Can Vicks VapoRub treat toenail fungus? Many people share that Vicks VapoRub can treat fungal nail infections. Even though you may have heard of success stories using this product, it is still considered a myth. There is no scientific evidence that proves the effectiveness of Vicks VapoRub in treating nail fungus. 

Does Vicks VapoRub cure toenail fungus?

Here are the reasons why people think Vicks VapoRub can cure Toenail Fungus:

  1. It is soothing – Nail fungus can be itchy, and Vicks VapoRub contains a soothing ingredient. As a result, it can provide quick relief and minimize discomfort.
  2. It’s a staple in most households – Vicks VapoRub has been around for a long time and is trusted by many. As a result, it served as a remedy to any minor condition in the household.
  3. Affordable and accessible – You can find it in any drugstore with a very cheap price tag. As a result, it’s a quick and easy substitute for expensive medication.
  4. Other treatments have side effects – Most people prefer home remedies to avoid the dangerous side effects that come with medication. Oral antifungal medication has side effects that can cause skin rashes, stomach issues, and even liver damage.
  5. Treatment for a toenail fungus takes time. Treatment for toenail fungus usually takes at least 12 weeks. People then think that applying Vicks VapoRub will achieve the same result.

Here are the reasons why people think Vicks VapoRub can cure Toenail Fungus:

  1. It has a soothing effect – Nail fungus can be itchy, and Vicks VapoRub has a soothing ingredient, eucalyptus. It provides quick relief and minimizes discomfort.
  2. It’s a staple in most households – Vicks VapoRub has been around for a long time and is trusted by many. It served as a remedy for any minor condition in the household.
  3. It is affordable and accessible – You can find it in any drugstore with a very cheap price tag. Vicks VapoRub can be a quick and easy substitute for expensive medication.
  4. Other treatments have side effects – Most people turn to home remedies to avoid the side effects that come with medication. Oral antifungal medication has side effects that can cause skin rashes, stomach issues, and even liver damage.
  5. Treatment for a toenail fungus takes time. Treatment for toenail fungus usually takes at least 12 weeks. People then think that applying Vicks VapoRub will achieve the same result.

Evidence?

There might be some evidence that Vicks VapoRub may treat nail fungus, but doctors still have reservations. They are not comfortable recommending this type of treatment to their patients.

There is one, but it involves a small sample size of 18, which is not scientifically significant enough. Because of this, experts cannot say for certain that this product can cure fungal nail infection.

a person using a serum.

Do doctors recommend Vicks VapoRub?

Doctors do not recommend this type of treatment to their patients. As a result, there are few to no studies about it. Vicks VapoRub is a topical agent. Although known topical medication for toenail fungus achieves a very low success rate in treating toenail fungus. Topical agents are not able to penetrate the nail to get rid of all the fungus. Fungal nail infections usually reside underneath the nail, which makes it difficult to reach.

Laser Treatment for Nail Fungus

If you have caught nail fungus, it can be easily treated using the FDA-approved PinPointe laser, which typically only takes one treatment. Other treatments, like topical solutions and oral medication, are not as effective. Topical solutions have a very low cure rate. This is because the solution does not penetrate all the way through the nail bed.  This is because it can lead to liver toxicity. You would need to have consistent blood tests throughout the course of taking the medication. 

Our nail doctors recommend this treatment for Toenail Fungus. The PinPointe Laser treatment has the highest cure rate in the market. It has no side effects and no recovery period. As a result, you can go about your daily activities right after the treatment. Also, there’s no pain.

If you have any signs of nail fungus, call us at (800) 672-0625 or visit our website for more information on our doctors at one of our over 150 locations.