How to Apply Vicks VapoRub

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Vicks VapoRub is a classic over-the-counter topical cough suppressant that's most commonly used to reduce the symptoms of a cold and can also relieve sore muscles and joints. Applying Vicks VapoRub is easy but it's important that you know where to apply it. It should also be noted that VapoRub doesn't actually cure a cold or flu and you should seek medical attention if your cold symptoms persist for more than 2 weeks. [1]


Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Applying VapoRub as a Cough Suppressant

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    Scoop a dime-sized portion of VapoRub into one of your hands. Then, rub both of your hands together to spread it over your palms. [2]
    • Rubbing your hands together first will warm up the VapoRub and make it more pleasant to apply.
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    Massage the VapoRub deep into your skin, covering the entire area. Continue rubbing the VapoRub until there’s a thin layer over your skin. [3]
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    Keeping your clothes loose will allow the vapors to better reach your nose and mouth. This can enhance the effects of the cream and will help it work faster. [4]
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    As the VapoRub gets rubbed off throughout the day you can reapply it. To avoid skin irritation, spread applications several hours apart. [5] You shouldn't apply it to your neck and chest more than 3 times a day. [6]
    • VapoRub should never be used on children younger than 2 years of age.
    • Stop using VapoRub if your skin becomes irritated.
    • See a doctor if your symptoms persist for more than 2 weeks.
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    VapoRub contains a chemical called camphor that can be toxic if absorbed through your mucous membranes or if ingested. [7] While commonly put under the nose, VapoRub should never be applied in this way. [8]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Using VapoRub for Muscle and Joint Soreness

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    Scoop up a coin-sized dollop of VapoRub into your hand and then rub your hands together. Spread an even layer of the product onto your palms. [9]
    • Rubbing your hands together will warm up the VapoRub.
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    Take notice of any soreness you have and identify the exact muscle or joint that’s painful. VapoRub’s heating sensation may relieve the pain. Rub the VapoRub deeply into your skin until you’ve covered the entire muscle or joint. [10]
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    As the VapoRub gets rubbed away from your clothing or evaporates, reapply the cream to the sore muscle. Spread applications over several hours and don't exceed 3-4 applications per day or you may cause skin irritation. [11]
    • If you notice a rash or skin irritation, stop using the VapoRub immediately.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    Does Vicks actually do anything?
    Mohammad Dar, MD
    Board Certified Internist & Health Policy Director
    Dr. Mohammad Dar (MoDar) is a board certified Internist based in Boston, Massachusetts. With over seven years of experience in the medical field, he is skilled in epidemiology, healthcare, and health policy. Dr. Dar has had a myriad of experiences in healthcare, including working on the implementation of the Affordable Care Act at the White House Office of Health Reform, volunteering in rural Uganda with public health initiatives, and leading policy and on-the-ground COVID-19 operations during the pandemic. He has also worked on a number of innovative public health and insurance reform initiatives in Massachusetts. Dr. Dar received a BS in Cell and Molecular Biology and History from The University of Michigan and an MD from The University of Michigan Medical School. He completed his residency training at Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women’s Hospital, from which he received the Golden Stethoscope Award.
    Mohammad Dar, MD
    Board Certified Internist & Health Policy Director
    Expert Answer
    Vicks VapoRub won't cure your cold or help your body fight off illness, but it does help soothe the airways and throat.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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  • Question
    Is Vicks VapoRub good for children?
    Mohammad Dar, MD
    Board Certified Internist & Health Policy Director
    Dr. Mohammad Dar (MoDar) is a board certified Internist based in Boston, Massachusetts. With over seven years of experience in the medical field, he is skilled in epidemiology, healthcare, and health policy. Dr. Dar has had a myriad of experiences in healthcare, including working on the implementation of the Affordable Care Act at the White House Office of Health Reform, volunteering in rural Uganda with public health initiatives, and leading policy and on-the-ground COVID-19 operations during the pandemic. He has also worked on a number of innovative public health and insurance reform initiatives in Massachusetts. Dr. Dar received a BS in Cell and Molecular Biology and History from The University of Michigan and an MD from The University of Michigan Medical School. He completed his residency training at Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women’s Hospital, from which he received the Golden Stethoscope Award.
    Mohammad Dar, MD
    Board Certified Internist & Health Policy Director
    Expert Answer
    It might help a soothe a child's airways and throat, but you have to be careful not to use too much. Applying too much product can lead to camphor poisoning.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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      References

      1. ↑ Mohammad Dar, MD. Board Certified Internist & Health Policy Director. Expert Interview. 3 September 2021.
      2. ↑ https://vicks.com/en-us/safety-and-faqs/faqs/vicks-vaporub-faq
      3. ↑ https://vicks.com/en-us/safety-and-faqs/faqs/vicks-vaporub-faq
      4. ↑ https://vicks.com/en-us/safety-and-faqs/faqs/vicks-vaporub-faq
      5. ↑ Mohammad Dar, MD. Board Certified Internist & Health Policy Director. Expert Interview. 3 September 2021.
      6. ↑ https://vicks.com/en-us/safety-and-faqs/faqs/vicks-vaporub-faq
      7. ↑ Mohammad Dar, MD. Board Certified Internist & Health Policy Director. Expert Interview. 3 September 2021.
      8. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/common-cold/expert-answers/nasal-decongestant/faq-20058569
      9. ↑ https://vicks.com/en-us/safety-and-faqs/faqs/vicks-vaporub-faq
      1. ↑ https://vicks.com/en-us/safety-and-faqs/faqs/vicks-vaporub-faq
      2. ↑ https://www.fitday.com/fitness-articles/fitness/7-ways-to-get-over-sore-muscles.html
      3. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/common-cold/expert-answers/nasal-decongestant/faq-20058569
      4. ↑ Mohammad Dar, MD. Board Certified Internist & Health Policy Director. Expert Interview. 3 September 2021.
      5. ↑ Mohammad Dar, MD. Board Certified Internist & Health Policy Director. Expert Interview. 3 September 2021.
      6. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/common-cold/expert-answers/nasal-decongestant/faq-20058569

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      Vicks VapoRub can be a great way to help suppress your cough. All you need to do is rub a dime-sized amount of product into your hands and massage it into your chest and neck. Wear loose clothing to help the cream work and help prevent it from getting rubbed off. You can apply VapoRub up to 3 times a day if it gets rubbed off. VapoRub can also be used to treat sore muscles and joints. Just rub a dime-sized amount over the sore area. You can apply it up to 3 times a day if you need to. Don’t use VapoRub on a child younger than 2 years old, since this can have negative effects. To learn the truth of some common VapoRub myths, read on!

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