Toenail fungal infection is a nail condition that is affecting millions of people around the world. It can affect people of all ages but is more common with adults and the elderly as their immune system is considerably lower. In fact, more than 50% of cases concerning toenail fungus are people over the age of 70. Toenail fungus or onychomycosis is a hassle to treat and has a habit of returning every once in a while which is quite a nuisance. Fortunately, recent studies have shown a connection between treating toenail fungal infection and the product Vicks VapoRub.
Ingredients in Vicks VapoRub
Looking into the ingredients used in manufacturing Vicks VapoRub, it is clear that it utilizes three major ingredients that are known to relieve skin irritations and secondary ingredients used are effective anti bacterial compounds. The 3 primary active ingredients found in Vicks VapoRub include Camphor, Eucalyptus oil and menthol. Camphor and menthol are well known topical anesthetics. These 3 components are great ointments to relieve irritations while its secondary compound include nutmeg oil, petrolatum oil, turpentine oil, cedar leaf oil and thymol which are known to have anti bacterial properties.
Laboratory Studies and Results
The active ingredients found in Vicks VapoRub were all clinically tested to see how they can be used to prevent and stop the spread of fungal infections. The results were quite promising as camphor, eucalyptus oil, menthol and thymol all exhibited the ability to help suppress fungal infections. Of course, these are all tested within the confines of a controlled laboratory environment and human cases are vastly different and will have unforeseen factors that might affect end results. However, the fact that Vicks VapoRub seems to be a viable alternative fungal infection treatment is great news on its own.
Clinical Trials Using Vicks VapoRub
Recent laboratory studies that were published in 2011 had further pushed the effectiveness of Vicks VapoRub in treating certain cases of toenail fungal infections into the lime light. The study had 18 participants and lasted for at least 50 weeks. Over the course of the studies, each participant was instructed to use Vicks VapoRub daily and apply it over affected areas. After which 5 of 18 participants stated that their fungal infection was eliminated while 10 stated that they experienced improvements.
These studies showed that Vicks VapoRub might be effective when used against specific types of fungal infections. Doctors are still trying to determine which type of fungus can be treated using Vicks VapoRub.
Treatment of fungal toenail infections can be quite a handful as other medications can be expensive while over the counter treatments may not be as effective. Vicks VapoRub on the other hand seems to offer a good balance in both as it appears to be effective and affordable at the same time without having and side effects. It is important that you contact your doctor as soon as possible if you find yourself developing symptoms of toenail fungal infections. Vicks is an alternative treatment that you can try out alongside the medication that your doctor prescribed to you.
Do you want to find an effective Nail Fungus treatment? Check out our top rated Nail Fungus products
