Does Vicks VapoRub Work For Cold Sores?
Chances are you have heard about and used Vicks VapoRub since you were a kid.
Known to be a mentholated ointment, Vicks can be used to cure chest congestion. It can also provide relief from pain and act as a cough suppressant. That is not all; many people use Vicks for relief on their aching joints and muscles, while you can even apply it on bites and stings.
Now chances are you already have a bottle of Vicks VapoRub, which has become a household name today. But did you know that it works wonders for treating cold sores?
In this guide, we will tell you about the benefits of Vicks VapoRub for cold sores and answer all your doubts about it.
Does Vicks VapoRub Work For Cold Sores?
Vicks VapoRub contains two of the best ingredients, which have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties – eucalyptus oil and camphor.
These are essential oils and VapoRub contains 1.2% eucalyptus oil, 4.8% camphor, and menthol, which is used widely for recovering from cold sores. There are some inactive ingredients as well, which are nutmeg oil, cedar leaf oil, thymol, petrolatum, and turpentine oil.
Hence, you can use this product to cure cold sores, while these ingredients also act as a lip balm and deliver a cooling sensation on your lips.
Other Benefits Of Using Vicks VapoRub
Vicks can help in the treatment of cold sores, along with many other issues. Read on to learn about them.
1. Cough
Menthol, camphor, and eucalyptus oil are the best ingredients that help suppress cough, and Vicks VapoRub has them all. You will have to rub Vicks on your neck and chest to get relief but keep it away from the nostrils and mouth. Also, wear a loose shirt, so the ointment doesn’t rub off.
Just know that Vicks will not work if you have a cough with phlegm or asthma.
2. Helps Deal With Congestion
While Vicks will not treat congestion, it can provide relief to the body. It has camphor and menthol that deliver a cooling sensation, which can trick the brain into feeling that you are breathing better when the sensation travels through the nose.
3. Provides Relief To Sore Muscles
Menthol and camphor are known as topical analgesics since they provide a cooling sensation that can override the pain you feel. Hence, when used on sore muscles, Vicks VapoRub can help in dealing with the pain and discomfort.
4. Can Heal Rough Skin
If you do not apply any cream to your feet, then rough skin or dry patches may develop near the heels. When Vicks is applied, it keeps the moisture intact and prevents it from evaporating. The rough patches slowly heal over time but you will have to use it regularly for the best results.
5. Provides Relief From Headaches
For those who are susceptible to cold, headaches are a common problem, especially towards the base of your skull. While it has not been proven yet, the menthol Vicks VapoRub may help in dealing with headaches better.
You can apply it topically to the desired area, and the cooling sensation may provide relief. Pair it up with ginger green tea, and you are bound to feel better.
Tips To Remember
1. Avoiding Vicks Before Work
Never apply Vicks on your lips before going to school or work. You may consume water or food given by someone else mistakenly and end up swallowing the Vicks balm as well. This is not good for the body, so only apply Vicks when you are relaxing or after eating.
2. Small Amounts Only
You will have to apply Vicks in small amounts only and, irrespective of what people think, know that it will not deliver any additional benefits if you apply a lot.
3. Keep Applying Regularly
If you have a scab, keep applying Vicks daily until the scab is completely healed. It is best not to stop using it all of a sudden as the healing process may slow down.
4. Do Not Heat
Never heat Vicks before using it, as that may lead to burns on your skin. Store it in a cool and dry place and apply it directly from the bottle.
5. Keep Away From Children
It is best to keep the Vicks VapoRub jar away from children as they may put it in their mouths. The formula can be toxic if swallowed, and it is not meant for internal use.
How To Heal Cold Sores Naturally?
While Vicks VapoRub is created with organic ingredients itself, you can use other natural remedies to treat cold sores. There are several things that can help you with it, including supplements, foods, essential oils, and a healthy lifestyle to assist in building immunity.
Some of the top ingredients that can help in the treatment of cold sores are:
- Vitamin C
- Zinc
- Essential oils
- Vitamin E
- Aloe vera gel
- Lysine
What Is A Good Alternative To Vicks VapoRub?
You can make a vapor rub on your own at home, as creating a similar ointment is not difficult. Complex essential oils will be needed for this purpose, while you can also make lip balms, salves, and other healing creams.
To do this, you will require:
- Olive oil – ¼ cup
- A glass bottle
- Coconut oil – ¼ cup
- Peppermint oil – 20 drops ( may vary)
- Grated beeswax
- Eucalyptus oil – 20 drops
After you have all the ingredients, make sure you have a clean surface to work on and wear gloves to maintain proper hygiene before mixing them. You can pour the olive oil, beeswax, and coconut oil inside a clean glass container with an airtight lid.
Then take a pan and fill it upto 3 inches with water while using a medium to low setting to heat it gently. After that, take the glass container and put it in the saucepan so that the oil melts inside, which is essential to get the right texture of the ointment.
You will need to keep stirring the mixture continuously and once the beeswax has melted, remove the container from the water to let it cool down. Following that, add the remaining essential oils, and pour the mixture into a container to store the homemade ointment.
FAQs
1. How to apply Vicks VapoRub?
Before applying Vicks VapoRub, know that a small amount can do wonders. It has a heavy texture and may tear a scab if you are not careful, so remember not to put pressure on a recent wound when applying it.
Also, wash your hands before using it and take a small amount from the container to rub it gently over the desired area. If you are using it for the lips, do not touch the lips with your tongue as it may cause a burning sensation. And remember not to eat or drink anything after application.
When it’s time to eat something, wash your lips properly and only then consume edibles. We will advise on applying Vicks twice a day since applying it too many times may have the opposite effect as the body will get used to it.
2. How long will you have to wait before Vicks VapoRub works?
We cannot specify an exact timeline for Vicks to work. It can bring down the healing time and allow cold sores to heal faster but the timespan will depend on the severity of the issue.
3. Does Vicks VapoRub have negative effects?
Vicks is mostly safe for multiple purposes, but in rare cases, you may experience some side effects like rashes, redness of the skin, or skin irritation. Some people have also said that they face minor difficulties in breathing.
In case you encounter any of these symptoms, especially for prolonged durations, stop using the product immediately. You can then consult a doctor to get a professional opinion on what to do next.
We recommend consulting a doctor before using Vicks VapoRub if you are breastfeeding or pregnant. If you are an active smoker and the cough continues even after daily application of Vicks, it’s yet another reason to see a medical professional.
Besides this, do not use the product for any kid under two years of age.
Final Words
You will be happy to know that Vicks is easily available online and finding it should not be a problem. But it is important you know that Vicks VapoRub will not lead to miracles.
It is vital to give the blister enough time to heal, and Vicks will assist in the process. This formula can be very effective, but you will always need to avoid internal use. Also, remember that it is not meant for critical wounds or sores, so consult a doctor if the wound is deep to get the required help.
Hope you experience pain relief very quickly. Take care, bye!
