Is Vicks Vaporub effective in the Treatment of Toenail Fungus?

The use of Vicks Vaporub to treat toenail fungus is a popular home remedy that has been featured frequently in the Houston Chronicle‘s health column. In fact, it is so popular that we’ve seen patients stop taking prescription antifungal medicines despite scientific evidence that they are beneficial, in favor of using this product. Is Vicks Vaporub effective in the treatment of toenail fungus? No, it’s not.

Why does this misconception continue to exist? Vicks has a little impact on toenails. Vicks Vaporub softens and lightens toenails. This makes it look like the fungus is being treated. Vicks may have some antifungal qualities, but it is unable to penetrate the toenail well enough to cure the infection. Many topical antifungal medications have this issue.

Formula 3 is the topical antifungal of choice at DeNiel Foot and Ankle Center. This drug has shown to be more effective than any other topical antifungal medication. Furthermore, the company offers a money-back guarantee on its products. Our Houston podiatry office carries Formula 3.