Myth or Truth: Does Vicks VapoRub Treat Nail Fungus

Vicks VapoRub is one of the most common household products found in medicine cabinets. Typically used for cough suppression, Vicks VapoRub contains camphor and eucalyptus oil which can be used to treat toenail fungus.

In this article, we will answer the age-old question of if Vicks VapoRub can treat toenail fungus.

Does Vicks VapoRub Work For Fungal Infections?

A lot of people online have reported successes using Vick’s VapoRub for their toenail fungal infections. However, this is often not enough to determine whether or not it is effective. To simply answer this question if Vick’s VapoRub works, the best conclusion would be it depends.

Here at Toe Fungus Journey, we say it depends because the severity of a person’s fungal infection can differ.

Yes, people have used it and reported curing their toenail fungus with it but there are better alternatives such as using products specifically designed for getting rid of toenail fungus.

Often times at-home remedies are not one-size-fits-all. But this blog is not designed to give you a recommendation of a product that “might” work. So, we provided a study that shows information that will help you determine whether or not you should try using Vick’s VapoRub.

A 2011 study shed light on this question and showed that Vick’s VapoRub has a “positive clinical effect” on toenail fungus.

This study was done by the Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine which reported that it eradicated nail fungus for 5 of the 18 patients. Improvements were seen in 10 others. It is important to note that researchers estimated the yearly cost of this treatment to be around $24 a year.

So yes, Vick’s VapoRub is able to kill the fungus but there are better alternatives as I aforementioned. A nearly identical alternative would be using Tiger Balm. I compare these two products later in the article below.

How to Use

If after reading this information about Vick’s VapoRub has helped you make the decision in trying Vick’s VapoRub for yourself then below will be instructions on how to properly use it.

Like most toenail fungus home remedies, Vick’s VapoRub will be applied topically onto the infected nails.

You will just put an adequate amount of Vick’s VapoRub onto the nail and try to get it to the nail bed region.

For Fingernails

You may be reading this article and curious if this method also works for fingernails. It in fact does. It does not matter whether the fungal infection is on your toenails or fingernails, Vick’s VapoRub can assist in the treatment of nail fungus and other ailments on the skin.

Before and After of Using Vicks VapoRub

Here are some of the results of a before and after of using Vick’s VapoRub for nail fungus.

Vicks VapoRub vs. Tiger Balm

One interesting debate is whether you should use Vicks VapoRub or Tiger Balm for your toenail fungus. Both of these products are similar in ingredients, however, one is “stronger” than the other.

In this case, Tiger Balm has a higher concentration of camphor oil than Vicks VapoRub which has positive effects on toenail fungus. I wrote an entire article that breaks down everything you need to know about Tiger Balm and how it is, in fact, a better alternative to Vicks VapoRub.