Ashima Sharda Mahindra • 14 Dec 2024
Does Vicks VapoRub Clear Nasal Congestion? No, It Can Cause Severe Toxicity and Allergy In Toddlers; Here's How
it is unsafe for any use in children under two years of age
As children, our mothers used to apply Vicks VapoRub under our noses to help us breathe whenever we were down with cold, flu, and blocked noses. However, according to experts, VapoRub does not clear up congestion in the nose. However, its strong menthol odour tricks your brain, so you may feel like breathing through an unclogged nose.
Vicks VapoRub is a universally used and highly popular rubbed on the throat and chest to relieve a cough.
Why can VapoRub be dangerous for children?
According to doctors, it is unsafe for any use in children under two years of age. However, adults and those above the toddler age must only apply it on their necks and chests to ease coughing during a cold.
Vicks VapoRub is made with ingredients like camphor, eucalyptus oil, and menthol.
What is camphor?
Camphor is a terpene commonly used in creams, ointments, and lotions and is used topically to help relieve pain, irritation, and itching. Camphor is also used to relieve chest congestion and inflammatory conditions. It is also used to heal burn wounds and relieve pain, inflammation, and swelling due to arthritis.
While it is usually considered safe, camphor should only be used by adults. Never eat or inhale it, as it is highly toxic and can cause serious side effects—from redness and irritation on the skin to severe respiratory problems such as coughing and wheezing.
Avoid contact with your eyes.
According to experts, camphor should also never be ingested internally as it can lead to serious side effects and even be fatal. Early signs of camphor toxicity appear within 5-90 minutes of ingestion and the symptoms include burning of the mouth and throat, nausea, and vomiting.
Doctors say this is one important reason why camphor Vicks VapoRub makes it avoidable to be applied around your nasal passage when you have a cold and flu.
Other benefits of Vicks VapoRub are that completely safe
While it is dangerous when inhaled or consumed, experts say Vicks VapoRub works wonders in many other aspects of your health, a few of which include:
Treats toenail fungus
Vicks VapoRub helps treat toenail fungus. According to studies, the product's ingredients have anti-fungal properties.
Relieves sore muscles
When it comes to pain relief, the camphor and menthol in VapoRub are considered counterirritants, as they overwhelm your cells' pain receptors.
Doctors suggest that for treating muscle aches, rub Vicks VapoRub directly over the sore muscle.
Who should not use Vicks VapoRub?
According to doctors, Vicks VapoRub should be avoided for usage by those under the age of 2 years, as camphor can cause:
- Seizures
- Severe high white blood cell count known as leukocytosis
- High blood sugar or hyperglycemia
- Severe allergic reaction
- Difficulty breathing
- Dizziness
- Hives
- Irregular heartbeat
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