When you’re living with psoriasis, symptoms like itching, dry skin, lesions, and skin irritation can be frustrating. Some MyPsoriasisTeam members have reported that using Vicks VapoRub — a topical ointment (applied to skin) typically used to treat cough and minor aches and pain — helps relieve their itchiness.

“I only use Vicks for itchiness at night,” one member said. “It’s been the best thus far!” Another member said, “Everyone needs to try Vicks salve for itch relief.”

People sometimes try home remedies like Vicks VapoRub to manage psoriasis symptoms. While these remedies might offer some relief, they’re not the same as proven medical treatments. Your dermatologist (skin doctor) can help you come up with a psoriasis treatment plan that may include medications, skin care routines, and lifestyle changes.

Keep reading to learn what Vicks VapoRub does and why certain ingredients may help some people with psoriasis.

Can You Use Vicks VapoRub for Psoriasis?

Not much research looks specifically at how Vicks products affect psoriasis. Still, if you’re thinking about using Vicks VapoRub to manage symptoms, it can be helpful to understand what’s in it. Some ingredients might offer short-term relief, but they can also cause side effects such as allergic reactions and irritation, especially for people with sensitive or broken skin. Make sure to consult your doctor before trying a new way to treat psoriasis — even widely available, over-the-counter (OTC) remedies like Vicks.

Do Vicks Ingredients Help Stop Itching?

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, products containing menthol or camphor may help relieve the itching and dryness associated with psoriasis. Both menthol and camphor are active ingredients in Vicks, so this may be why some people turn to it for psoriasis itching.

It’s important to note that the ingredients in regular Vicks VapoRub, such as camphor and menthol, can be dangerous in high doses and aren’t recommended for use on young children. A version made for children — Vicks BabyRub — contains different, milder ingredients. If you’re considering using any Vicks product on a child, check with their doctor first.

Here’s what to know about camphor, eucalyptus oil, and menthol, the ingredients in Vicks that some studies and people’s personal experience suggest may have an effect on skin conditions such as psoriasis.

Camphor

Strong-smelling camphor is a cooling, antibacterial, itch-reducing ingredient that comes from the wood of the camphor tree. Camphor is sometimes used to relieve itch from bug bites and reduce pain. Researchers have looked into whether the trees’ leaves could have an impact on inflammatory skin conditions.

In one study of mice with atopic dermatitis (a subtype of eczema), applying an extract from camphor leaves helped lower inflammation. This finding suggests potential for camphor as an itch reliever and dermatological treatment option, but more studies on humans are needed to know if camphor is helpful or safe for people with psoriasis.

Eucalyptus Oil

Eucalyptus oil has antiaging effects on the skin and may boost the production of collagen (a protein that keeps skin strong and stretchy). Known for its soothing scent, eucalyptus oil may also relieve pain. Researchers have reported that eucalyptus oil may help reduce inflammation and support healing from bacterial infections.

Although some small studies suggest that products containing eucalyptus oil could help people with psoriasis, this hasn’t been looked at in comprehensive clinical trials (research studies testing a therapy’s safety and effectiveness in humans). Most of the evidence for the oil’s effects is anecdotal — based on personal experiences, not research.

Menthol

Menthol, another ingredient that cools the skin, helps relieve itch and reduce pain. Many topical medications contain menthol because it may also help these treatments sink into the skin and work better, which could be useful in psoriasis. Menthol may help certain topical treatments absorb more effectively by allowing them to penetrate the skin cell barrier in the affected area.

Researchers have also suggested that menthol may have anti-inflammatory properties. In one study in rats, a menthol-based cream helped reduce inflammation and improve skin healing. More studies are needed to determine if menthol is safe and effective for people with psoriasis.

Is Vicks VapoRub Good for Psoriasis?

No strong evidence shows that Vicks VapoRub can treat or improve psoriasis. Some of the ingredients, such as camphor and menthol, may help ease itching, but very little research links them to relief for psoriasis symptoms.

Managing itchiness can be hard, and the desire for fast relief is understandable. However, talk to your dermatologist before trying any potential home remedies, whether your search for solutions involves Vicks, supplements, products such as shampoos, or coconut oil or other natural remedies. Your doctor can help you decide what’s safe, what might work, and what to avoid.

Talk With Others Who Understand

MyPsoriasisTeam is the social network for people with psoriasis and their loved ones. On MyPsoriasisTeam, more than 134,000 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with psoriasis.

Are you interested in trying Vicks VapoRub to improve your psoriasis symptoms? Have you wondered if Vicks helps with rashes or reduces inflammation? Share your experience in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.