Other uses that people report work for them
While little or no research supports the following uses of Vicks VapoRub, some people have said they have tried it with favorable results.
Fading stretch marks
Stretch marks are purplish, red, or white lines that appear on the skin after a period of quick growth. They most often appear around puberty and pregnancy.
ResearchersTrusted Source haven’t found evidence that any topical cream or lotion is effective in reducing stretch marks. Nevertheless, some people report success in fading stretch marks using Vicks VapoRub.
Training pets
Some people believe the strong scent of Vicks VapoRub can keep pets from urinating on or scratching up furniture in the home.
Dabbing a small amount of the product on the area you want to protect may keep your pet at bay, but make sure your pet can’t lick or chew the ointment off the surface.
Never put Vicks VapoRub directly on your pet’s skin.
Camphor is toxic to animals. It can cause a skin reaction, and in large enough amounts, it can cause seizures and even death.
Healing rough skin on your heels
The American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD) recommends petroleum jelly as a moisturizer, especially when used on damp skin because it keeps moisture from evaporating.
This may be why some people find Vicks VapoRub helpful for healing rough skin on their feet and heels.
However, more research is needed to support the anecdotal claims about its usefulness as a treatment for dry, calloused foot skin.
Repelling mosquitoes
A 2020 reviewTrusted Source found that many people in Colombia use Vicks VapoRub to help repel mosquitoes or soothe mosquito bits.
A 2013 reviewTrusted Source found that the camphor oil found in Vicks VapoRub can repel certain species of mosquitoes. Similarly, a 2012 studyTrusted Source suggests products containing menthol may also be effective against mosquitoes.
However, more research is needed to support the use of Vicks VapoRub in repelling mosquitoes.
DEET and picaridin are still the most powerful mosquito repellents.
Treating acne spots
Beauty bloggers have promoted using Vicks VapoRub as an overnight acne treatment.
Research suggests some ingredients in Vicks VapoRub may help heal blemishes, but other ingredients may actually worsen acne.
For example, dermatologists have recommended camphor essential oil as an acne treatment.
However, petroleum jelly, another ingredient in Vicks VapoRub, may cause breakouts. The AAD recommends against using products with petroleum jelly on acne-prone skin.
Learn more about 14 home remedies for acne.
Relieving headaches
A 2015 reviewTrusted Source found that gels and ointments containing menthol may help relieve headaches when applied to the base of the skull.
However, the amount of menthol in the tested products was much higher (6% and 10%) than that in Vicks VapoRub (2.6%).
So far, no studies support using Vicks VapoRub for treating headaches.
Warnings and cautions
Health officials and the product’s manufacturer say you shouldn’t use Vicks VapoRub:
on children under 2 years old
on open wounds
under tight bandages
Other safety warnings include the following:
Store Vicks VapoRub safely out of reach of children.
Don’t heat Vicks VapoRub before you use it, as it can cause burns.
Never eat or swallow Vicks VapoRub. The ingredients are toxic when ingested.
There have been cases when Vicks VapoRub caused the skin under the nose to lighten.
There have been rare casesTrusted Source when long-term or excessive use of Vicks VapoRub caused a rare form of pneumonia called exogenous lipoid pneumonia (ELP)Trusted Source.
If your cough or muscle soreness lasts longer than a week, talk with a doctor.
Frequently asked questions
What is Vicks VapoRub useful for?
Vicks VapoRub may help relieve coughs and minor muscle and joint pain.
When should you not use Vicks VapoRub?
You shouldn’t use Vicks VapoRub if you have a persistent cough associated with asthma and smoking or a phlegmy cough. It’s also not recommended for children ages 2 years and younger.
Is it OK to use Vicks VapoRub with COVID-19?
Products containing menthol are not recommended for people with COVID-19. Menthol can trigger receptors in your brain that make you feel as though you’re breathing more clearly than you are and can lead you to underestimate the severity of your symptoms. This may result in delaying necessary medical treatment.
Why should you rub Vicks VapoRub on your feet at night?
Some people claim that putting Vicks VapoRub on your feet can help with cold symptoms. However, there isn’t any scientific evidence to support this theory. The manufacturer’s guidelines say to apply the product to your chest.
Takeaway
Vicks VapoRub has been a medication cabinet staple for more than 125 years. Although it’s not listed as a decongestant, solid research supports its use to relieve a stuffy nose or cough.
It may also help relieve muscle and joint pain, as well as stamp out toenail fungal infections.
That said, many anecdotal uses, such as trying to fade stretch marks, heal rough skin, and treat headaches, aren’t supported by evidence.
If you’re looking for remedies, speak with a healthcare professional. They could provide the best treatment for you.