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Does Vicks Vapor Rub Help Toe Fungus

How Do You Get Rid Of Yellow Toenails

Does Vicks Vaporub work for fungus nails?

Remedies

  • Baking soda has strong antifungal effects.
  • Applying 100% tea tree oil to affected toenails twice daily can help ease symptoms.
  • Olive leaf extract has both antibacterial and antifungal effects.
  • Coconut oil is an antifungal agent.
  • You can purchase over-the-counter antifungal nail creams and ointments.
  • I Read Somewhere That Vicks Vapor Rub Is A Good Treatment For Toenail Fungus Is That True

    I read somewhere that Vicks Vapor Rub is a good treatment for toenail fungus. Is that true?

    Answer

    In a newspaper column written by a family doctor he mentioned that Vicks Vapor Rub may help treat fungus nails. The day after this came out, I could smell this on many of my patients toenails. I have also heard of using corn meal mush to treat fungus.

    Sometimes it is difficult to determine if a product does treat fungus nails or whether it just makes the nail look better. If there is a high suspicion of a fungus, then a diagnosis by a doctor may be necessary and treated accordingly. Fungus nails can be very difficult to treat, even with prescription medications. There is also the cost and safety factors that can influence a decision in treatment. Homemade fungus treatments most likely will not do harm, but their effectiveness is still controversial. If you suspect a client has a fungus, you should delay the pedicure service until the client has seen her physician. — Dr. Dennis Arnold is head of the International Pedicure Association

    Other Readers And The Vicks Vaporub Cure

    Larry says it takes patience!

    I have toenail fungus on my left big toe. I tried many treatments for it, but nothing worked. I tried Vicks VapoRub. I kept using it almost every day for about three months. I would put a bandage over the Vicks and the nail so the goo wouldnt rub off on my socks. Patience is the key. Slowly it is clearing up, and the nail is already starting to come back to its normal color.

    Jean offered this perspective on the Vicks VapoRub cure:

    I have had a fingernail fungus which seemed to defy all pharmaceutical remedies. I read somewhere on the web that Vicks VapoRub rubbed onto the nail twice a day would cure it. Because of the mess and smell I smeared a small amount of Vicks onto a plaster, twice a day, and wrapped my finger tip.

    Occasionally I dropped Tea Tree Oil on the nail before applying the Vicks. Within two months the fungus was gone. I am now waiting for the nail to grow out.

    We write about many more approaches for nail fungus and other common conditions in our book, The Peoples Pharmacy Quick & Handy Home Remedies. It is available in our bookstore.

    Recommended Reading: Can You Get Fungus On Your Fingernails

    Clean And Dry Your Nails

    We recommend showering or using a foot soak before applying Vicks to your fingernails. Keep in mind that fungi loves moisture and can easily spread to the groin, feet, head, or other nails, so it vitally important that you do not come into direct contact with any infected nails. Before applying any formula, make sure there is no wetness. Use a paper towel or other moisture absorbent to prevent spreading.

    Why Does It Work A Look At The Ingredients

    Does Vicks VapoRub Help Against Some Nail Fungus

    In order to answer the question of why does VICKS work?… we first need to take a look at the ingredients it contains.

    It has some proof of working, so what it is exactly that makes it effective?

    The ingredients included in the normal VICKS VapoRub include the following:

    Active Ingredients

    • Used commonly for pain relief, anti-irritant, against coughs, and yes… even as an antifungal.
    • Reduces pain and swelling and increases blood flow when applied topically.
    • 2014 study published in the journal Biological Research shows it does indeed have antifungal activity, although not particularly when dealing with toenail fungus. It has been shown to inhibit growth of fungi better than other essential oils.
  • Eucalyptus oil
  • Commonly used for coughs, clearing the chest, as a disinfectant, helping control blood sugar, joint pain, against infections and more.
  • Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
  • 2015 study in the Journal of Foot and Ankle Research took 22 participants with toenail fungus and tested the application of eucalyptus oil. The results were that 86% saw superficial nail fungus clear up within 4 months and those with subungual and proximal subungual onychomycosis also saw decent results.
  • Menthol
  • Used to reduce inflammation, sooth cuts/burns, for respiratory problems, etc
  • Cool soothing properties that give a very relieving feeling.
  • Shown to inhibit fungal growth, as stated in Journal de Mycologie Medicale.
  • Inactive Ingredients

    • Turpentine oil

    Read Also: How To Cure Yellow Toenail Fungus

    Apply Vicks Vaporub To Your Nails

    Apply the formula directly to the nails, nail bed, and skin surrounding it. We recommend using a cotton ball or q-tip. Please do not use your hands you do not want to expose your fingernails to the infection and risk contaminating your hands or fingernails.

    Wait upwards of 30 minutes and then wash off and dry nails completely. If you experience a mild burning sensation, stop treatment immediately and consult your doctor.

    Pros And Cons Of Vicks Vaporub For Toenail Fungus

    It does seem that a number of people have found some relief from this difficult problem by using Vicks. On the plus side, it has minimal side effects relative to the traditional treatment methods and is a product that is both easy to find and inexpensive to buy.

    However, Vicks has been shown to be ineffective for the majority of people even when used for extended periods of time and the longer you use any treatment, the more costly it becomes. Some individuals have found that it irritates the skin surrounding the nail and are bothered by the strong smell. It seems that even in the best of circumstances, treating toenail fungus with Vicks is just a temporary stop gap as the infection generally returns once the treatment has been stopped. The bottom line is that like all home remedies, it is wise to proceed with a healthy dose of caution and a little bit of common sense when considering Vicks Vapor Rub for the treatment of toenail fungus.

    Visit our main website to get a broader and deeper picture about the different treatments available to get rid of toenail fungus fast.

    Recommended Reading: What Causes Finger Nail Fungus

    What Do Consumer Reviews Say

    Most of user testimonials suggest that nail fungus treatment with Vicks Vapor Rub requires a lot of time. While improvement is usually seen within one month, to completely get rid of this condition using Vicks alone might take months of usage, which was confirmed in one clinical trial too. Read a few of reviews of people who tried it for treating nail fungus.

    How Does Vicks Vapor Rub Work

    how to treat toenail fungus with vicks vaporub
    • Vicks Vapor Rub contains the ingredients Camphor , Thymol , and Menthol , which have all been shown to all fight against toenail fungus in some research studies.
    • A Spanish study states that Vicks Vapor rub is very effective.
    • The Mayo Clinic admits that while many people vouch for this treatment method, it is difficult to prove that Vicks Vapor Rub has a great deal of effectiveness.
    • Anecdotal from our standpoint is that it can definitely kill fungus if used correctly!

    Recommended Reading: Does Vinegar Cure Toenail Fungus

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  • What Are The Ingredients In Vicks Vaporub

    Ingredients include:

    • Thymol
    • Turpentine Oil

    All of these various essential oils have been used by indigenous cultures for centuries to treat nail fungus, athletes foot, ear infections, hemorrhoids, and more. Best of all is that they lack the side-effects that many other conventional fungal nail treatments have.

    For example, prescription anti-fungal drugs can have serious side-effects, such as liver damage, or even death. For most people, Vicks Vaporub will be completely side-effect free. There is always a chance that you could have an adverse reaction or an allergy to some of the ingredients, so we always recommend consulting your doctor before using any treatment, every if it is over-the-counter.

    How exactly do these natural ingredients work to treat your fungal nail? Camphor, eucalyptus oil, and menthol have anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties, which hamper the growth of nail fungus and eventually cause the fungi embedded in the nail weaken.

    All of these ingredients work together in harmony to destroy the nail fungus. Once the fungi have died off completely a new nail will grow in and push out the infected nail! The most important thing here is consistency you need to use Vicks Vaporub, or any other fungal treatment, consistently for it to work.

    Read Also: How To Remove Nail Fungus Fast

    What Are The Side Effects To Use Vicks Vaporub

    Most users report no side effects when utilizing Vicks Vaporub as a nail fungus treatment. Some users may experience a mild warming sensation, but that is about it. This is a far cry from some of the terrifying possibilities of prescription drugs, which can have severe side effects such as organ failure and even death.

    The Popular Topical Remedy Is Not Suitable For Everyone

    Vicks Nail Fungus Cure Unique Does Vicks Vaporub Cure ...

    Vicks VapoRub is a popular over-the-counter medication that is applied to the skin to treat coughs and relieve muscle aches and pain. Both symptoms are frequently caused by the common cold.

    There’s no evidence that Vicks VapoRub can cure upper respiratory symptoms, but it may help lessen congestion and cough. For the temporary treatment of mild myalgia , it definitely does provide symptomatic relief.

    The active ingredients in Vicks VapoRub are camphor, eucalyptus oil, and menthol. The inactive ingredients include cedar leaf oil, nutmeg oil, petrolatum, thymol, and turpentine oil.

    Also Check: Who To See For Toenail Fungus

    What Can You Soak Your Feet In To Get Rid Of Toenail Fungus

    For mild forms of this condition, a vinegar soak might work well. The antifungal properties also make vinegar soaks a good idea for people who have toenail fungus. Soak your feet for 10 to 15 minutes daily in a vinegar bath until the infection subsides. You can increase the length of time in the soak gradually.

    Vicks Vapor Rub Nail Fungus

    Ask U.S. doctors your own question and get educational, text answers â it’s anonymous and free!

    Ask U.S. doctors your own question and get educational, text answers â it’s anonymous and free!

    HealthTap doctors are based in the U.S., board certified, and available by text or video.

    Also Check: Is Listerine Good For Toe Fungus

    How Long Does It Take For Vinegar To Kill Toenail Fungus

    The antifungal properties also make vinegar soaks a good idea for people who have toenail fungus. Soak your feet for 10 to 15 minutes daily in a vinegar bath until the infection subsides. You can increase the length of time in the soak gradually. It may take two to three weeks or longer to see improvement in symptoms.

    How Can I Soften My Toenails

    Does Vicks Vapor Rub help toenail fungus?

    Soak your feet in warm water for at least 10 minutes to soften your nails, and then use a towel to thoroughly dry your feet and toenails. Using a nail clipper, make small cuts to avoid splintering the nail and cut straight across. To lessen the chance of the nail becoming ingrown, dont round off the corners.

    Recommended Reading: What To Put On A Toe Fungus

    Alternative Uses For Vicks Vapor Rub

    Here are some Vicks VapoRub uses:

    1. Treats headaches

    It is suggested to apply Vicks VapoRub as an ointment on your temples and massage gently to get rid of headaches. If you regularly suffer from sinus headache, it is recommended that you put some Vicks VapoRub under your nose and inhale it. The vapour will give you relief from the headache. Methanol is one of the main active components of Vicks VapoRub. This ingredient helps in lowering your blood pressure and hence eases the pain. Vicks VapoRub can also help with migraine headaches.

    2. Treats muscle aches effectively

    If you are having muscle aches, then Vicks VapoRub is your best bet. You can use it as an ointment and apply it on the area that is paining. After applying, it is advised to wrap the area with a dry and warm towel. Vicks VapoRub also helps in relaxing stressed and sore muscles. In case you are suffering from tennis elbow, all you have to do is apply some Vicks on the painful part and keep massaging it till the pain lessens.

    3. Soothes ear pains

    Ear ache can happen either because of an ear infection or can be a result of cold. Ear pain is extremely irksome and can make performing daily activities and chores quite difficult.

    The best way to get rid of ear pain is to take a cotton ball, rub some Vicks on it and keep it in the ear all night or just until the pain subsides down.

    4. Helps in treating toenail fungus

    5. Takes care of cracked heels

    6. Helps in repelling bugs

    8. Helps in getting rid of belly fat

    Who Suffers From Toenail Fungus

    • Do you sweat a lot?
    • Do you use a public pool or take communal showers at the gym?
    • Do you regularly go to a nail salon to get a manicure or pedicure?
    • Do you suffer from diabetes, malnutrition, a weak immune system, or have you smoked for a long time?

    Unfortunately, if you answered yes to any of these questions, you are more likely to contract toenail fungus.

    Don’t Miss: How Do You Kill Fungus In Your Yard

    What Other Treatment Options Do You Recommend For Mild Cases Use Tiger Balm

    Vicks Vaporub is a fantastic treatment option for someone suffering from the beginning stages of nail fungus. However, we highly recommend looking into Tiger Balm Ultra. Tiger Balm utilizes similar ingredients, such as Camphor and Menthol, but has nearly twice the potency, meaning that it can treat your nail fungal infection in a more timely fashion.

    If you already own Vicks Vaporub and have a very mild case of nail fungus, it is worth trying to treat your fungal infection with the topical treatment. However, if you are searching for a more powerful formula, we highly recommend utilizing EmuaidMAX to treat your fungal infection.

    How Does Vicks Vapor Rub Help Toenail Fungus

    Vapour Rub for Nail Fungus

    In one study, scientists tested the antifungal effects of the ingredients in a generic medicated chest rub. Of the seven ingredients, thymol was among the most effective at inhibiting the growth of dermatophytes that cause nail fungus.

    Also Check: How Do I Know If I Have Foot Fungus

    The Price Certainly Doesn’t Get Any Better

    If you are going to try a treatment for toenail fungus then one thing you definitely have to consider is the price… and the price here is pretty darn good fortunately.

    A 1.76 oz little tub usually costs somewhere around $5-6 and you can pick it up at any Walmart, Walgreen’s, CVS, and plenty other stores.

    That is a very cheap treatment and I’m sure you are well aware of that if you have been searching for treatments for any good length of time.

    There are some rather ridiculously priced toenail fungus treatments out there that show less promising results than VICKS.

    *Emuaid MAX is a more expensive topical treatment, but is something else you may want to read about. It is one of the very few toenail fungus treatments that we recommend here at Operation Wellness.

    When To See A Doctor

    In most cases, toenail fungus is considered a cosmetic problem. Still, it may cause serious complications for some people.

    If you have diabetes, toenail fungus may lead to foot ulcers or other foot problems. According to a 2012 study, chronic toenail fungus is a significant risk factor for bacterial cellulitis of the leg.

    If you have diabetes or a weakened immune system, you shouldnt use home remedies for toenail fungus. Contact your doctor for the appropriate course of action.

    You May Like: How To Treat Toenail Fungus Fast

    How Well Does Vicks Vaporub Work

    A. Over the years we have heard from many people who have had success with Vicks VapoRub in the treatment of nail fungus. You will read some of their stories below. Others tell us this remedy is totally worthless.

    That is not surprising. Many people report failure with pricey prescription anti-fungal products too. Some people spend quite a bit of money on oral antifungal medicine and take it for many months, only to have the fungus return after a temporary cure.

    It seems as if nail fungus is surprisingly variable. This may be due both to the range of fungal pathogens that can affect nails and to differences among the hosts immune systems. Some people never get nail fungus even though they walk barefoot in the garden, in the shower or at a locker room. Others find all their toenails are thick, yellowish-brown and misshapen. Not only do they look ugly, but they are hard to clip. One treatment may work for awhile, but the fungus seems to come back relentlessly.

    We often wonder whether there are different fungi at work or if the relationship between the immune system and the fungi have something to do with this problem.

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