You may apply Vicks VapoRub to your child's chest when she has a cold, but the minty salve may also be effective in reducing nail fungus, according to MayoClinic.com's article "Nail Fungus." There may not be enough evidence, however, to prove that Vicks VapoRub is effective in all cases of nail fungus. Consult a doctor before using Vicks VapoRub as a remedy for any condition.
Significance
Nail fungus grows underneath the fingernails or toenails and grows more rapidly in damp, dark places. You may pick up the infection by walking barefoot in a public pool, gym or shower, notes MayoClinic.com. Nail fungus occurs most often on the toenails because the feet may be covered with socks and shoes for most of the day. Vicks VapoRub contains a variety of herbal ingredients that may be effective in some cases, but are not scientifically proven to stop the growth of toenail fungus.
Function
According to the Vicks official website, Vicks VapoRub contains 4.8 percent camphor, 1.2 percent eucalyptus oil and 2.6 percent menthol as active ingredients. The camphor and menthol act as both topical analgesics and cough suppressants, while the eucalyptus oil acts only as a cough suppressant. Eucalyptus oil is a home remedy that may be used to treat toenail fungus, according to the Health 911 website's article "Nail Infections."
Considerations
In the article "Vicks VapoRub Might Help Fight Toenail Fungus," on the Consumer Reports product review website, health experts state that other chest rub brands may be equally as effective at reducing toenail fungus as Vicks VapoRub, provided the alternative chest rubs also contain similar doses of camphor, menthol and eucalyptus.
indications
According to MayoClinic.com, there have been no clinical studies to prove the effectiveness of Vicks VapoRub on nail fungus, but there is anecdotal evidence showing the salve may eliminate nail fungus in some cases. Therefore, there is no prescribed or recommended dose for Vicks VapoRub as an antifungal medication. Your doctor will determine how often to apply Vicks VapoRub as a treatment for toenail fungus if he approves its use, notes MayoClinic.com.
Time Frame
According to the Consumer Reports site, it may take between five and 16 months for Vicks VapoRub to completely eliminate nail fungus. Trimming the nail as it grows may help slowly remove fungus from the nail until the infected area grows out completely. Trim nails short and keep the fingernails or toenails dry and clean in order to prevent the infection from spreading, notes MayoClinic.com.
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