, Florida and Minnesota and at Mayo Clinic Health System locations. Camphor a fumigant during the Black Death and a coveted fragrant wood in ancient Egypt and Babylon a review. Depending on the severity of your illness, it may also be unsafe to use topical products containing menthol. Likewise, a weak immune system makes you more susceptible to catch bacterial, viral, or fungal sinus infection. When youre suffering from sinus congestion and pressure, you probably feel it most in your eyes, forehead and cheeks. Put the onion in the socks, making sure the onions are tight against the bottom of your feet. Like the traditional formula of vapor rubs, the ingredients in Vicks VapoRub include: Other pain-relieving skin ointments have similar ingredients. Read Also: How To Cure Sinus Inflammation. Originally formulated by North Carolina pharmacist Lunsford Richardson to treat his. Send it to us at , and well do our best to provide an answer. 5 ways to use petroleum jelly for skin care. Micromedex. It should not be ingested and should not be used in children under the age of two. Does. The most reliable way to remove a cyst is to have your doctor do it. 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. Viruses cause most sinus infections, but bacteria can cause some sinus infections. Also, do not split extended-release tablets unless they have a score line and your doctor or pharmacist tells you to do so. 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. Vicks VapoRub is made from natural ingredients. However, there has been no direct research into this. Plenty of natural home remedies can also help with the symptoms of cold and flu. There are many treatments available both OTC and by prescription, but how exactly does saline spray help sinus infections? Does. So far, there arent any studies that support the use of Vicks VapoRub for treating headaches. Young children cant blow their noses well, so helping them thin and clear the mucus from their nose is beneficial. To learn more, we reached out to dermatologist Dr. Howard Sobel and general practitioner Dr. Pauline Jose. But a word of caution: some of the ingredients may be irritating on an open wound. Sometimes a hot shower may also relieve sinus symptoms. Vicks VapoRub can also damage the cornea, so keep it away from the eyes. Read more about using Vicks for babies and children here. However, when youre suffering from a cold or allergies, your sinuses may become inflamed and produce more mucus to fend off the intruders, whether its bacteria or allergens. Other than a thin layer of mucus, when they are healthy, the sinuses are empty. 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. Camphor and menthol produce a cooling sensation The vicks nasal spray for sinus infection is available, is ready to go and it works well. Vicks is a popular product for treating the symptoms of a cold, such as a blocked nose. She's also written for lifestyle sites like MyDomaine and WhoWhatWear. Postnasal drip. Warming the ointment in warm water may aid this effect and is a common home remedy for sinus pressure and congestion; however, you must be careful. Apply a thin layer over any areas that need a little bit of extra moisture. The Story on the Vicks Remedy: We were as skeptical as you were when we first heard about putting Vicks VapoRub on the soles of the feet to calm a nighttime cough. 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. Keep reading to learn more about using Vicks on the feet, how the product works in general, and some alternative options. Successful treatment counteracts damage done to the mucous lining of the sinuses and surrounding bone of the skull. Heat a clove of garlic (10 seconds in a microwave), apply some of the ointment on it and keep it inside the ear. Can Putting Vicks VapoRub on Your Feet Relieve Cold Symptoms? Evidence suggests that nasal irrigation provides relief to people suffering from hay-fever and the common cold. Tea Tree Oil. Several inactive ingredients make up the rest of Vicks. To walk back the negative sensations of an intense workout, apply a bit of Vicks VapoRub to the affected area. Flu activity has been very high this year, even though it is just the start of flu season. Using Vicks VapoRub may help relieve cough and congestion. And where theyre actually located? Efficacy of a topical aromatic rub (Vicks VapoRub® ) on effects on self-reported and actigraphically assessed aspects of sleep in common cold patients. Although its not listed as a decongestant, theres solid research behind using the product to get relief from a stuffy nose or cough. Nguyen says sinus problems arent always related to infections. This may result in delaying necessary medical treatment. Do not use Vicks VapoRub if you have any open or healing scratches, cuts, or sores on your skin. So, how can you relieve sinus and nasal congestion? It is important to consult a doctor or read the label of any product before using it. Decongestants There are many types of medications that can help relieve sinus pain. But it doesnt actually reduce body temperature or fevers. Sinex Severe Ultra Fine Mist Nasal Spray helps relieve the sinus and nasal congestion that often accompanies colds, hay fever, or upper respiratory allergies. Commercial essential oils as a potential antimicrobial to treat skin diseases. Oregano oil is an extract of the oregano herb. The manufacturer recommends that you follow these steps to maximize effectiveness for cold symptoms: Avoid putting Vicks VapoRub on, in, or around your nose. It is a common condition, occurring in many cases following a cold. 8. Sinus infections make everyone miserable, children as well as adults! If you have chronic sinus pain or congestion, you should see your doctor to get a further evaluation. (2015). Vicks VapoRub: An effective nasal decongestant? Some studies suggest that Vicks could help reduce cold symptoms at night in children, but more research is necessary to confirm this finding. DOI: Vecchio MI, et al. Sinex Severe Ultra Fine Mist Nasal Spray helps relieve the sinus and nasal congestion that often accompanies colds, hay fever, or upper respiratory allergies. If your doctor has prescribed this medication for you, take as directed by your doctor. Vicks VapoRub contains menthol, eucalyptus and other ingredients in a petrolatum base 1. Together, these ingredients combine to help with decongestion, coughs, and minor muscle aches and pains. If you are taking the chewable form of this medication, chew it thoroughly before swallowing. 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. The parents surveyed reported that using vapor rub helped to ease symptoms the most. 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? Try applying a bit to any joints where you are experiencing discomfort. This oil gives instant relief from sinus and associated symptoms like headache, nasal congestion running nose, cough, and pain around the eyes. Despite how painful it may seem, nasal irrigation is a safe, well-tolerated method to reduce sinus inflammation. Run the burn under lukewarm or cool water for 20 minutes. For example, place your index fingers on both sides of your nose where the nose and cheek meet , and apply moderate pressure for 2 to 3 minutes. show all 28 brands Drug class: Nasal antihistamines and decongestants Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Combine Vicks with a hot compress to help soothe sore muscles. Originally formulated by North Carolina pharmacist Lunsford Richardson to treat his sons croup, the salve has been around for more than 125 years. Sinusitis. Last medically reviewed on December 20, 2021. This ointment can be rubbed on your chest and under your nose to deliver its soothing benefits. Vicks VapoRub is also a popular choice for people trying to fade stretch marks, heal rough skin, treat headaches, and keep outdoor bugs away. Water for 20 minutes are taking the chewable form of this medication you... Illness, it may also relieve sinus symptoms to learn more, we reached out to dermatologist Howard! Lining of the oregano herb ingredients combine to help soothe sore muscles other skin! Requested in your nostrils of extra moisture Vicks, such as its texture where you are experiencing.. Arizona, Florida and Minnesota and at Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your.... And flu a further evaluation just the start of flu season get relief from a stuffy nose or cough,. Where you are taking the chewable form of this medication for you, as. Most reliable way to remove a cyst is to relieve congestion and coughing ingredients may be irritating on open. Night in children under the age of two you have any open or healing scratches, cuts, or on... Help to lock vicks on feet for sinus infection moisture while killing off bacteria done to the mucous lining of the sinuses are.. Helping them thin and clear the mucus from their nose is beneficial the salve been... With decongestion, coughs, and minor muscle aches and pains `` it works an. Sores on your chest and under your nose to deliver its soothing benefits soothe sore muscles and Mayo. Any studies that support the use of Vicks VapoRub if you have chronic pain! To confirm this finding when they are healthy, the sinuses contain defenses against foreign viruses and (! Treat his sons croup, the sinuses contain defenses against foreign viruses and bacteria ( germs.. 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Or congestion, you probably feel it most in your eyes, forehead and cheeks sore muscles youre from! That are affected, and whether the sinus infection comprehensive guide and Medications for bronchitis recommended for children... Similar ingredients brands Drug class: nasal antihistamines and decongestants Medically reviewed by Drugs.com into one nostril then... Vaporub helped reduce their childs cold symptoms and let them sleep better heels. The researchers tested the vapor rub helped to ease symptoms the most and coveted! Are empty many types of Medications that can help relieve sinus and nasal congestion relief irrigation provides to... Properties is to relieve congestion and pressure, you should see your doctor for and! A weak immune System makes you more susceptible to catch bacterial, viral, or on. & # x27 ; s like pouring a cup of tea for your nose deliver! A bit to any joints where you are taking the chewable form of this vicks on feet for sinus infection, it. 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