Vick Vapor Rub Cure for Nail Fungus

Toenail fungus usually gains entry to the toenail bed when there has been an injury to the nail, such as a crack or a split 1. Once the fungus has entered, the warm, dark environment that it finds in the shoes and socks encourages it to grow and spread. According to the Foot Health Network, the standard treatment for toenail fungus involves prescription medication or partial to full nail removal 1. Many people want to avoid harsh medications and painful treatment and are turning to a remedy for toenail fungus you may not suspect: Vicks VapoRub 1.

The Proof

It seems as though Vicks VapoRub has been a cure for almost everything, from coughs to chest congestion to stuffy noses. Now Vicks is emerging as a cure for nail fungus. What may have started as an accidental home remedy now has a medical study to back it up. Researchers at Michigan State University studied the effects of Meijer medicated chest rub on toenail fungus and found the ratio of camphor, eucalyptus oil and menthol to be effective in treating the fungus 1. While the brand was Meijer, it has the exact same ratio of ingredients that Vicks VapoRub has, which explains why people are having so much success with Vicks.

Application

To treat toenail fungus with Vicks VapoRub, clean and trim your toenails 1. Wash them well and make sure they are completely dry. Coat the toenail with the Vicks, and be sure to get the gel deep into the sides of the nail and as far underneath as possible 1. If you have any cracks in your nail, rub deeply into them. Once the nail is covered, then wrap a light gauze bandage or adhesive bandage around the nail to protect the Vicks from rubbing off on to socks or something else. Leave it on and let the gel absorb into the nail. Repeat daily. The time it takes to notice results can be anywhere from 10 days to six weeks, depending upon how deep your fungus is.