Some years back a nurse friend of mine were talking and I mentioned that I had some pain and discomfort on the top of my big toes. She said I could have fungus underneath my toenails and that more than likely is the reason for my discomfort. She suggested using Vicks VapoRub to help alleviate the discomfort. I thought “what are you smoking?”

Anyway, I gave it a try. After showering I put lotion on my calloused heals and started applying VapoRub on the top of my big toes and around the cuticles. After a week or so I started to feel the difference and in a couple of months I had no discomfort at all.

At my next wellness exam with my PCP when she was checking my feet, I mentioned about the VapoRub procedure and she said, “oh that is an old wife’s tale that has been around a long time.” She didn’t recommend it or discourage it.

When writing this story, I thought about going to the internet and found this.

Vicks VapoRub is a topical ointment that may help treat toenail fungus¹. Its active ingredients, camphor and eucalyptus oil, have been found to have a “positive clinical effect” in treating toenail fungus¹. To use Vicks VapoRub for toenail fungus treatment, you should²:

• Thoroughly file the nail.
• Rub the Vicks VapoRub on the toenail, the affected part, and the edges of your toes.
• Wear socks to prevent the ointment from soiling your sheet.
• Do this continuously for at least nine months to completely get rid of the toenail fungus

I am not suggesting or recommending this procedure. I am just sharing this story.