Vicks VapoRub is a topical ointment that is commonly used to treat coughs, but it has also been used as a home remedy for nail fungus. The ingredients in Vicks VapoRub include camphor, eucalyptus oil, and menthol, along with inactive ingredients such as cedarleaf oil, nutmeg oil, petrolatum, thymol, and turpentine oil. Some of these ingredients have antifungal activity, and an older study from 2011 found that Vicks VapoRub had a "positive clinical effect" in treating toenail fungus. However, it is important to note that this study had limitations, such as a lack of patient follow-up after product use stops, and it is not clear whether Vicks VapoRub can treat the most common fungus culprit.
Positive:
- Some of the ingredients in Vicks VapoRub have antifungal activity.
- An older study from 2011 found that Vicks VapoRub had a "positive clinical effect" in treating toenail fungus.
Negative:
- It is not clear whether Vicks VapoRub can treat the most common fungus culprit.
- Topical nail fungus treatments can appear to clear nail fungal infections, but often do not completely cure the infection.
Ingredients or materials:
- Active ingredients: camphor, eucalyptus oil, and menthol.
- Inactive ingredients: cedarleaf oil, nutmeg oil, petrolatum, thymol, and turpentine oil.
