Is Vicks VapoRub A Viable Toenail Fungus Solution? 15
It’s quite likely that at some point in our lives, we’ve had Vicks VapoRub slathered all over our chests. Most of us must have undergone this experience. Stuffiness, coughing, sneezing, sniffling – these are the symptoms of illness that we associate with Vicks VapoRub as its soothing (and for some, not so soothing) smell and medicinal ingredients have helped us to get contend with our cold symptoms.
With Vicks VapoRub working such wonders in the cold decongestant world, is it possible that it could provide us with more health benefits? Some people have reported using the popular product as a sleep aid, insisting that rubbing it on the edge of their pillows at night provides a soothing smell that promotes peaceful relaxation. Interesting. A New York Times study, however, has revealed yet another benefit you may find even more intriguing.
According to Sarah Rae Trover on Lifehacker.com, researchers have studied the effects that the ingredients in Vicks VapoRub have on toenail fungus! Thymol is listed as one of the product’s non-medicinal ingredients. It is derived from the herb, thyme. Yet, Trover notes that the study found that thymol is, in fact, the most effective ingredient in Vicks VapoRub in the fight against toenail fungus.
She explains that it hinders the growth of dermatophytes, which cause nail fungus. Trover goes on to explain that thymol has been shown to be effective against dermatophytes in several other studies, indicating that it can be a potent opponent to nail fungus development. In fact, one study showed that thymol oil destroys Candida, which is another cause of nail fungus.
Thymol, it seems, disrupts the cell membranes and metabolism of Candida. So is Vicks VapoRub really a reliable option in the treatment of toenail fungus? According to Traci Joy of eHow.com, researchers at Michigan State University studied the effects of a similar medicated chest rub on toenail fungus and discovered that the ratio of camphor, eucalyptus oil and menthol was successful in treating it.
Joy goes on to explain exactly how people should apply Vicks VapoRub in an effort to beat their toenail fungus problem:
Step 1: Clean and trim your toenails. Make sure that they are completely dry.
Step 2: Coat the toenails with the product, making sure to get the gel deep in the sides of the nails and as far underneath them as you can. Rub the Vicks VapoRub into any cracks that may exist in the nail as well.
Step 3: Once your nails are covered in the rub, wrap a light gauze or adhesive bandage around them to prevent it all from rubbing off. Allow for the Vicks VaboRub to absorb into the nails to works its magic. Joy notes that this should be repeated daily as it may take time to notice results. It could take anywhere between ten days to six weeks for significant improvements to be made. It all depends on how bad the infection is.
If all else fails, there is certainly a product in existence with a proven track record for success in the fight against toenail fungus. Zetaclear is considered the #1 toenail fungus cure on the market! It works double duty as the treatment involves both a topical solution and an oral spray that works to battle the infection from the inside out! Log on to the Zetaclear website for more information.