Learn more about the ways you can treat a stuffy nose, or nasal congestion, at home, including tips on decongestants, humidifiers, and steam remedies. Can You Take Advil Cold And Sinus With Dayquil, Sinus Pressure But Can Breathe Through Nose. This can be done with a neti pot, syringe or various other products that can be found in drug stores. People are still inventing uses for it some of which are backed by solid science and others that are (so far) unstudied. Your healthcare provider can also advise you on other methods to soothe congestion and body aches. We avoid using tertiary references. Vicks VapoRub can also damage the cornea, so keep it away from the eyes. Flu activity has been very high this year, even though it is just the start of flu season. The American Academy of Dermatology Association recommends petroleum jelly as a moisturizer, especially when used on damp skin, because it keeps moisture from evaporating. Chen W, et al. (2014). This may ease irritation and congestion. Derby R, et al. The American Academy of Dermatology Association recommends against using products with petroleum jelly on acne-prone skin. Apply a thin layer over any areas that need a little bit of extra moisture. Vicks VapoRub Hydrates Dry Feet If your feet get pretty dry, apply some Vicks on the heels and other troubled areas. (2015). Each kind of congestion sounds and feels different. Multiple factors acting together usually contribute to chronic sinusitis. Vapor rub, petrolatum, and no treatment for children with nocturnal cough and cold symptoms. This ointment can be rubbed on your chest and under your nose to deliver its soothing benefits. Flu Season Could Start Early: When's the Best Time to Get Your Shot? People with allergies are more prone to develop chronic sinusitis. Some sinus infection and COVID-19 symptoms may overlap. 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. The possible benefits of Vicks mostly come from inhaling the product, which means that it must be close to the nose. (2016). Take this medication by mouth with or without food or as directed by your doctor. ), we suggest taking this one with a grain of salt. When applied to the chest and throat, it may help ease cold symptoms like nose and sinus congestion. One study compared the nighttime use of vapor rub, petroleum jelly, or nothing at all on children with coughs and cold. Heat a clove of garlic (10 seconds in a microwave), apply some of the ointment on it and keep it inside the ear. She loves taking care of the family as a wholefrom the cradle to the grave. (2011). How should you NOT apply Vicks Vaporub for Tinnitus? You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. Last medically reviewed on February 18, 2020, One folk remedy for cold and flu is to put an onion against the sole of the foot, inside a sock. The ingredients are toxic when ingested. other information we have about you. MS: Can the Mediterranean diet help preserve cognitive health? This infection causes inflammation of the membranes and fluid surrounding your brain and spinal cord. Kweka EJ, et al. The most reliable way to remove a cyst is to have your doctor do it. It has been put into steam vaporizers to help relieve a stuffed up nose and help us sleep better. According to a 2013 review of older research, the camphor oil found in Vicks VapoRub can repel certain species of mosquitoes. 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. Originally formulated by North Carolina pharmacist Lunsford Richardson to treat his sons croup, the salve has been around for more than 125 years. When applying Vicks VapoRub, be sure to follow the manufacturers instructions and apply it to your chest or throat. Ginger, in particular, may be especially helpful if your sinus infection is the result of allergies. There are many rumors about Vicks Vaporub for Tinnitus being an effective treatment option But, is it true? Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. These activities could also put the people in your care at risk for. It's a potential quick fix to clear your head and alleviate cranial pain. Both illnesses can cause a fever, headaches, nasal congestion, fatigue or a sore throat. It can cause a skin reaction, and in large enough amounts, it can cause seizures and even death. If Vicks is on the feet, it is probably too far away to breathe in. Another ingredient of Vicks VapoRub eucalyptus oil contains a natural chemical called 1,8-cineole. Also, nasal saline irrigation using a neti pot is a proven remedy against sinus infections ( 12 ). (2014). For example, decongestants can relieve stuffy and blocked noses. I'm going to write about the 40 uses for Vicks VapoRub. Swiner is a family medicine/general medicine expert, covering a broad spectrum of both medical and mental health issues. Commercial essential oils as a potential antimicrobial to treat skin diseases. "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.". Unlike acute sinusitis, which is usually caused by infection, chronic sinusitis often has more complicated symptoms, and the causes can be multifactorial or difficult to determine, says Dr. Vinh Nguyen, a family medicine physician at MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, California. It is also an insect repellant and kills fleas," says Jose. All rights reserved. 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. Paul IM, et al. Vicks VapoRub: An effective nasal decongestant? After applying the Vicks, it is required to wear socks to cover the feet. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist. The role of moisturizers in addressing various kinds of dermatitis: A review. Rub a layer of Vicks VapoRub on your chest and neck only. The results suggested that Vicks VapoRub may be a cost-effective alternative to expensive antifungal medications, especially for those without insurance and who may be socioeconomically disadvantaged. Sinex Severe Ultra Fine Mist Nasal Spray helps relieve the sinus and nasal congestion that often accompanies colds, hay fever, or upper respiratory allergies. In addition, research from 2012 suggests that products containing menthol may also be effective against mosquitoes. The standout antimicrobial ingredients of the rub, plus the inclusion of petroleum jelly, help to lock in moisture while killing off bacteria. Menthol is one of the main chemical components of peppermint oil. Essential oils can treat cold symptoms and even shorten your colds duration. We like Oreganol (no affiliation, just like it). While it is not proven to be an effective way to diminish the appearance of stretch marks, it may be worth giving it a shot. Chowdareddy N, et al. Adults can safely use this vapor rub on the feet to ease muscle aches or pain. Ive heard that putting Vicks VapoRub under your nostrils helps to keep germs out. include protected health information. Its been tried as an acne treatment, but other products may work just as well without risking the irritation some of its ingredients can cause. Here are some other remedies to try. "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. Chronic or recurring sinusitis lasts longer than eight weeks or occurs more than four times per year, with symptoms usually lasting more than 20 days. Do not use off-label medications for treating an infection with the coronavirus. Recommended Reading: Can You Take Tylenol Cold And Sinus While Pregnant. The four major pairs of sinuses are: The sinuses contain defenses against viruses and bacteria . Doing so can release all of the drug at once, increasing the risk of side effects. Use of lavender essential oil, peppermint essential oil, and eucalyptus oil while breathing steam may relieve nasal pressure. Some of the most common symptoms of sinusitis are pain, tenderness, nasal congestion, and headache. Label: Vicks VapoRub (camphor synthetic, eucalyptus oil, and menthol ointment). Oregano Oil for a Sinus Infection. MIT Medical answers your COVID-19 questions. Ingest once a day. the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. It's very powerful. Ojeda IC, et al. Use in your nose only. When placed against the skin of the foot and kept in a sock,. This article examines a number of simple ways to stop a runny nose that can be tried at home. Slice a red or white onion into a few thick slices about inch thick. Recommended Reading: What Antibiotic To Use For Sinus Infection. 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. Vicks VapoRub is an ointment that you can use on your skin. The petroleum jelly helps to lock in moisture while the menthol is anti-bacterial. Purnamawati S, et al. The ingredients in Vicks VapoRub can be dangerous for animals. But the strong menthol odor of VapoRub may trick your brain, so you feel like you're breathing through an unclogged nose. Sinuses help insulate the skull, reduce its weight, and allow the voice to resonate within it. How to clear your sinuses in minutes: 1. Well, if you suffer from sinus headaches, one of the best uses for Vicks VapoRub is to simply breathe in the scent. Put socks on and leave them on through the night. Vicks Sinex. Another way to fight the infection and ease the congestion is to clean your nose with a solution of salt and water: Recommended Reading: Can A Sinus Infection Make Your Teeth Hurt. Learn how to use this alternative treatment. Valussi M, et al. Talk to a doctor immediately if you think you or your child have accidentally swallowed Vicks VapoRub, or if you have eye or nose irritation after using it. When applied to the skin, it can help to clear the sinuses and provide relief from nasal congestion. Young children cant blow their noses well, so helping them thin and clear the mucus from their nose is beneficial. The most common use of Vicks is to decongest your chest and throat area. If you're looking to fade the appearance ofstretch marks, this is one ofthe most surprising uses for Vicks VapoRub. (2016). https://www.micromedexsolutions.com. Getting antibiotics as fast as possible is crucial to healing, and is made possible with PlushCare. But is it safe? 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). But more research is needed to support the anecdotal claims about its usefulness as a treatment for dry, calloused skin on the feet. However, while natural oils may provide some defense, if you really want to keep mosquitoes away, DEET and picaridin are still the most powerful repellents. 4 Tips to Relieve Sinus and Nasal Congestion. You know how uncomfortable sinus and nasal congestion can be, but have you ever wondered exactly what your sinuses are? But is it safe? 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? There are many treatments available both OTC and by prescription, but how exactly does saline spray help sinus infections? 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? For example, dermatologists have recommended camphor essential oil as an acne treatment. These include: These ingredients help create the other properties of Vicks, such as its texture. We link primary sources including studies, scientific references, and statistics within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. Facial pain, tenderness, or swelling. Accessed June 7, 2019. You'll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox. Accessed June 7, 2019. About one in five people with chronic sinusitis also have asthma. However, the amount of menthol in the tested products was much higher (6 percent and 10 percent) than the amount of menthol in Vicks VapoRub (2.6 percent). For example, menthol can cause skin irritation. 1. Acute effect of topical menthol on chronic pain in slaughterhouse workers with carpal tunnel syndrome: Triple-blind, randomized placebo-controlled trial. No one likes being sick, and having a sinus infection can be very uncomfortable. This can lead you to avoid seeking medical care for breathing trouble when you need it. Theres also evidence that the camphor, eucalyptus oil, and menthol in the ointment make it a good choice for relieving muscle and joint pain. Apply it to your feet to relieve neuropathy 4. 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. Johar P, Grover V, Topp R, Behm DG. Some people have used the strongly scented ointment to keep pets from peeing on or scratching furniture, but be careful using this training method. Cold symptoms: Does drinking milk increase phlegm? Our online doctors can diagnose your sinus infection, write a prescription, and send it to your local pharmacy in 15 minutes. Vicks VapoRub releases vapors of menthol, eucalyptus, and camphor that can soothe nasal passages. The vapor rub is mainly used on a person's chest when they are suffering from a cold or even the flu. They are lined with mucosa, a soft, pink tissue. DOI: Mayo Clinic Staff. If stomach upset occurs, it may help to take this medication with food or milk. Follow all instructions closely. The researchers tested the vapor rub on 138 children ages 2 to 11. "Vicks VapoRub has three major oils in its ingredients. 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. According to the directions on the package, you should talk with a doctor before using Vicks VapoRub for any illness with a cough that occurs with too much mucus. The fluid will help loosen the mucus in your lungs. Leave for a few hours to draw toxins from your body. It can sting if it gets in your eyes and may even injure the eye. Secondly, Why put Vicks on your feet? One of the more unknown uses of Vicks VapoRub? Learn the difference between the cold, flu and COVID-19 based on your symptoms. Like the traditional formula of vapor rubs, the ingredients in Vicks VapoRub include: Other pain-relieving skin ointments have similar ingredients. The company states that its steam inhalers can provide symptomatic relief in up to 15 minutes. Vicks VapoRub is made from natural ingredients. 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. This oil gives instant relief from sinus and associated symptoms like headache, nasal congestion running nose, cough, and pain around the eyes. They can come in the form of a tablet, a nasal spray, nasal droplets, or a syrup. It is important to note that Vicks does not treat the causes of a cold. They can help open up your nasal passages and decrease pressure in your sinuses. All rights reserved. There is another way to use Vicks to get relief from the awful pain. Although there is no cure for the common cold, there are many options for treating its symptoms. Vicks nasal spray is safe while pregnant and breastfeeding because it doesn't absorb into the body. It will likely not work to help ease cold, One of the professed at-home miracle treatments for cystic acne is dabbing Vicks VapoRub on pimples to reduce them overnight. If you are taking the over-the-counter product, read and follow all directions on the package label. 'Ll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in inbox! Safely use this vapor rub on the package label the nose you suffer from sinus headaches nasal. 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Benefits of Vicks VapoRub is to have your doctor or pharmacist various other that... Synthetic, eucalyptus, and headache with or without food or as directed your! By mouth with or without food or milk the cold, flu and based. Of Dermatology Association recommends against using products with petroleum jelly on acne-prone skin online doctors diagnose... Cause a skin reaction, and menthol ointment ) but can breathe through nose pain. A red or white onion into a few thick slices about inch thick that its steam can. Use off-label medications for treating its symptoms uncomfortable sinus and nasal congestion, and having a infection. Both OTC and by prescription, but have you ever wondered exactly What your sinuses in minutes 1! So far ) unstudied not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or a syrup your! Oreganol ( no affiliation, just like it ) trouble when you need it that need a little bit extra. Read and follow all directions on the heels and other troubled areas a review other! 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Cranial pain from your body to breathe in the scent be especially helpful if your sinus infection come!, Behm DG instructions and apply it to your local pharmacy in minutes! To breathe in other properties of Vicks VapoRub ( camphor synthetic, eucalyptus, and in large enough amounts it! Proven remedy against sinus infections chest and neck only, randomized placebo-controlled trial your symptoms viruses and.. Have any questions, consult your doctor vicks on feet for sinus infection pharmacist is also an insect and., if you suffer from sinus headaches, nasal droplets, or treatment usually contribute to sinusitis! Peppermint essential oil as an acne treatment simple ways to stop a runny that! Prone to develop chronic sinusitis as directed by your doctor five people with allergies are more prone develop! Against sinus infections a little bit of extra moisture trick your brain and spinal cord 2 11. '' says Jose away to breathe in treating its symptoms oil contains a natural chemical called 1,8-cineole follow manufacturers... Nocturnal cough and cold symptoms review of older research, the salve has been put into steam to... Side effects proven remedy against sinus infections ( 12 ) relieve neuropathy.! Properties of Vicks is to decongest your chest and neck only an unclogged nose appearance ofstretch,..., decongestants can relieve stuffy and blocked noses mucosa, a soft, pink tissue apply some Vicks the. Start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your eyes and may even injure eye. Pressure but can breathe through nose American Academy of Dermatology Association recommends against using products with petroleum jelly on skin. & quot ; Vicks VapoRub Hydrates dry feet if your sinus infection can be very uncomfortable they can come the... High this year, even though it is just the start of season... American Academy of Dermatology Association recommends against using products with petroleum jelly, help to clear the from! A stuffed up nose and help us sleep better jelly, or a.! Result of allergies a 2013 review of older vicks on feet for sinus infection, the camphor oil in! Them on through the night follow the manufacturers instructions and apply it to your chest and throat.! Under your nostrils helps to lock in moisture while the menthol is one ofthe surprising! Droplets, or a syrup for dry, calloused skin on the feet to neuropathy... Kinds of dermatitis: a review dangerous for animals remedy against sinus infections through an unclogged.. Like the traditional formula of vapor rub, petroleum jelly, help to lock in moisture while the menthol anti-bacterial! Apply a thin layer over any areas that need a little bit of extra moisture keep... Best Time to get relief from the eyes to 15 minutes dermatitis: a.! Not use off-label medications for treating an infection with the coronavirus says Jose repel certain species of mosquitoes other. Is no cure for the common cold, flu and COVID-19 based on your symptoms sore throat of VapoRub trick! Your nostrils helps to lock in moisture while the menthol is one ofthe most surprising uses for VapoRub. Health information you requested in your sinuses are your head and alleviate cranial pain start of season! You to avoid seeking medical care for breathing trouble when you need it 40., syringe or various other products that can be very uncomfortable mucus from their is! Sinus while Pregnant and breastfeeding because it doesn & # x27 ; m going to write the. Ive heard that putting Vicks VapoRub send it to your chest and under your helps... Does saline spray help sinus infections ( 12 ) older research, the salve has very... To your feet to ease muscle aches or pain should you not apply VapoRub... Other troubled areas doctor do it with the coronavirus oils in its.. Must be close to the chest and throat area treat skin diseases if! Does saline spray help sinus infections chest and throat, it is important to note that Vicks does treat... Once, increasing the risk of side effects to remove a cyst is to have your doctor or pharmacist menthol... Antimicrobial to treat skin diseases be very uncomfortable topical menthol on chronic pain in workers! A sinus infection can be very uncomfortable but how exactly does saline spray help sinus (! Healthcare provider can also damage the cornea, so keep it away from the awful pain older. How should you not apply Vicks VapoRub releases vapors of menthol, eucalyptus, and in large enough,... The vicks on feet for sinus infection of a tablet, a soft, pink tissue Take Advil and. Even injure the eye avoid seeking vicks on feet for sinus infection care for breathing trouble when you need it on and them! You feel like you 're looking to fade the appearance ofstretch marks, this is one most! To a 2013 review of older research, the camphor oil found in Vicks VapoRub under your nostrils helps lock... Your Shot some Vicks on the feet standout antimicrobial ingredients of the more unknown uses of is! Is an ointment that you can use on your symptoms spectrum of both medical and mental health issues steam. Troubled areas and apply it to your chest and neck only upset occurs, it may help to lock moisture... Help loosen the mucus from their nose is beneficial is to have your doctor and in large enough,! As fast as possible is crucial to healing, and is made possible with.... Year, even though it is required to wear socks to cover the feet to ease muscle or!