If you’re reading this, it’s almost certain that the question on your mind is whether or not you can use Vicks Vapor Rub for toenail fungus.
You might also be looking for an effective cure for your toenail fungus since prescription treatments recommended by doctors sometimes have serious side effects.
Below is a video I made that explores the Effectiveness of using Vicks VapoRub for Toenail Fungus.
What is Vicks Vapor Rub?
Vicks VapoRub, a home remedy for common respiratory ailments like cold, flu, cough, congested nose has been with us for more than a century. For many of us, it is a trusted remedy that has probably been introduced to us by our grandparents.
It is part of the medicine cabinet in many homes, thus no doubt that it has found use in many other conditions like pain, inflammation, or even to treat a mosquito bite.
Three vital components of Vicks VapoRub are camphor, menthol, and eucalyptus oil (plus some other additional ingredients).
Most of these elements have been used in various traditional medicines since ages, with some of them mentioned in the oldest medical books.
Thus no doubt that all of them are well studied. It is not rare for such remedies as Vicks to find newer and surprising uses, so what about its effectiveness in toenail fungus infection?
Vicks Toenail Fungus Myth
Fungal infection of nails also called onychomycosis, is very stubborn and difficult to treat infection. Blood supply to toenails is not much; further feet often remain contained in the moist environment (due to footwear and socks).
This fungal infection usually starts with the discoloration of nails (sometimes a yellow or a white spot), and it may even make nails fall.
Because of the stubbornness of toenail infection, people have most likely tried many remedies for its treatment.
So is it true or just a myth?
No, it is not a myth, Vicks VapoRub may help, though not as much as one may expect.
It is not a replacement for anti fungal therapy. It is also not what the product was designed for.
But it is something that may help in few cases, as no toenail fungal infections are same.
All three main components of Vicks are known to have some degree of antimicrobial activity, along with anti-inflammatory properties.
Will Vicks make my toenail fall off?
Most likely not, at least not due to the direct action of Vicks.
Most of its components are mild, aromatic, and non-toxic. They cannot make the toenail fall off (I couldn’t find any reports of it).
Although, in extreme cases it could happen due to the destruction caused by fungal infection.
Does Vicks cure toenail fungus?
It may sound a bit weird for some people. However, it seems to sometimes help cure a fungal infection. Though it has not gone through any large-scale clinical trials, some “small-scale” studies have been done.
During these studies, people experience various degrees of relief.
Have a look at the above video. As you can see, the percentage of people that have complete relief from this fungal infection is low.
In conclusion, we can say that if you are lucky, Vicks may be helpful in toenail infection.
BUT it is by no means the most effective treatment.
Any cure for toenail fungus will take a couple of months. This is due to nails (and fungus) that takes a long time to grow.
Do you really want to wait that long to see whether you have a small chance of success?
>> Check out my Personal Review of a FDA Approved product that may have a higher chance to cure your infection.
Here’s to you curing your fungal infection!