Vick's VapoRub Ingredients
Vick's VapoRub has a history of being used off-label for fungal nails. The ingredients discussed in studies include thymol, menthol, camphor, and Eucalyptus oil (Ramsewak et al., 2003; Derby et al. 2011). These ingredients are found in the essential oils of certain plants in varying percentages.

When using phytochemicals in essential oils as antimicrobials and antifungals, treat them as you would an antibiotic. Orchard & van Vuuren (2017) warns that resistant strains can emerge when used in concentrations that aren't enough to inhibit growth. In the studies by Derby et. al (2011) and Ramsewak et al. (2003), subjects used Vick's Vaporub (or Meijer™ medicated chest rub) once a day, always including the base of the toenail.

According to the Vick's website, the ingredients of Vaporub are listed as follows:
Camphor 4.8%
Eucalyptus Oil 1.2%
Menthol 2.6 %
Cedarleaf Oil
Nutmeg Oil
Petrolatum
Thymol
Turpentine Oil



Ramsewak et al. (2003) reported that camphor, menthol, thymol, and Eucalyptus oil were the most effective ingredients, however the other ingredients play a part as well.

Camphor is found in lavender, Russian sage, rosemary, and yarrow (Orchard & van Vuuren, 2017). Cedar leaf oil also contains camphor, which acts as an antibiofilm and a permeation enhancer (Manoharan et al., 2017; Kreutz et al., 2019).

1,8-Cineol is the primary antifungal phytochemical found in eucalyptus, and can be found in other plants, including lavender, peppermint (Mentha piperita), myrtle, basil (Ocimum americanum), Russian sage, sage (Salvia ringens), rosemary, and thyme (Thymus mastichina) (Orchard & van Vuuren, 2017). 1,8-Cineol inhibits germ tube formation in fungus (Pina-Vaz et al., 2004).

Thymol is found in oregano and thyme (Orchard & van Vuuren, 2017). Thymol contributes to destroying the fungal cell membrane (Pina-Vaz et al., 2004). Thymol paired with 1,8-cineole (found in eucalyptus oil) synergistically work together against fungus (C. albicans) (Orchard & van Vuuren, 2017; Pina-Vaz et al., 2004).

Menthol is found in peppermint (Mentha piperita) and is an antifungal (Orchard & van Vuuren, 2017). Menthol (peppermint oil) and turpentine (pine oil) have been used as permeation enhancers (Kreutz et al., 2019).

Orchard & van Vuuren (2017) reported that Soković et al. (2009) found peppermint (menthol) and thyme (thymol and p-cymene) to be safe and effective against M. canis, E. floccosum, T. rubrum, T. mentagrophytes, T. tonsurans. Thymol paired with p-cymene synergistically work together against fungus (C. albicans) (Pina-Vaz et al., 2004).

Nutmeg Oil inhibits bacterial growth (D'Souza et. all, 2017).

Petrolatum is used as a base for the oils, but also acts as an occlusive emollient, which seals in moisture. Keeping skin cells hydrated and the spaces between the skin cells sealed with oils will enhance skin's natural protective barrier. However, maceration can occur with skin-to-skin contact, so consider wearing toe-socks or avoiding putting petrolatum between your toes.


Goals of an Antifungal Agent
After breaking down Vick's VapoRub, we can consider the goals of an antifungal agent, all of which VapoRub meet. The ideal antifungal for nails would be something that is:

1. Affordable
2. Not significantly toxic
3. Allows the chemical to permeate from the nail plate down to the nail bed
4. Reduces the biofilm that protects the fungus
5. Attacks the fungus in multiple ways
 

How to Use Vick's on your Toenails 
In the Vick's VapoRub study by Derby et al. (2011), 15 out of 18 subjects had positive results. In the study by Ramsewak et al. (2003) with Meijer™ medicated chest rub (same ingredients as Vick's), the compliant subjects showed improvement by 2 months and clear toenails by 5-16 months. Both studies instructed the subjects to apply the ointment to their toenails, including the base of the nail, once a day. Nighttime is best and without socks (feet should be able to move/breathe/air out at night). Darker colored sheets may show the oil and staining will depend on the material of the sheet.

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Never do anything that causes pain. If anything hurts or looks infected, stop using these products and see a foot care professional.

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Soft fungal debris will need to be removed before applying Vick's VapoRub. Without removal of the debris: 1) more debris will form and 2) the nail plate cannot reattach to the nail bed. The best way to remove the debris is to use a soft bristled tooth brush and soap and water on and around the nail. If the debris goes far under the nail plate, remove the debris with a small, blunt file. Do not separate the nail plate from the nail bed.

 

If it is soft, then it doesn't belong on your nail. Any part of the nail that comes off in bits or chunks is diseased nail or fungal debris.

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110%: Other things you can do to rid yourself of fungus include:

- Wear clean socks every day, even if they look and smell clean after minor use.

- If your socks get sweaty, try a synthetic or wool blend, which will wick away moisture.

- Wash your shoes regularly if you don't wear socks.

- Wash your feet at the end of the day, every day.

- Take your inserts out of your shoes for drying overnight and replace before wearing.

- Rotate your shoes so you don't wear the same pair two days in a row.

- Wear sandals/flipflops in public pools/showers.

- Don't use nail polish.

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Bonus use: Vick's VapoRub can be used on calluses/corns.

Step 1: Wash your feet to remove debris/dead skin and add water to your skin.

Step 2: Towel dry, especially between the toes.

Step 3: Moisturize with a non-irritating lotion, like Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion.

Step 4: Apply a thin layer of Vick's VapoRub to the callus/corn, avoiding between the toes.

Repeat these steps every day to exfoliate calluses/corns.

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Feeling adventurous? Instead of soap when brushing the nails, try Arm & Hammer Essentials Baking Soda toothpaste. Baking soda has been found to slow the growth of certain fungi and the peppermint oil is a permeation enhancer, as well as an antifungal agent.

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