Read on to learn some genius uses for this drugstore staple. Uncommonly, an infection can spread to the bones (osteomyelitis) or skin (cellulitis). 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. A salt water solution goes in one nostril, then out the other. Novel treatment of onychomycosis using over-the-counter mentholated ointment: A clinical case series. include protected health information. 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. Although its not listed as a decongestant, theres solid research behind using the product to get relief from a stuffy nose or cough. Protective efficacy of menthol propylene glycol carbonate compared to N, N-diethyl-methylbenzamide against mosquito bites in Northern Tanzania. Some people may have a burning sensation when using Vicks VapoRub. Topical camphor absorbed through mucous membranes or broken skin also can be toxic. But the strong menthol odor of VapoRub may trick your brain, so you feel like you're breathing through an unclogged nose. Surprising Purposes of Vicks VapoRub.Sinus Headaches.Vicks VapoRub is a great home cure for the treatment of sinus headaches. 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. Learn how to use this alternative treatment. (2017). The most common use of Vicks is to decongest your chest and throat area. (2016). You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. For current information about MIT Medicals services, please see relevant areas of the MIT Medical website. There is a problem with The vapor rub is mainly used on a person's chest when they are suffering from a cold or even the flu. Re. 1. Tawn Bannister for BYRDIE / Design by Michela Buttignol. Vicks steam inhalers are devices that deliver steam into a persons nose and throat. Loosen any clothing around your chest and throat so vapors can rise to your nose area. Dont use it on children younger than 2 years old, as it can cause serious health concerns for them. Chowdareddy N, et al. This compound gives it antibacterial and antiviral properties. Run the burn under lukewarm or cool water for 20 minutes. We may be fans of Vicks, but insects decidedly are not. 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. You can use your fingers to gently massage your sinuses to get nasal congestion relief. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. It is possible to apply Vicks to other areas of the body, such as the feet, but it is unclear whether this helps with cold symptoms. Other symptoms associated with a sinus infection include: Eucalyptus oil has a strong odor that often helps patients find instant relief from sinusitis. 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. By contrast, decongestant tablets and nasal sprays sold over-the-counter may narrow blood vessels in your nose's lining, leading to reduced swelling in your nasal passages. Vicks is a popular product for treating the symptoms of a cold, such as a blocked nose. Try applying a bit to any joints where you are experiencing discomfort. The cooling sensation of the vapor rub may be pleasing and temporarily help you feel better. In some cases, using Vicks VapoRub on the skin might cause contact dermatitis. They can come in the form of a tablet, a nasal spray, nasal droplets, or a syrup. In this article, best antibiotic for bronchitis and sinus infection you will get a comprehensive guide and Medications for Bronchitis. 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? 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. How should you NOT apply Vicks Vaporub for Tinnitus? Do not use Vicks VapoRub if you have any open or healing scratches, cuts, or sores on your skin. Rub it on your wrists to ease carpal tunnel syndrome. The diagnosis is based on symptoms, but sometimes a computed tomography scan or other imaging tests are needed. Sinusitis. 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. All rights reserved. Additionally, cold symptoms that last longer than a week may be a sign you have sinusitis. The primary symptoms of a sinus infection could be initially mistaken for the common cold, including a stuffed up nose and a decrease in your senses of taste and smell. Vicks is a mentholated ointment that is often used to treat colds and congestion. In fact, VapoRub catapulted to popularity during the pandemic flu of 1918 and has been a popular over-the-counter remedy for respiratory . 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. 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. You can also try to soothe the swelling and open your sinuses by holding a clean and warm flannel over your face. 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. (2016). You'll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox. The petroleum jelly helps to lock in moisture while the menthol is anti-bacterial. The vicks nasal spray for sinus infection is available, is ready to go and it works well. When youre suffering from sinus and nasal congestion, you may experience other body side effects such as a headache, ear pain, or neck and shoulder pain. 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. Flu Season Could Start Early: When's the Best Time to Get Your Shot? Vicks VapoRubis a common home remedy used to alleviatecertain foot conditions, including athletes foot. Does. "The third major ingredient of Vicks is menthol, which when derived from peppermint helps with headaches," confirms Jose. and sinus infection. 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. Accessed June 7, 2019. Many products include eucalyptus oil due to its antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties. 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. If we combine this information with your protected Sinusitis normally caused by a virus and often continues even after other upper respiratory symptoms are gone. It is also an insect repellant and kills fleas," says Jose. Recommended Reading: How Long Until Sinus Infection Goes Away. But is it safe? Learn more about the ways you can treat a stuffy nose, or nasal congestion, at home, including tips on decongestants, humidifiers, and steam remedies. The most reliable way to remove a cyst is to have your doctor do it. It should not be ingested and should not be used in children under the age of two. They can help open up your nasal passages and decrease pressure in your sinuses. The scientifically proven process of the humidifier kills 99.9 % of the bacteria, viruses, mold, and fungus in the unit's water, using UV technology. However, Vicks does not actually lower body temperature. Vicks VapoRub is an ointment that you can use on your skin. Flushing your nose with a neti pot is a process called nasal irrigation, or nasal lavage. Using Vicks VapoRub on your feet or other areas of your body has a cooling effect. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). The American Academy of Dermatology Association recommends against using products with petroleum jelly on acne-prone skin. https://naturalmedicines.therapeuticresearch.com. If you are looking for treatment options, heres an OTC Tinnitus supplement that will help cure Tinnitus. 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. Vicks VapoRub contains menthol, eucalyptus and other ingredients in a petrolatum base 1. The nasal decongestant reduces nasal swelling to re-open airways, while the pain reliever and fever reducer (Ibuprofen, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug . FEELING UNWELL? Here are six sinus remedies to beware of. 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. (2016). The woman who shared this remedy called it "wacky" and we certainly had to agree. Here are some other remedies to try. Int J Sports Phys Ther. 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. 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. This is because the linings of your nose and sinuses are in continuation with the linings of your lungs. Parents were asked to apply Vicks VapoRub on their childs chest and throat 30 minutes before bedtime. These are connected to the space between the nostrils and the nasal passage . Meningitis. This is a great question! There have been cases when Vicks VapoRub caused the skin under the nose to lighten. When using a nasal rinse, be sure to use sterile or previously boiled water, and rinse and dry the device thoroughly after each use. Santhi N, et al. Along with using Vicks VapoRub as directed, other home remedies can help ease cold symptoms for you and your child. Can diet help improve depression symptoms? How to clear your sinuses in minutes: 1. 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. Do you notice how quickly your congestion loosens when you use VapoRub on your chest? The sinuses are hallow cavities located throughout the skull. She is the author of How to Avoid the Superwoman Complex. One of the more unknown uses of Vicks VapoRub? Honeywell HCM350W Humidifier. Also check your childs skin before you treat them with Vicks VapoRub. However, there has been no direct research into this. Doing so can release all of the drug at once, increasing the risk of side effects. 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