Vicks VapoRub has been long used to treat the symptoms of flu, nasal congestion, and sinus problems.
It is one of the most common home remedies for various colds and sicknesses.
Camphor, menthol, and eucalyptus are the key ingredients of Vicks that help provide ease from flu and cold symptoms.
But did you know that there are many more uses of this little wonder?
One of the many important benefits of Vicks VapoRub is treating foot fungus.
You can find several home remedies to treat foot fungus like athlete’s foot, but Vicks VapoRub has so far turned out to be the most effective and affordable home remedy to prevent the growth of foot fungus.
Here is everything you need to know about using Vicks VapoRub for athlete’s foot.
Athlete’s Foot
Athlete’s foot, or tinea pedis, is a type of fungal infection that is similar to ringworm.
It starts between the toes and spreads to other parts if they come into contact with the infected area or contaminated clothing.
A scaly rash appears between the toes in the beginning and causes itching and inflammation.
This disease occurs mostly in people who wear tight shoes, which causes sweating on the feet.
It can be treated with antifungal medications, but there is a high chance that it might occur again.
Vicks VapoRub is a type of home remedy which can be used for athlete’s foot treatment.
Causes Of Athlete’s Foot
More often than not, athlete’s foot is caused by different types of fungi— the same fungi also cause ringworm and jock itch.
Moist and warm environments are most favorable for fungal growth, which feeds on keratin, a type of protein found in nails, skin, and hair.
Athlete’s foot is also contagious.
It can spread through direct contact with the infected individual or by using towels or clothing used by an infected person.
It can also spread to other parts of the body after contact with the infected area.
Diabetic patients or people with a weaker immune system are more at risk of catching the infection.
How Does Vicks VapoRub Help With Athlete’s Foot Treatment?
Vicks VapoRub is a topical medication that helps suppress cough and prevents nasal congestion.
The ingredients in Vicks have been used for a long time to treat fungal infections and other skin problems.
Camphor, eucalyptus, menthol, and thymol are the four main ingredients in Vicks that fight fungal infections.
Other ingredients in Vicks include nutmeg oil, petrolatum, and cedar leaf oil.
Regardless of the lack of concrete scientific evidence, the main ingredients in Vicks help fight fungal infections with no reported side effects.
The four main ingredients of Vicks VapoRub are best known for their antifungal characteristics and hinder the growth of fungal infection.
The prevention of growth weakens the infection and eventually, the infection goes away.
Some people have reported that the fungal infection grows back once you stop using Vicks VapoRub.
This means that the fungus cannot be killed; the prevention of growth only protects the new toenails, which pushes out the infected part and removes the fungus.
Hence, it is recommended to keep applying Vicks VapoRub until you are sure the fungus has been removed.
Some essential oils in Vicks VapoRub also help to maintain healthy, infection-free skin.
They can also provide relief from inflammation.
How To Apply Vicks For Athlete’s Foot Treatment
Vicks Vaporub is merely a home remedy and is not a medical treatment for Athlete’s foot.
Therefore, there are no hard and fast rules about applying Vicks on the foot.
It is recommended to put some Vicks on the infected part and massage it, as you would do with other antifungal ointments.
Some of us have more sensitive skin than others and applying Vicks might irritate or cause inflammation.
It is recommended to use Vicks twice a day on the infected area, but if the skin is sensitive, then use Vicks only once.
Trim your nails short before using Vicks, but if the fungal infection is severe, you may go on to the next steps without cutting your nails.
Soak your feet in warm water, remove any dead skin from the toes and clean your nails properly.
Spread some Vicks on the toes and infected region and rub it thoroughly with a finger on the sides of the nails, under the nails and between the toes.
Make sure that it is spread properly on the nail bed and the entire infected area.
Healing Time After Using Vicks VapoRub
Researchers and medical professionals believe that fungal infections are very difficult to treat and their healing time depends on the severity of the infection.
Most fungal infections take more than a year to go away completely.
There is also a risk of the fungal infection growing back again after it is completely gone.
There is no specific healing time. The results of Vick VapoRub are quite slow and may show after 6 months or more.
Approximately, the infection will take up to 12-18 months to completely disappear.
Benefits Of Using Vicks VapoRub For Athlete’s Foot
The active ingredients in Vicks VapoRub help a great deal in fighting the fungal infection due to their antiseptic properties.
Menthol is also known to reduce inflammation and itching caused by toenail fungus.
Here are some important benefits of using Vicks Vaporub for athlete’s foot treatment:
- It has no damaging side effects, unlike many antifungal medications prescribed by the doctors
- It is easy to use and can be applied like any other ointment.
- Its main ingredients kill fungal spores.
In order to avoid the side effects of using a prescribed drug for fungal infections, it is better to use home remedies and over the counter topical products.
Although the results will take a long time to show, the chances of suffering from side effects are very low.
Thank you for reading this guide on how to use vicks vaporub for athletes foot.
This account is run by a team of writers, researches, and more who simply love contributing to the site.