Vicks VapoRub has been a household staple since it was introduced to the American public in 1890. Vicks, a home remedy, is used to relieve coughs, congestion, and mild aches and pains.
You may have noticed that online sources and bloggers tout Vicks as an effective treatment for ear infections and other ear problems, including wax buildup. But does it work?
In short, no. Vicks VapoRub may have some benefit in treating colds and muscle pain, but there is no evidence to support its use in ear infections. Read on to know more.
What is Vicks VapoRub?
Vicks VapoRub is available for topical use as an ointment, cream, or patch. It is also available as a shower tablet for inhalation.
The active ingredients in Vicks are:
camphor
eucalyptus oil
menthol
Its inactive ingredients include:
jelly
oil of turpentine
thymol
nut oil
cedar leaf oil
Vicks doesn’t cure any disease, but one study found it could relieve symptoms of a cold or stuffy nose.
Another study found that Vicks improved the quality of sleep in participants with colds. However, it is important to remember that both of these studies were funded by the manufacturer of Vicks VapoRub.
It will numb the tingling sensation and muscle aches and pains, but will not have any effect on pain relief. However, Vicks may be useful for treating colds and muscle discomfort as it relieves symptoms.
Can Vicks VapoRub Treat Earaches?
Online bloggers and several websites have recently started promoting the use of Vicks for conditions affecting the ears, such as tinnitus, ear infections, and earwax build-up.
There are no studies showing that Vicks is effective for any of these uses. In addition, the manufacturer does not recommend using Vicks VapoRub for these purposes.
Vixen’s sedative properties may reduce the sensation of ear pain. It’s important to assess the risks before you put this in your or your child’s ears. See more about this below.
It is important to remember that Vicks cannot cure an ear infection. Therefore, for this purpose, do not bring it to the ears of children.
Is it safe to put Vicks VapoRub in the ear?
Bloggers recommend placing Vicks tablets on a cotton ball and inserting them into the ear. This is not a good idea.
Cotton swabs shred and leave residue behind without you even realizing it. These fibers can harbor bacteria, cause infections, and damage the middle or inner ear. Instead of curing it, it causes tinnitus and ear pain.
Ingredients in Vicks are irritating to the nose and respiratory tract. Given how close the ears are to the nose and mouth, it is very important not to put Vicks in the child’s ears, as inhalation can cause respiratory distress.
There are other home remedies for earaches for children that are safer and more effective.
Other ways to relieve ear pain
Most ear infections resolve on their own. In some cases, medical treatment is necessary. When you or your child have an earache, try the following methods to reduce the discomfort.
Prescription drugs
Doctors sometimes prescribe a combination of antipyrine and benzocaine to relieve ear pain. Brand names include A/B Otic and Dolotic. This medication reduces swelling, pain, and ear congestion. It can also soften earwax.