View abstract. Applying Vicks to your feet may help soothe sore muscles. Today, camphor is usually manufactured from turpentine oil. Vicks VapoRub is generally safe for use on older children and adults. WebCamphor is a white substance with a strong odor that is commonly associated with topical ointments and gels used for cough suppression and muscle aches. Brown and yellow camphor oil contains high amounts of safrole. Keep all medications -- even over-the-counter and topical preparations like Vicks VapoRub -- out of the reach of children 1. (2015). Last medically reviewed on June 19, 2018. Vicks VapoRub isnt a decongestant. Speak to your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns regarding the use of camphor. WebSymptoms may include: Abdominal pain Anxiety, agitation, excitation, hallucinations Burning of the mouth or the throat Tremors, twitching facial muscles, seizures Excessive thirst Muscle spasms, rigid muscles Nausea and vomiting Rapid pulse Skin irritation Slow breathing Sleepiness Unconsciousness Camphor is toxic to animals. Smith A.G., Margolis G. Camphor poisoning: anatomical and pharmaco-logic study; report of a fatal case; experimental investigation of protective action of barbiturate. 1983;96(1-2):157-161. The American Association of Poison Control Centre does not therefore recommend either activated charcoal or gastric lavage for camphor poisoning.8 Induction of emesis with ipecac syrup should not be performed. URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. Other studies have shown that menthol, one of the ingredients of Vicks VapoRub, may also make it harder to breathe, despite creating a cooling sensation that feels like easier breathing. View abstract. -420x420.JPEG)
Exogenous lipid pneumonia related to long-term use of Vicks VapoRub by an adult patient: a case report. Prior to her medical writing career, Price was the managing editor of the Journal of Nutrition Education. To use, apply an ointment to the affected area once a day. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. Here are some other remedies to try. 7-11 From 1985 through 1989, life-threatening toxicity occurred in 33 children as the result of camphor ingestion. If your child eats some of the product, contact Poison Control immediately. Camphor oil is the oil extracted from the wood of camphor trees and processed by steam distillation. A novel treatment for onychomycosis in people living with HIV infection: Vicks VapoRub is effective and safe. (2015). Web2 Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative Medicine and Pain Management, University of Miami, Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine/Jackson Health System, 1611 NW 12 Ave C300, Miami, FL 33136, United States. DOI: Paul IM. Br J Dermatol 2000;143:923-9. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. Maenthaisong R, Chaiyakunapruk N, Tiyaboonchai W, Tawatsin A, Rojanawiwat A, Thavara U. Efficacy and safety of topical Trikatu preparation in, relieving mosquito bite reactions: a randomized controlled trial. This is a free and confidential service. In addition, research from 2012 suggests that products containing menthol may also be effective against mosquitoes. Symptoms include burning of the mouth and throat, nausea, and vomiting. Do not attempt to make the person vomit unless instructed to do so by a healthcare professional. WebSymptoms may include: Abdominal pain Anxiety, agitation, excitation, hallucinations Burning of the mouth or the throat Tremors, twitching facial muscles, seizures Excessive thirst Muscle spasms, rigid muscles Nausea and vomiting Rapid pulse Skin irritation Slow breathing Sleepiness Unconsciousness Products containing menthol are not recommended for people with COVID-19. Lotions or creams containing small amounts of camphor can be applied to your skin. Aronson JK. Copyright 2023 Leaf Group Ltd., all rights reserved. UpToDate. View abstract. Phytother Res 2003;17:376-9.. View abstract. There have been several reports that indicate that some forms of camphor oil can cause seizures in young children. 2004;44(10):1151-1157. Today, camphor is usually made from turpentine oil. Kerosene, camphor, and naphthalene poisoning in children. Goel A., Aggarwal P. Camphora lesser-known killer. Researchers havent found evidence that any topical cream or lotion is effective in reducing stretch marks. Dabbing a small amount of the product on the area you want to protect may keep your pet at bay, but make sure your pet cant lick or chew the ointment off the surface. DOI: Tran TA. It can cause a skin reaction, and in large enough amounts, it can cause seizures and even death. Long-term misuse of petroleum-based oils like Vicks VapoRub can cause a rare form of pneumonia called exogenous lipoid pneumonia (ELP) when applied to the nose or nostrils. National Library of Medicine View abstract.
2019 Oct;63:152984. This article is for information only. Assessed 5/6/2021. (2012). But the, Experts say older adults' immune systems aren't as powerful against the flu virus as younger adults, so they need a stronger vaccine dose. Additional research is needed. Dont use more than 1 tablespoon of camphor solution per quart of water when using it through steam inhalation. SMITH, A. G. and MARGOLIS, G. Camphor poisoning; anatomical and pharmacologic study; report of a fatal case; experimental investigation of protective action of barbiturate. 2023 Healthline Media LLC. Camphor is one such substance easily available in many Indian households and is not a very well-recognised potentially fatal toxic compound. Symptoms appear rapidly after ingestion and seizures have been reported after the ingestion of camphor in 6% of cases.7 Patients usually present with severe nausea, vomiting, lethargy, ataxia, and convulsions. National Poisons Information Service, Medical Toxicology Unit. 6-1-1995;152(11):1821-1824. Vicks VapoRub is also a popular choice for people trying to fade stretch marks, heal rough skin, treat headaches, and keep outdoor bugs away. View abstract. BMC Ear Nose Throat Disord. The American Academy of Dermatology Association recommends against using products with petroleum jelly on acne-prone skin. Camphor products can be rubbed on the skin (topical application) or inhaled. Kumar S, et al. Therapeutic options for acute cough due to upper respiratory infections in children [Abstract]. Around 3-5 mL of 20% camphor oil or > 30 mg/Kg is a potentially lethal dose.1,2 We report the case of a 31/2-year-old girl presenting with afebrile generalised tonic seizures. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Camphor oil works as a decongestant and cough suppressant. DO NOT use it to treat or manage an actual overdose. If you experience muscle spasms as a symptom of fibromyalgia, natural muscle relaxers such as magnesium and cayenne pepper could provide relief. WebVicks VapoRub should never be ingested as the ingredients, especially camphor, can cause life-threatening poisoning 1. Camphor products can be rubbed on the skin (topical application) or inhaled. The .gov means its official. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Updated by: Jacob L. Heller, MD, MHA, Emergency Medicine, Emeritus, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, WA. Camphor is toxic to animals. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Taking camphor internally and using it topically is thought to cause liver damage. Hoecker JL. needling (injecting collagen under the skin). Essential oil related seizures (EORS): A multi-center prospective study on essential oils and seizures in adults. And a couple of studies found that it works to stamp out fungal infections in toenails. View abstract. Camphor has a wide variety of topical uses due to its antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. A small 2015 study found that a spray containing natural ingredients such as camphor, menthol, and essential oils of clove and eucalyptus was effective in relieving mild to moderate pain. The use of Vicks in an topical application (as Your local poison control center can be reached directly by calling the national toll-free Poison Help hotline (1-800-222-1222) from anywhere in the United States. Camphor products may also be used as a muscle rub. Scientific research is limited for some of the purported uses for camphor and the evidence is largely anecdotal. McCrea S. Monograph for UKPID: CAMPHOR. Ramsewak RS, Nair MG, Stommel M, Selanders L. In vitro antagonistic activity of monoterpenes and their mixtures against 'toe nail fungus' pathogens. 2016;16:11. doi:10.1186/s12901-016-0032-6. Purnamawati S, et al. Gouin S, Patel H. Unusual cause of seizure. Parents should only follow the directions on the label, Rubin says. Snell M, et al. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. The product, now known as Vicks VapoRub, became wildly popular sales during the 1918 flu epidemic grew from $900,000 to $2.9 million. Camphor is toxic to animals. Appropriate use of essential oils and their components in the management of upper respiratory tract symptoms in patients with COVID-19. It is used in products such as Vicks VapoRub. Apply a camphor spray or ointment to the affected area several times per day.
A similar case was reported in a 3-year-old girl presenting with seizure following accidental ingestion of a camphor tablet at a religious ceremony.4 In a recent study on the profile of childhood poisoning from a tertiary care centre in North India, majority of patients (63.9%) were in the 1-3 year age group and kerosene (27.9%), drugs (19.8%), and insecticides (11.7%) were the agents most frequently implicated.5 The site of action of camphor is supposed to be intra- neuronal and on the oxidation cycle at a phase above the flavoprotein cytochrome-b level of the cytochrome oxidase system. This is a free and confidential service. Why Do We Feel Cold When We Have a Fever? Make sure you always follow manufacturers instructions and use exactly as directed. Mayo Clinic Staff. Acad Emerg Med 2003;10:691. . Cohen M, Wolfe R, Mai T, Lewis D. A randomized, double blind, placebo controlled trial of a topical cream containing glucosamine sulfate, chondroitin sulfate, and camphor for osteoarthritis of the knee. 
VapoRub is meant to be applied to the skin, where it typically generates a mild warming or cooling sensation. They will give you further instructions. Seek emergency medical treatment for suspected Vicks VapoRub ingestion, especially if muscle twitching, seizures, nausea or vomiting occur 1. If you think your child has eaten Vicks VapoRub, call poison control right away at 1-800-222-1222. 
1977;11(2):151-158. Camphor (Cinnamomum camphora) is a terpene (organic compound) thats commonly used in creams, ointments, and lotions. Camphor poisoning: An unusual cause of seizure in children. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Differences between brown, yellow, and white camphor oil, nj.gov/health/eoh/rtkweb/documents/fs/0334.pdf, mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/common-cold/expert-answers/nasal-decongestant/faq-20058569, mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/osteoarthritis/in-depth/pain-medications/art-20045899, pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/126/6/1092, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5890368/, Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT. Camphor is also an ingredient for many oils and in its solidified form is commonly used in religious events and prayers. Am.J.Pathol. Are one or two dangerous? (2015). Epilepsy Res. 
11th ed. ; ; ; ; ; Santos CD, et al. What Are Nonaddictive Pain Medication Options. Ruha AM, Graeme KA, Field A. WebClinical signs of camphor poisoning in pets include local skin irritation, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, depression, seizures (in large amounts), and even rarely, death (from respiratory depression or seizures).
Apply a small amount of the camphor product to your inner forearm and wait 24 hours to see if any reaction occurs. But more research is needed to support the anecdotal claims about its usefulness as a treatment for dry, calloused skin on the feet. Vapor rub, petrolatum, and no treatment for children with nocturnal cough and cold symptoms. View abstract. The person may receive: How well a person does depends on the amount of poison swallowed and how quickly treatment was received. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. (2017). Isolated cases of an itchy, red rash -- known as contact dermatitis -- and loss of skin color at the site of ointment application have been reported 6. Vasey, R. H. and Karayannopoulos, S. J. Camphorated oil. 
Other common symptoms include a burning sensation in the mouth and stomach, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Continue reading to learn more about the different uses for camphor and its supporting scientific evidence. 
The antifungal properties of camphor make it beneficial in treating toenail fungus. In: Burns MM, ed. Camphor overdose occurs when someone accidentally or intentionally takes more than the normal or recommended amount of this medicine. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. 2009 May;123(5):1269-72. doi:10.1542/peds.2008-2097, Paul IM, Beiler JS, King TS, Clapp ER, Vallati J, Berlin CM. It has typically been applied to the skin by adults 3-4 times daily. Profile of childhood poisoning at a tertiary care centre in North India. 1-8-1972;1(5792):112. Electronic address: Jimena.marinonieto@jhsmiami.org. Not sure about using Vicks VapoRub on toenail fungus? Other common symptoms include a burning sensation in the mouth and stomach, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. This has been supported by postmortem changes of severe anoxia in the neurons.6, With significant ingestion of camphor (> 50 mg/Kg body weight) neurologic toxicity is common, with generalised tonic clonic activity being the most prominent manifestation occurring variably from five minutes to 90 minutes after exposure. With more severe poisoning, seizures may occur. But the strong menthol odor of VapoRub may trick your brain, so you feel like you're breathing through an unclogged nose. The manufacturer's directions warn that Vicks VapoRub should not be used on children younger than age 2 1.