Nail Fungus

After clinicians of the Michigan State University found that using Vicks VapoRub for the treatment of nail fungus returned positive results, controversy on the effectiveness of this medication as topical solution arose.  Consumer Reports nationwide have been publishing the promising results from different clinical trials.

According to studies performed on a sample including 85 patients, Vicks VapoRub for treating nail fungus on a daily basis, 32 of them cleared the condition on the infected nail. The treatment length varied from 5 to 16 months before seeing any result. Researchers found that such studies are weak and with no basis to discontinue oral treatments, such as Lamisil.

However, studies do not condone or recommend the use of Vicks VapoRub, are limited to report the results observed. Although, the efficacy of oral medications to combat fungal infections is widely accepted, antifungal drugs are more costly, and usually cause serious side effects.

Furthermore, rubbing VapoRub on your toenail or fingernail does not cause any harm, except irritation when touching your eyes or the sensitive skin of your face. Keeping your nails trimmed as short as you can get them allow the prevention of developing of fungi, control the infection if already exists, and avoid accidental touching having Vicks on your fingernails.

Vicks VapoRub is considered a home remedy, but further research may show that this and other drugs containing the same mix of menthol, eucalyptus, camphor, and other oils may become an option in nail fungus treatment. Meijer’s Medicated Chest Rub is one of those alternate drugs to VapoRub that should be analyzed.
The long process is worth the price, in the knowledge that there have been no side effects found. Some researchers suggest trying Lamisil tablets in combination with topical application of Vicks VapoRub to accelerate the healing process. Actually, the cure with Lamisil takes near 48 weeks before seeing any results so there is not much difference.

No only methods and lengths are similar, but either are the results. 38% of all patients treated with Lamisil were cured, while 37.64% found the cure rubbing Vicks for the same period of time, clearing the condition completely. Surveys also showed that people consider Vicks VapoRub the easiest and safest method to get rid of nail fungus.

In fact, it is recommended that if you are going to try it, apply Vicks at night covering your hands or feet with a sock or gloves to keep your bedding clean and the topic ointment on place. Vicks VapoRub is totally harmless, although its smell changes after you use them for the treatment of the infection.