Not only can Vicks Vapor Rub help to reduce the symptoms of flu but is also a good remedy for athlete’s foot. Vicks Vapor Rub has active properties believed to have resistance to foot fungus. It also contains eucalyptus, methanol, thymol, and camphor, which has fungal medicinal properties. If you have gotten athlete’s foot already this post will guide you on how to get rid of it entirely and how to prevent a future occurrence.
Does Vicks VapoRub Get Rid of Athlete's Foot?
What is athlete's foot?
While we are might be curious about the cold sore solution or probiotic tampon, it is hard to discuss more personal items. That is why we are tackling things that we rarely talk about such as best hygiene and bodily function. In this post, we will address the best remedy for athlete’s foot.
Athlete’s foot mostly affects people who wear sweaty, smelly shoes for long hours. It is a fungal infection which forms on the skin between toes - looks and feels itchy and even shiny. While it is not difficult to treat, it is not pleasant. But if you have gotten it already this post will guide you on how to get rid of it entirely and how to prevent a future occurrence.
What causes athlete’s foot?
Tinea pedis, typically known as athlete's foot, is a contagious fungal infection that affects the skin on the feet. It can affect the toenails and the hands too. If you have diabetes or a weakened immune system and you suspect you have athlete's foot, you should call a doctor right away.
Athlete's foot happens when tinea fungus develops on the feet. You can get the athlete's foot fungus through direct contact with an infected person, or by touching surfaces contaminated with the fungus. Athlete's foot fungus thrives well in warm, moist environments. It is commonly found in showers, locker room floors, and around swimming pool areas.
Does Vicks VapoRub Get Rid of Athlete's Foot?
It is said that you can use Vicks VapoRub for athlete’s fungal infection. Vicks is popularly known for its capacity to treat a blocked nose, remove mucus and soothe minor aches and pains, but can it clear foot fungal infection entirely.
There is significant evidence of people claiming to have used Vicks VapoRub to treat athlete’s foot. There have also been articles from reputable journals and magazines on the same. And with clinical results it is positive- one can use Vicks VapoRub to get rid of athlete's foot. Before we explore further into VapoRub, let's look at the causes of Athlete’s foot.
How does Vicks VapoRub treat Athlete foot infection?
Vicks is an active agent against foot fungus and can destroy toenail fungus. The natural ingredients in the ointment are known to have antifungal properties which impede the growth of fungus. When the bacterias do not thrive, the infection weakens. Eventually, the infection stops spreading and will end completely.
What are the ingredients in Vicks Vaporub that treat athlete's foot?
Vicks Vaporub has camphor oil which is used to treat fungus together with other ailments such as warts, cold sores, and hemorrhoids. Camphor oil is known to fight nail fungus and infections. Camphor is also used as a stimulant to help in blood flow.
Vick Vaporub has eucalyptus oils which are an effective cure for toenail fungus. Eucalyptus leaves are for medicinal properties and are globally used for multiple therapeutic compounds. It is known for its properties to cure wounds and remove infections. Eucalyptus also has useful microbes including fungus and bacteria.
Vick Vaporub has menthol which is used for its cooling, soothing effects. Menthol reduces irritation and itching that is linked with toenail fungus. Menthol can be used to penetrate the skin and triggers cold receptors in the toes react towards fighting nasty microbes. It also has a strong organic compound with antifungal qualities and prevents the fungus from thriving.
Lastly, Vick Vaporub has Thyme oil, a naturally occurring ingredient, which has potent antimicrobial attributes. The compound is known to have various healing characteristics including toenail fungus.
Does Vicks Vaporub get rid of athlete’s foot forever?
Because of the lack of clinical evidence, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Vicks Vaporub has not been added to their approved list of treatments for fungal infections. However, the medicines which are approved by the FDA are not precisely the best treatments either. Many medical professionals have agreed that fungal infections are hard to treat. Generally, healing could take time, and there is a possibility that the infection will return once you stop treatment. Thus applying Vicks to your toes could be useful as any other treatment but without the side effects.
How to apply Vicks VapoRub to treat athlete’s foot infection at home fast?
Since Vicks is not a conventional treatment of athlete’s foot, there are no prescribed methods about how to apply it. However, those who have successfully used Vicks Vaporub to treat athlete’s smeared the topical cream on the affected area just like other tropical fungal infection creams.
First, trim your nails and keep them short. Use clean toenail clippers to cut the nails. If you have hard, brittle toenails, you can use duty toenail clippers. Then follow the instructions below at least twice a day. But note that some skin is more sensitive to some medications than others. If you realize applying Vicks VapoRub twice a day irritates, only use it once a day.
It is good to visit a doctor before e using Vicks as a treatment for toenail fungus. Immerse your infected foot in a warm bath, or take a warm bath. Shave away top layers of dead skin, corns or callus on your feet. You can use a pumice stone. To ensure the ointment gets into the gaps file your nails, remove any keratin debris. Smear the Vicks Vaporub on the affected area making sure the cream reaches the skin down the side of your nails and under the toenail onto the nail bed.
How soon can I get rid of athlete’s foot completely when I use Vicks Vaporub?
If you are treating athlete's foot, it will take a few days to clear but if you are handling athlete’s which has spread to the toe or other body parts it can take a while to cure. However, it depends on severe infection and your reaction to the treatment. Not all treatments work for everyone.
However, if Vicks VapoRub works for you for the nail infection, it can take about six months. Are there any side effects or risks of using Vicks Vapor to treat athlete’s foot. There are no damaging side effects when using the ointment to treat athlete’s foot and toenail fungus. But people who have skin which is allergic and sensitive to the ingredients of Vicks could experience some irritation or mild burning.
What will happen if the athlete's foot is left untreated?
Athlete’s foot treatment
Before treating the infection, it is a critical diagnosis and be sure it is a fungal infection. Diagnosing athlete’s foot
Hydrogen peroxide for athlete’s foot
Hydrogen peroxide and iodine are commonly used to disinfect cuts and wounds and to kill germs on the skin. Studies have revealed that hydrogen peroxide combined with iodine can kill numerous type of fungi. The two products are both useful when used separately or together. To use this remedy is iodine solution and hydrogen peroxide in a basin. Iodide solution is available in all most drug stores in wound care sections. Immerse the feet directly in the solution or use a cotton pad to apply it to the affected areas. Do not use undiluted iodine on the skin because it can damage the skin if used by itself. Hydrogen peroxide might sting if the skin is broken or irritated, and can bleach hair fabrics. Iodine can also result in stains.
Determining if you are at risk for athlete’s foot
If you had previously come in contact with a contaminated surface and then provided a good environment for fungus to grow. Contaminated surfaces include swimming pools, locker rooms or showers where you walk barefoot after someone who has had athlete’s foot infection walked previously. Anyone can get athlete’s foot, however various behaviors that increase your risk. Factors that make you vulnerable to getting athlete’s foot include but are not limited to:
- If you have sweaty feet, you are at high risk of contracting athlete’s foot
- Minor skin burns or toenail injuries increases the chances of developing athlete’s foot
- Visiting public places barefoot such as swimming pools, locker rooms, and showers increase the chances of developing athlete’s foot
- Sharing towels, shoes or socks with an infected person makes the person more vulnerable to athlete’s foot
- If you keep your feet wet for long periods, you might catch athlete’s foot
- Wearing tight, closed-toe shoes can increase the chances of catching athlete’s foot
Get to know the symptoms of athlete’s foot before treating it
The most common symptoms of athlete fungal infection revolve around skin irritation that the fungus cause. Depending on the infection, the symptoms can be mild, moderate or severe. Symptoms such as itching can become worse when you wear shoes and socks. Other symptoms of fungal infection include:
1. Itching and burning skin around the infected area
2. Peeling or flaking skin can be a sign of athlete’s foot
3. Beware of cracking skin as this can be a sign of athlete's foot
4. Bleeding and pain in the infected area can also be a sign of athlete's foot
5. Parts of the skin looking redder than the rest of the foot could be a warning that a fungal infection infects you.
To assess your feet for athlete’s foot, look at both of your feet carefully between the toes and soles of your feet. If you realize your skin is reddening and you have dry flakes on your skin, and you also have some of the symptoms discussed above, you can begin treatment by applying Vicks Vapor Rub as explained at the beginning of this section.Beware that athlete’s foot can spread to other areas of the body if not treated.
1. Fungal infections are transmittable and can spread anywhere if they find conducive environment.
2. To avoid spreading of the fungal infection, you should always wash your hands thoroughly after handling infected areas on your feet.
3. Athlete’s infection can spread to your hands, especially if you pick at areas on your foot infected with the fungus.
4. Athlete’s foot can transfer to your toenails and fingernails. It is more challenging to treat toenail infections on your foot.
5. Athlete’s foot can develop into groin infection when it infects your groin area. Beware that fungus that causes athlete’s foot can contaminate materials like a towel.
