Put a generous amount of Vicks Vapor Rub or Eucalyptus Essential Oil under your nose and on your temples. Johar P, Grover V, Topp R, Behm DG. information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which Take this medication by mouth with or without food or as directed by your doctor. It is important to note that Vicks does not treat the causes of a cold. 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 manufacturer also claims that Vicks VapoRub helps to ease minor muscle aches and joint pain. 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. 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. The manufacturer recommends rubbing it on your chest or throat to relieve congestion from colds. 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. 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. Decongestants There are many types of medications that can help relieve sinus pain. Vicks VapoRub: An effective nasal decongestant? This can trigger receptors in your brain that make you think you are breathing more clearly. If you are a longtime sufferer from sinus infections, you may want to read Why Do I Keep Getting Sinus Infections? Sinusitis, also referred to as sinus infection or rhinosinusitis, is inflammation of the sinuses. Infections such as colds, flu or sinusitis and allergies are frequent causes of nasal congestion and runny nose. 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. Despite how painful it may seem, nasal irrigation is a safe, well-tolerated method to reduce sinus inflammation. ), we suggest taking this one with a grain of salt. Sinus congestion can bring symptoms of pressure or pain around your forehead, or between your eyes. For current information about MIT Medicals services, please see relevant areas of the MIT Medical website. Last updated on Jun 20, 2022. Vapor rub, petrolatum, and no treatment for children with nocturnal cough and cold symptoms. FEELING UNWELL? Ginger, in particular, may be especially helpful if your sinus infection is the result of allergies. Do not take Saline Mist Spray (sodium chloride nasal) by mouth. An overlap of additional factors such as smoking, environmental pollutants, and deviated septum, further complicate the picture of chronic sinusitis. Vicks vaporub rub is intended to for external use only. Read about them here. One study compared the nighttime use of vapor rub, petroleum jelly, or nothing at all on children with coughs and cold. Vicks VapoRub is an ointment that you can use on your skin. Here are six sinus remedies to beware of. Although its not listed as a decongestant, theres solid research behind using the product to get relief from a stuffy nose or cough. See a doctor immediately if you or your child have any of these symptoms: Limited research shows that Vicks VapoRub may help with cold symptoms. Her interests include Minority Health, Womens Health and Pediatrics. In some circumstances, rarely fungus or bacteria may reason for a sinus infection. "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.". You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. (n.d.). This means it may help soothe pain and reduce swelling. Vicks VapoRub has been around for over 100 years and is known as one of the most widely used over-the-counter decongestants. They can help open up your nasal passages and decrease pressure in your sinuses. (2019). Both illnesses can cause a fever, headaches, nasal congestion, fatigue or a sore throat. Accessed June 6, 2019. Uses; Before taking . This oil gives instant relief from sinus and associated symptoms like headache, nasal congestion running nose, cough, and pain around the eyes. Try applying a bit to any joints where you are experiencing discomfort. 2004-2023 Healthline Media UK Ltd, Brighton, UK, a Red Ventures Company. Vicks VapoRub is generally safe for use on older children and adults. This sinus massage will bring comfort to your nasal passages. Commercial essential oils as a potential antimicrobial to treat skin diseases. Wait 24 hours and check the area for any sign of an allergic reaction. Valussi M, et al. Vicks vaporub, a product of Procter and Gamble is an over the counter drug medically indicated for the relieve of cough, sore muscles, nasal congestion, joint pains and minor body pains. No one likes being sick, and having a sinus infection can be very uncomfortable. "Camphor is a white crystalline substance obtained from the tree Cinnamomom camphora and used for centuries as a spice, component of incense and medicine. All rights reserved. The four major pairs of sinuses are: The sinuses contain defenses against viruses and bacteria . Other than a thin layer of mucus, when they are healthy, the sinuses are empty. If you have chronic sinus pain or congestion, you should see your doctor to get a further evaluation. Kids are often fascinated by the condensation that forms on surfaces in a steamy room. However, a dry nose is rarely a. Long-term misuse of petroleum-based oils like Vicks VapoRub can cause a rare form of pneumonia called exogenous lipoid pneumonia (ELP) when applied to the nose or nostrils. Does. Additionally, people can use Vicks VapoPads, which release a menthol scent when the devices are in use. 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. MIT Medical answers your COVID-19 questions. 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. In some cases, using Vicks VapoRub on the skin might cause contact dermatitis. However, Vicks does not actually lower body temperature. It has been put into steam vaporizers to help relieve a stuffed up nose and help us sleep better. Researchers havent found evidence that any topical cream or lotion is effective in reducing stretch marks. There are many treatments available both OTC and by prescription, but how exactly does saline spray help sinus infections? Swiner is a family medicine/general medicine expert, covering a broad spectrum of both medical and mental health issues. Just rub it under your nose or apply on your hands and rub then smell it with deep breathing. Facial pressure and pain, pounding headaches, and congestion are all typical hallmarks of a sinus infection, which is also known as sinusitis. There are a few different ways that you can use Vicks for a stuffy nose. One of its main properties is to relieve congestion and coughing. 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. Can Putting Vicks VapoRub on Your Feet Relieve Cold Symptoms? 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. 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. The mechanism that allows easy passage of water is essentially a teapot. But VapoRub isnt a decongestant. "Do you know what the best antibiotic for bronchitis and sinus infection is? Accessed June 7, 2019. 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. 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. At-home vaporizer or humidifier: It may help relieve sinus symptoms. Doing so can release all of the drug at once, increasing the risk of side effects. The American Academy of Dermatology Association recommends against using products with petroleum jelly on acne-prone skin. 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. Unlike eucalyptus oil, this ointment should not be placed in the mouth. 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. In fact, VapoRub catapulted to popularity during the pandemic flu of 1918 and has been a popular over-the-counter remedy for respiratory illnesses ever since. Likewise, a weak immune system makes you more susceptible to catch bacterial, viral, or fungal sinus infection. 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. Using Vicks VapoRub on your feet or other areas of your body has a cooling effect. Place in a pair of tight-fitting socks. Put the onion in the socks, making sure the onions are tight against the bottom of your feet. Decongestants decrease the inflammation in the tissue around your sinuses. 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. When applying Vicks VapoRub, be sure to follow the manufacturers instructions and apply it to your chest or throat. IBM Micromedex. All three of these ingredients have a very strong, minty smell. Many products include eucalyptus oil due to its antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties. 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. The manufacturers guidelines say to apply the product to your chest. "Vicks VapoRub has three major oils in its ingredients. If Vicks is on the feet, it is probably too far away to breathe in. This content does not have an English version. The vapor rub is mainly used on a person's chest when they are suffering from a cold or even the flu. It's guaranteed your nose, cough or achy joints and muscles will be given a well-deserved rest. Topical camphor absorbed through mucous membranes or broken skin also can be toxic. The common cold in children: Management and prevention. Also, do not split extended-release tablets unless they have a score line and your doctor or pharmacist tells you to do so. For example, dermatologists have recommended camphor essential oil as an acne treatment. Having the procedure could permanently improve your breathing and prevent sinus problems. The parents surveyed reported that using vapor rub helped to ease symptoms the most. Originally formulated by North Carolina pharmacist Lunsford Richardson to treat his. (2014). https://vicks.com/en-us/shop-products/vaporub/vaporub-topical-ointment. In serious cases, this can trigger seizures in babies and small children. Recently, my hubby developed a horrible deep cough People's Pharmacy: Vicks VapoRub . 4 Tips to Relieve Sinus and Nasal Congestion. Q. Depending on appearance, some people may want to get rid of the keloids they have. To walk back the negative sensations of an intense workout, apply a bit of Vicks VapoRub to the affected area. Unless they have relevant areas of your body has a cooling effect different ways that you can more. 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