How to Apply Vicks VapoRub

Co-authored by Mohammad Dar, MD

Last Updated: November 3, 2024

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]
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Mohammad Dar, MD
Board Certified Internist & Health Policy Director

Expert Interview. 3 September 2021.}

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Applying VapoRub as a Cough Suppressant

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Rub a dollop of VapoRub in the palms of your hands. 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]
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- Rubbing your hands together first will warm up the VapoRub and make it more pleasant to apply.
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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Reapply the VapoRub up to 3 times a day. As the VapoRub gets rubbed off throughout the day you can reapply it. To avoid skin irritation, spread applications several hours apart.^{[5]
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Mohammad Dar, MD
Board Certified Internist & Health Policy Director

Expert Interview. 3 September 2021.} You shouldn't apply it to your neck and chest more than 3 times a day.^{[6]
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- 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.
VapoRub contains a chemical called camphor that can be toxic if absorbed through your mucous membranes or if ingested.^{[7]
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Mohammad Dar, MD
Board Certified Internist & Health Policy Director

Expert Interview. 3 September 2021.} While commonly put under the nose, VapoRub should never be applied in this way.^{[8]
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Mayo Clinic
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Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Using VapoRub for Muscle and Joint Soreness

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Rub a layer of VapoRub into the palm of your hands. 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]
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- Rubbing your hands together will warm up the VapoRub.
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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Repeat the application process 3-4 times a day. 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]
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- If you notice a rash or skin irritation, stop using the VapoRub immediately.

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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.

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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.

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Tips

Vicks VapoRub does not work as a nasal decongestant. The strong menthol scent tricks the brain into thinking that your nose isn’t clogged.^{[12]
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VapoRub will not cause hair growth.

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VapoRub will not reduce belly fat.

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Warnings

Vicks VapoRub should not be used on children younger than 2 years of age.

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Never ingest VapoRub orally—this can lead to poisoning.^{[13]
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Mohammad Dar, MD
Board Certified Internist & Health Policy Director

Expert Interview. 3 September 2021.}

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If you notice skin irritation, stop using the VapoRub.^{[14]
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Mohammad Dar, MD
Board Certified Internist & Health Policy Director

Expert Interview. 3 September 2021.}

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Getting VapoRub in your eyes can cause permanent damage to your cornea, so avoid putting it near your eyes.^{[15]
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