What Is Vicks Vaporub
Vicks VapoRub is a mentholated ointment that is most commonly used to treat cold, cough, nose and chest congestion, minor joint pain and aches etc. Vicks VapoRub is presently manufactured in Mexico and India. These two countries do their packaging as well. VapoRub can either be used as an ointment or can be inhaled with hot steam. It should not be swallowed or applied inside the nose or mouth.
Vicks VapoRub in India is made by Procter & Gamble . It has been stated as an Ayurvedic medicine by Procter & Gamble. It is also indicated in the package as such. Vicks VapoRub generally gives 8 hours of relief from cough and cold. It is not suitable for infants.
Disease Activity And Fatigue
Fatigue and arthritis go hand in hand for many people with arthritis. The main culprits are the inflammatory disease process and the accompanying chronic pain.
- Inflammation. If you have an autoimmune disease, your immune system attacks your body and inflammation is the result. The body undergoes stress as it tries to cope with the release of inflammatory cytokines in the blood. That can cause fatigue, especially when disease activity is high or low-grade inflammation remains for a long time.
- Chronic Pain. The pain-fatigue connection can be a vicious circle. Dealing with arthritis pain for months at a time over many years can wear you down. It can affect your sleep habits, which adds to your exhaustion. Being fatigued, in turn, can worsen pain and make it more difficult to manage.
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Limits On Use Of Topicals
Applied as directed, two to four times a day, topical NSAIDs can control mild to moderate pain. For severe osteoarthritis, topical options probably can’t match larger doses of oral medications. Still, even in these cases, a topical drug could help.
“I will recommend it even if the pain is severe in a superficial joint, on the chance it will help to reduce any portion of the pain,” says pain specialist Dr. Joanne Borg-Stein, medical director of the Harvard-affiliated Spaulding-Wellesley Rehabilitation Center in Massachusetts.
Availability and cost may limit the use of topical NSAIDs for some people. In the United States, the only prescription topical NSAID widely available in pharmacies is diclofenac gel. Other types, such as ibuprofen, ketoprofen , indomethacin , and piroxicam may require a special order from a compounding pharmacy. This could raise theprice, and insurance reimbursement varies according to the type of topical formulation prescribed.
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How Should I Use Vicks Vaporub
Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.
Do not take by mouth. Topical medicine is for use only on the skin. Do not apply to broken skin or an open wound.
This product can cause a mild cooling or burning sensation wherever it is applied. If this sensation is painful or causes severe discomfort, wash the treated skin area with soap and cool water.
Do not heat the product before use or it may cause burns.
To relieve cough, apply a thick layer of this product to the chest and throat up to 3 times per day. Do not use in your nose or mouth. To make the vapors easier to breathe in, keep the treated areas uncovered or covered only with loose clothing.
To relieve muscle or joint pain, apply this product to the affected area 3 or 4 times per day.
You may cover treated skin areas with a warm and dry cloth. Applying heat may worsen the sensation of cooling or burning. Do not apply a tight bandage over treated skin.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Antibacterial Soaps Antiseptics And Acne Washes
To avoid friction and irritation, people with HS are advised to wash only with their hands and not to use a washcloth.5
HS guidelines in the United States and Canada recommend people with the condition use antiseptic skin cleansers with chlorhexidine, benzoyl peroxide, or zinc pyrithione. Although no research data exists, this advice is supported by doctors.6
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Whats In The Vicks Vaporub Cure
Vicks contains menthol, camphor, eucalyptus oil, cedarleaf oil, nutmeg oil, petrolatum, thymol and turpentine oil. A number of these ingredients have antifungal activity, which may explain its success against nail fungus.
Thymol has antiseptic, antibacterial and antifungal activity . Other essential oils such as eucalyptus and tea tree oil also have fungicidal action .
How Is This Medicine Best Taken
Use Vicks Sinex ) as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.
- Do not take Vicks Sinex ) by mouth. Use in your nose only. Keep out of your mouth and eyes .
- Some of these drugs need to be shaken before use. Be sure you know if this product needs to be shaken before using it.
- Some products may have different ways to prime the pump. Some pumps may also need to be primed if not used for different periods of time. Follow how and when to prime as you have been told.
- Blow your nose before use.
- Do not tilt your head back before using Vicks Sinex ).
- Put the cap back on after you are done using your dose.
What do I do if I miss a dose?
- If you use Vicks Sinex ) on a regular basis, use a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
- If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
- Do not use 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.
- Many times Vicks Sinex ) is used on an as needed basis. Do not use more often than told by the doctor.
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Tips For Managing An Arthritis Flare
Use these tips to manage arthritis flares when they arise.
1. Tips for Managing an Arthritis Flare
2. Plan ahead with your rheumatologist.
3. Plan ahead at home, too.
4. Watch the signs
6. Give it a rest.
7. Care for your emotions
8. Slow down dont stop.
9. Apply the heat and the chill.
10. Exercise your mind.
12. Practice good sleep hygiene
Managing Pain
Is It Ok To Use Vicks Vaporub With Covid
Products containing menthol are not recommended for people with COVID-19. Menthol can trigger receptors in your brain that make you feel as though youre breathing more clearly than you are and can lead you to underestimate the severity of your symptoms. This may result in delaying necessary medical treatment.
If youre experiencing trouble breathing due to a SARS-CoV-2 infection, its best to talk with a doctor about treatment options. Do not use off-label medications for treating an infection with the coronavirus.
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Can Vicks Vaporub Cure An Earache
Online bloggers and several websites have recently started to tout the use of Vicks for conditions affecting the ear, such as tinnitus, earaches, and earwax buildup.
Theres no research indicating that Vicks is effective for any of these uses. In addition, the manufacturer doesnt reference or recommend Vicks VapoRub be used for these purposes.
Its possible that the soothing effect of Vicks does, in fact, reduce the perception of pain in the ear. Before you put it in yours or your childs ears, its important to assess the risks. More on that below.
Its also important to remember that Vicks cant cure an ear infection. So, it shouldnt be put in the ears of children for this purpose.
Tips From Other People With Asthma
If your asthma is keeping you awake at night, youre not alone.
In our recent sleep survey, 45% of people told us they have difficulty sleeping because of their asthma at least once a week, and nearly 50% said theyd had an asthma attack at night.
Here are some of the things that people tell us help them get a good nights sleep, which our nurses agree might be helpful:
- Ease a dry throat with a glass of water
- Try a nasal saline rinse or use decongestants to unblock a stuffy nose
- Take regular exercise
- Relax in the evening using mindfulness, meditation, breathing exercises or yoga
- Avoid caffeine in the afternoon and evening.
If you find reading about other peoples experiences useful, or have some advice to share, join the conversations on our HealthUnlocked forum.
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Amazing Uses Of Vicks Vaporub You Must Know
The formula for Vicks VapoRub was developed in 1894, thus, Vicks has been around for over a century and becomes one of the most popularly used decongestants. It has medicinal properties coming from its active ingredients which include menthol, camphor, and eucalyptus oil. Besides, its other inactive ingredients contain such as nutmeg oil, cedar leaf oil, petrolatum, turpentine oil, lemon fragrance and thymol. Thus, this mentholated ointment is commonly used on the head, chest, throat, and back for treating and coughs and nasal congestion. Do you know that there are many other amazing uses of Vicks Vaporub for health and beauty besides being used to heal coughs and nasal congestion? If you want to know how to use Vick Vaporub in the most effective way, let discover them with our VKool page and you will be surprised by its uses.
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How To Use Menthol For Arthritis Pain
Menthol products come in a variety of formulations. Picking one really comes down to personal preference. Some people like the convenience of a patch, some like to rub in creams or gels, says Dr. Rim. Your choice might also depend on where on your body you intend to use the product as well as how often you intend to use it.
Keep in mind that there are many topical menthol products on the market, and even the same company may manufacture different variations. Read labels carefully to make sure you understand what youre buying, including how much menthol an item contains as well as whether other extra active ingredients such as lidocaine or camphor are present. Additional active ingredients arent necessarily problematic, unless youre allergic to them.
The more menthol in a product, the more apt it is to work well though it might make you feel too cold. Dr. Bose says she often uses Biofreeze Spray to numb patients prior to giving a corticosteroid injection.
As with any medication, always follow the application instructions on the package. Always keep it away from sensitive spots like your eyes, nose, mouth, and genitals. If you decide to use a product like a cream or gel that you need to rub on with your hands, remember to wash up afterward.
Some menthol products to consider include:
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What Is The Fastest Way To Cure Arthritis
Autoimmune Arthritis Causes And Risk Factors
An autoimmune disorder causes this type of arthritis also known as rheumatoid arthritis. Autoimmune disorders occur when your body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue, often in the joints.
Autoimmune arthritis is more common in women than in men. Symptoms vary from day to day.
Treatment for autoimmune arthritis most often medication can cause the disease to go into remission, becoming inactive or lowerng the amount of inflammation.
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Is Vaporub Good For Pneumonia
Before using Vicks VapoRub for pneumonia, talk with a doctor. According to the directions on the package, you should talk with a doctor before using Vicks VapoRub for any illness with a cough that occurs with too much mucus.
Depending on the severity of your illness, it may also be unsafe to use topical products containing menthol. These products can trick your brain into thinking youre breathing more easily than you are. This can lead you to avoid seeking medical care for breathing trouble when you need it.
Can Menthol Treat Arthritis Pain
There hasnt been a lot of research on menthol for arthritis, but some studies have suggested that it might help people with osteoarthritis as well as those with rheumatoid arthritis.
Menthol wont treat your underlying problem, such as cartilage deterioration due to osteoarthritis or joint inflammation due to an autoimmune or inflammatory condition like RA. But there is reason to believe that it may relieve some of the pain caused by these conditions.
Menthol isnt as effective as oral pain medication, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs , or pain-relieving injections, so its unlikely to be sufficient if youre in a lot of pain and its certainly not a stand-alone treatment if you have a chronic inflammatory or autoimmune form of arthritis. But for patients with mild discomfort, as well as those who want to supplement other treatments, menthol is an option, says Dr. Bose.
Menthol is apt to work best for arthritis when used to target joints like those in your hands and knees that are close to your skins surface. The catch is that menthols benefits tend to be short-term. It doesnt provide long-lasting relief, but it may be beneficial to use right before painful activities, says Dr. Rim. Check with your doctor first to make sure that its okay for you to engage in an activity that would otherwise be too uncomfortable.
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Use Vicks Vaporub For A Cold
Okay, so this use isnt exactly weird, lets face it, easing cold symptoms what Vicks Vaporub does best!
But you may not know that Vicks has launched another product that can help to stop a cold in its tracks before it even begins.
Vicks First Defence Nasal Spray stops the cold virus from spreading when its in its early stages, so if you use it early enough you can avoid having a cold altogether!
Dont worry if youve missed your cold prevention window, though, Vicks Vaporub will still be there to soothe that blocked nose and move that catarrh.
Are Topical Pain Relievers For You
Dr. Nguyen says that many people who ask her about topical NSAIDs are looking for ways to avoid adding new pillsand side effects. “Mostly they want to avoid the interactions of medications,” she says. “Some people really don’t want to be taking pills, or have trouble swallowing them.”
The ability to target pain more precisely helps to skirt the side effects of oral drugs. “If it’s a localized problem, with just one joint causing the pain, then there’s no need for a medication to travel throughout the body,” Dr. Nguyen says. If the pain affects an extended area, like the lower back, or affects more than one part of the body, topical pain relievers may not be the best choice.
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What To Eat And Not Eat
What to Avoid
These are all well-known triggers of inflammation and problematic for arthritis suffers. Cut out or cut back each week:
Put these foods on your next shopping list!
- Omega-3 fatty acids from cold-water fish, such as salmon and tuna
- Brazil nuts and Sunflower Seeds which have S-adenosyl-methionine, a chemical shown to have pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties
- Dark green leafy vegetables high in vitamin K which helps body inflamation and antioxidants, such as broccoli, kale, and spinach.
- Vegetables rich in glutathione including broccoli, asparagus, cabbage, cauliflower, potatoes, tomatoes and purslane. Fruits with healthy amounts include avocados, grapefruit, oranges, peaches and watermelon.
- Canola and olive oil. Similar to fish, olive oil is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids. Pure olive oil also contains oleocanthal, which has anti-inflammatory properties.
- Garlic and onions which help keep inflammation at bay.
- Red kidney beans and pinto beans are excellent sources of fiber and phytonutrients, which may help reduce inflammation.
- Celery, which has two dozen antiinflammatory compounds
- Rosemary , which has antioxidants that help prevent aging in cells
Do you have any tips or tricks that help your arthritis? Let us know below!
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Vaporub For Congestion = Yes
The menthol scent is not getting rid of your cold, but it can help you breathe better. “Vicks VapoRub is a mentholatum ointment, which actually does open up the nasal cavities,” Keith Roach, MD, an associate professor of clinical medicine at Weill Cornell Medicine in New York City, told POPSUGAR. “It’s not going to cure your congestion, but it will help you breathe easier and feel better.”
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Does Vicks Vaporub Help With Breathing
Vicks VapoRub releases vapors of menthol, eucalyptus, and camphor that can soothe nasal passages. This can trigger receptors in your brain that make you think you are breathing more clearly. But VapoRub isnt a decongestant.
Studies have shown that using Vicks VapoRub according to the instructions on the package may help improve sleep quality.
Himalayan Crystal Salt Inhaler
The Himalayan Crystal Salt inhaler is a convenient, drug-free tool that is designed to deliver healing salt vapors to the upper respiratory tract.
Breathing through the inhaler draws air across mineral-rich granules of Himalayan Crystal Salt.
The salt vapors help to reduce mucus buildup, moisturize dry mucous membranes, and ease constricted breathing.
The use of salt therapy for respiratory ailments has been around for ages. Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, inhaled steam from boiling saltwater and recommended it to others.
I keep my salt inhaler by my bedside and have found it helps with wheezing, coughs, and blocked sinuses.
References
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