Nasal discharge that is yellow, green, or cloudy. Applying Vicks to your feet may help soothe sore muscles. (2016). other information we have about you. Research by Penn State found that Vicks VapoRub helped treat cold symptoms in children better than other over-the-counter cough and cold medications. It can help clear the airways and relieve cold symptoms. These popular ointments have been around for hundreds of years and typically contain menthol, camphor, and eucalyptus oils. PlushCare can help you effectively, quickly, and easily treat your sinus infection. Dabbing a small amount of the product on the area you want to protect may keep your pet at bay, but make sure your pet cant lick or chew the ointment off the surface. Heat a clove of garlic (10 seconds in a microwave), apply some of the ointment on it and keep it inside the ear. Other infections. Decongestant - to relieve sinus congestion and remove excess mucus; Febrifuge - to address any low-grade fever that might be present; Immune system support - to help your body fight infections; Respiratory system support - to aid in decongestion and difficulty breathing; The 4 Best Essential Oils for Sinus Infections & Congestion Apply it to your feet to relieve neuropathy 4. Although many people believe that this product provides temporary symptom relief, there is little research into how effective it is in reducing any symptoms. A nasal aspirator or a product like the Nose Frida can be a lifesaver in helping young children breathe through their nose. Potential side effects from using Vicks VapoRub, mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/common-cold/expert-answers/nasal-decongestant/faq-20058569, From A to Zinc: How to Get Rid of a Cold Fast, Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT. There are a few different ways that you can use Vicks for a stuffy nose. We clear this all up below. At-home vaporizer or humidifier: It may help relieve sinus symptoms. 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. Exogenous lipid pneumonia related to long-term use of Vicks VapoRub by an adult patient: A case report. The antibacterial and antiseptic properties of tea tree oil make it one of the best essential oils for sinus infections ( 11 ). Sinus steam - To soothe a sinus infection, add a tsp of Vicks to a bowl of hot water and inhale the steam. Mandy Zee is a contributing writer for Byrdie. It is best to keep this product out of reach of any younger children. Taking deep breaths breathe in the steam. If the normal defenses are disrupted, they may allow bacteria normally present in the nasal passages to enter any of . Learn more about the research here. It is important to consult a doctor or read the label of any product before using it. 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. Repeat, if needed, up to three times in 24 hours. Swallow the whole or split tablet without crushing or chewing. 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. This may ease irritation and congestion. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on Before you touch your nose its important that you wash your hands, this will stop the spread of bacteria and infection. Sinusitis. "The menthol and eucalyptus act as anti-inflammatory properties to help promote and stimulate healing," says Sobel. Vicks VapoRub is made from natural ingredients. "The third major ingredient of Vicks is menthol, which when derived from peppermint helps with headaches," confirms Jose. Vicks VapoRub is a popular product for helping with the symptoms of a cold. To make the solution youll need to mix a pint of boiled water that has been left to cool with a teaspoon of salt. This may result in delaying necessary medical treatment. Chronic sinusitis may have many of the same symptoms as acute sinusitis, but the symptoms last longer or are more severe. Young children cant blow their noses well, so helping them thin and clear the mucus from their nose is beneficial. Flushing your nose with a neti pot is a process called nasal irrigation, or nasal lavage. 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). Camphor is toxic to animals. 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. https://vicks.com/en-us/shop-products/vaporub/vaporub-topical-ointment. But the strong menthol odor of VapoRub may trick your brain, so you feel like you're breathing through an unclogged nose. Vicks VapoRub is a mentholated ointment made by U.S. household and personal care manufacturer Procter & Gamble. Sinex Severe Ultra Fine Mist Nasal Spray helps relieve the sinus and nasal congestion that often accompanies colds, hay fever, or upper respiratory allergies. Also avoid it if you have sensitive skin. These ointments also contain eucalyptus oil and camphor, which combine with menthol to create a powerful scent that immediately relieves sinus pressure. You'll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox. If you are taking the over-the-counter product, read and follow all directions on the package label. Although its not listed as a decongestant, theres solid research behind using the product to get relief from a stuffy nose or cough. "This is the major substance in Vicks, aside from Vicks use in upper respiratory infections, that can be used to repel mosquitoes and even fleas.". There are, however, other causes of. Environmental allergies are also much more common in people with chronic sinusitis. Therefore, it is unclear whether applying Vicks to the feet would have much of an effect on the body, other than providing a cooling sensation for the feet. View Sources Was this article helpful? Does. 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. You May Like: What Antibiotic Is Prescribed For Sinus Infection. There's no evidence that putting Vicks VapoRub on your feet will relieve a cold, congestion, or 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. Adults can safely use this vapor rub on the feet to ease muscle aches or pain. FEELING UNWELL? One of its main properties is to relieve congestion and coughing. Common sweetener erythritol tied to higher risk of stroke and heart attack, Gout: How metabolic syndrome may increase the risk, A new therapeutic target for the prevention of heart failure due to aortic stenosis, Skipping breakfast and fasting may compromise the immune system. The fluid will help loosen the mucus in your lungs. But it might help moisturize your heels and relieve toenail fungus. In fact, VapoRub catapulted to popularity during the pandemic flu of 1918 and has been a popular over-the-counter remedy for respiratory . 3. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. If you have chronic sinus pain or congestion, you should see your doctor to get a further evaluation. Does an onion in the sock work for a cold? Decongestants decrease the inflammation in the tissue around your sinuses. Read about them here. Chronic sinus problems can be linked to problems with your nasal passages, such as nasal polyps or a deviated septum. Medications are generally effective against acute sinusitis. DOI: How does Vicks VapoRub relieve cold symptoms? 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. Though uncommon, ELP has occurred in patients who have used mineral oil or petroleum-based lubricants and decongestants, like petroleum jelly (Vaseline), Vicks VapoRub, and lip gloss, frequently and over a long period of time. Home remedies that open and hydrate the sinuses may promote drainage. The sinuses are hallow cavities located throughout the skull. Secondly, Why put Vicks on your feet? One way is to apply it directly to your chest and throat. Stretch marks are purplish, red, or white lines that appear on the skin after a period of quick growth. Infections such as colds, flu or sinusitis and allergies are frequent causes of nasal congestion and runny nose. Topical management of striae distensae (stretch marks): Prevention and therapy of striae rubrae and albae. Using Vicks VapoRub may help relieve cough and congestion. We also provide tips on how to cope with a runny nose. We may receive a portion of sales from products purchased from this article, which was written by our Commerce team. 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. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Vicks VapoRub is meant to be used for the treatment of coughs, congestion, and muscle aches. In some circumstances, rarely fungus or bacteria may reason for a sinus infection. Luckily, investing in one of the best humidifiers for sinus problems can help. All rights reserved. These activities could also put the people in your care at risk for. Some people may have a burning sensation when using Vicks VapoRub. 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. According to Jose, the camaphor also works to relieve joint pain. It's very powerful. 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. 252 Sharp Street, Cooma, NSW, 2630. old corner campsite fall creek falls. Vicks VapoRub is generally safe for use on older children and adults. 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. Persistent effects after camphor ingestion: A case report and literature review. Allergic contact dermatitis caused by both eucalyptus oil and spruce oil. Novel treatment of onychomycosis using over-the-counter mentholated ointment: A clinical case series. Another ingredient of Vicks VapoRub eucalyptus oil contains a natural chemical called 1,8-cineole. It has been put into steam vaporizers to help relieve a stuffed up nose and help us sleep better. If you are using the liquid form of this medication, carefully measure the dose using a special measuring device/spoon. Her interests include Minority Health, Womens Health and Pediatrics. Here are some other remedies to try. needling (injecting collagen under the skin). Unlike eucalyptus oil, this ointment should not be placed in the mouth. Keep reading to learn more about using Vicks on the feet, how the product works in general, and some alternative options. This ointment can be rubbed on your chest and under your nose to deliver its soothing benefits. 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. This means it may help soothe pain and reduce swelling. 5 ways to use petroleum jelly for skin care. All three of these ingredients have a very strong, minty smell. All rights reserved. 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. Vapor rub, petrolatum, and no treatment for children with nocturnal cough and cold symptoms. Depending on the severity of your illness, it may also be unsafe to use topical products containing menthol. says Sobel. The nasal decongestant reduces nasal swelling to re-open airways, while the pain reliever and fever reducer (Ibuprofen, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug . Dont Miss: Advil Cold And Sinus Warnings. Dont use it on children younger than 2 years old, as it can cause serious health concerns for them. Vicks VapoRub will likely not work to help ease cold symptoms when used on the feet. Vicks VapoRub is a common home remedy used to alleviate certain foot conditions, including athlete's foot. The NIH describes both camphor and menthol as topical analgesics, or pain relievers you rub on your skin. Get a lrg bath towel, a small saucepan pot of hot water, and wild oregano oil. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. Santhi N, et al. Parents were asked to apply Vicks VapoRub on their childs chest and throat 30 minutes before bedtime. 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. 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. Uses; Before taking . When placed against the skin of the foot and kept in a sock,. Learn more about the ways you can treat a stuffy nose, or nasal congestion, at home, including tips on decongestants, humidifiers, and steam remedies. Rubbed on your chest and under your nose to deliver its soothing benefits doctor to get relief a! Work to help relieve sinus symptoms how to cope with a teaspoon of salt muscle aches pain. Sales from products purchased from this article, which was written by our Commerce team pain reduce! 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