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A decade ago we responded to a reader who put Vicks VapoRub in her nose before bed to control symptoms of post-nasal drip. We suggested that this might not be such a good idea and quoted the manufacturer: “For external use only…Do not use by mouth or in nostrils.”
We speculated that the camphor in Vicks might be the problem, but a pulmonary specialist corrected us and wrote that it was the petroleum jelly:
“As a pulmonary physician, I can explain the real reason there is a warning against putting Vicks VapoRub in the nostrils. It is not the camphor, but the petrolatum. Petroleum jelly or mineral oil can cause a chronic form of pneumonia when aspirated into the lungs.
“Most people inhale minute quantities of their nasal secretions, especially during sleep. Over time, the oil components of VapoRub or petroleum jelly can’t be cleared from the lungs. This can lead to cough, shortness of breath and reduced lung capacity.
“There are no effective treatment options for this type of pneumonia, so it is never advisable to place any oil-containing substances into the nostrils. Saline nasal spray is a much safer option for keeping the nostrils moist.”
A Controversy is Born
That warning from a pulmonologist set off a firestorm of controversy. We heard from readers who were really aggravated by this lung doctor’s caution:
“I am 71 years old and have been using Vicks in my nostrils at bedtime to ease breathing since my mother taught me from childhood. She lived to a ripe old age doing the same thing. Regardless of your warning, I am not about to stop now.”
Another was even more adamant:
“That’s stupid. I’ve been stuffing my nose with Vicks for years and I have never once come down with pneumonia. You can tell that to your know-it-all doctor. You shouldn’t buy into everything the doctors tell you.”
Over the last 10 years we have heard from many other people who regularly put Vicks or petroleum jelly in their noses and reported no problems. Others were totally freaked out because of worrisome lung symptoms:
“For years I relied on Vicks in my nose before bedtime and during the night. I could never figure out why I have a bad cough and can hardly breathe. Now I fear I have made the situation worse with the Vicks and I will never put it in my nose again.”
We also heard from others who experienced lung problems after using petroleum jelly or Vicks in their nostrils for long periods of time.
In 2009 researchers at Wake Forest University reported a case in which an 18-month-old child developed severe breathing problems after her grandparents put Vicks under her nostrils for a cold (Chest, Jan. 2009). This led to a study in ferrets that suggested Vicks VapoRub might increase inflammation in the airways.
March, 2015: Asthma Doctor vs. Dermatologist
Although we have warned about putting petrolatum or mineral oil in the nose for many years, some doctors never got the message. This led to this week’s newspaper column on this topic and a disagreement between specialists.
Q. I suffer from a terribly dry nose, especially at night. My dermatologist said to put petroleum jelly in my nose before bed but my asthma doctor says not to use it. He recommended saline spray instead. Who’s right?
A. We side with your asthma doctor. The label on Vicks VapoRub (which contains petrolatum or petroleum jelly) is clear: “Do not use in nostrils.”
Pulmonologists are concerned that petroleum jelly may end up in the lungs and cause irritation or chemical pneumonia. We think a saline spray that you could keep on your nightstand is a safer bet.
Share your own experience with Vicks or petroleum jelly below and please vote on this article at the top of the page. Here at The People’s Pharmacy we try to keep you informed about the pros and cons of drugs, dietary supplements and home remedies. Although we still think putting Vicks on the soles of the feet to calm a nighttime cough can be helpful, we continue to discourage people from putting Vicks VapoRub (or petroleum jelly) inside nostrils.
Rich
I have used “nose oil” (mostly sesame oil) for about 5 years. Has changed my life and my sleep. No problems so far.
Formula = 0.2 mL (4 drops) of pharmaceutical grade rose geranium oil to 119.8 mL of pharmaceutical grade sesame oil.
or approx 1ml per 845 ml bottle of unrefined organic cold pressed sesame seed oil. I then put it into little spray containers (such as .27 oz / 8 ml) saline nasal mist containers, which can be kept at work, in my gym bag etc. Apply several times a day. At home, I apply with q-tips.
Douglas
ID
I have used Vaseline in my nose for over 60 years to combat dryness and bloody noses. I usually apply it in the morning, thus I don’t get as much post nasal drip that would contain petroleum products that seem to be the culprit in the lung issues. I have tried water-based products, and they just don’t work.
bhk
Florida
MY ENT said to use Vaseline, applied with Q tip, to keep the nose moist because I am subject to nosebleeds due to a medication I use.
I have done this for 2 yrs; stopped for 1 week after reading your article, now nose is very very dry, so I will have to go back to it.
The saline solution I use also, but it does not solve the dry nostril issue.
Very confusing
Carol
Maryland
I have read all these comments regarding Vaseline and Vicks hoping to see something about Vaseline on the lips. I have had dry lips for years and use a tiny thin coating of Vaseline on them every night. Is this a harmful practice, like using Vicks inside the nose ?
Neil
United States
I have Osler-Weber-Rendu Disorder or what is also known as hht. It is a hereditary bleeding condition, and it is most pronounced for me in the nose. I have used both Vaseline and a personal lubricant that is like KY Jelly. I prefer the Vaseline and have been using it for about 65 years. I am not sure about the correlation between a small amount of lubricant I add to my nose and lung problems. I am a free diver and have been able to hold my breath for longer than the average person. I am thinking that prior to my dive my lungs are capable of absorbing the necessary oxygen from the air and have not been compromised by the use of Vaseline, but I can be be wrong.
I tried Vicks for a short time and found it to cause cold-like symptoms. However, I have spent 10 months snorkeling in saltwater (three to four hours a day), and after that time did not need a lubricant in my nose for about 2 years. We are all different and react differently two different substances. Accordingly, what might work for me won’t necessarily work for you.
Vincent
Lehighton pa
What would be your thoughts on using olive oil or another natural oil for nasal dryness. Yes, my mother used Vicks on me 60 years ago. Have always wondered about it, but I survived also from black iodine salve for nasal congestion. Keep up your great job of helping us stay healthy.
Vince
Miriam
Pennsylvania
I, too, have been using Vicks in my nostrils for years, and I am now 89 years old! I’ve never had a problem with doing this and don’t plan on stopping unless someone can positively produce evidence that this is a bad thing to do. I keep my nostrils moist and breathe more easily when I put the Vicks in at night before going to bed. I get VERY bad nosebleeds if I neglect to put in the Vicks over a long period of time. Perhaps, because some people put a lot of Vicks in the nostrils, the doctors are advising against this practice but a little bit each night is not a problem. Hope they rethink their advice!
KATHLEEN
ROCHESTER, NY
I just dip the Q-tip in Vaseline and then rub it round in my nose. Been doing this for years and no more nosebleeds from a dry nose.
Sky
Australia
I’ve had chronic swollen turbinates (glands in the nose) for a year now, supposedly due to allergies. I’ve been relying on steroid nasal sprays this whole time to stop them from swelling completely again but even at best I still suffer with blocked sinuses ranging from a 50-70% blockage.
The steroid sprays dry my nose, amoung other undesired symptoms. I’ve tried easing off of them but the problem just worsens again. While I’m waiting for allergy immunotherapy and possible surgery I’m thinking of trying vaseline jelly on an irregular basis, as the dry nose and throat get uncomfortable at times, and I even get occasional sores up there.
I can see that if you used it every day or put too much on that it could cause problems so it seems the key is to use it sparingly and not when lying down. Saline spray just dries up instantly so I use it when I feel I have dust, etc. in my nose and then blow afterwards. Doesn’t do anything to moisturise.
Shari
Wisconsin
I have the exact same problem!!! Swollen all the time. I hate to have to use the steroid nasal sprays but if I don’t I can’t breathe properly! In the winter it’s unbearable. I use an OTC saline gel. I also get sores, and it takes months for them to heal. I may try the KY jelly this winter. I’ve tried coconut oil but not much relief with that.
Laurel Crowe
V icks helps keep my nose clear. I have COPD, so I don’t want anything more irritating my lungs. I’ve been Vicks-ing for about 2wks, to help ward off a cold. I’ve used Vicks since a kid when Momma would put it on me for many things! I’d hate to not use it!
Joan
I have just been advised today to use vaseline inside my nose for very dry and sore nasel passages by my health clinic! I have to admit it is the first time in months I woke up with no discomfort and now I read this!
As regarding Vicks, as a child anytime I had a cold my mother always rubbed my chest with it and placed a clean cotton hanky over it and it worked just fine but I never put it in my nose, people have been using Vicks and vaseline for decades on every part of their bodies and this is the first time I have ever heard or read anything negative about it.
It would not be the first time a medical person came out with a statement that did more harm than good we have been told to turn our backs on natural fats like butter etc and that has now been proved totally wrong and in fact they keep cholesterol levels down, we were told not to eat egg yolks when that is the part with all the nutrients in it, we are living in a world full of toxins and instead of blaming these both Government and the medical professionals prefer to point the finger at items man has used for decades without side effects.
I would like to see that medical person put forward a motion to the Government to have a health warning put on Vicks then we might get some clarity as to whether his comments are based on medical research or personal opinion.
TONY
FLA
Vaseline in the nose is commonly used when SOMETHING causes a dry nose.
BUT PLEASE NEVER, NEVER USE VASELINE OR ANYTHING OILY INSIDE YOUR NOSE. Putting Vaseline in the Nose Could Really Be Life-Threatening. THE OIL GOES DIRECTLY TO YOUR LUNGS, AND THERE IS NOTHING OUT THERE TO REMOV IT. ACCIDENTALLY MY DENTIST DAMAGED THE TRIGEMINAL NERVE IN MY MOUTH. THEN I DEVELOPED BMS (BURNING MOUTH SYNDROME) THAT DRIES YOUR MOUTH, YOUR NOSE, EYES.
I STARTED TO USE VASELINE INSIDE MY NOSE TO HELP ME SLEEP AND NOT HAVE THE DISCOMFORT OF A VERY DRY NOSE FOR MORE THAN 7 YEARS EVERY NIGHT. UNFORTUNATELY I HAD DEVELOPED AN INCURABLE LUNG DISEASE DUE TO THE VASELINE.READ THE LABEL. IT SAID “EXTERNAL USE ONLY.” INSIDE YOUR NOSE IS NOT EXTERNAL. MY BAD.
I HOPE THIS CAN HELP SOMEONE USING IT NOW. PLEASE STOP NOW. NOT BEING ABLE TO INHALE OXYGEN TO YOUR LUNGS IS THE WORST THING THAT CAN HAPPEN TO ANYONE. BELIEVE ME, I KNOW HOW SAD IT IS.
barbara b
Cumbria
Dont use the vicks sinex nasal spray on a regular basis. I did, and I now have a hole in my septum. It’s very embarrassing when explaining how you got it
Ticha
Windhoek
I have asthma and suffer from dry nose and I use vaseline petroleum jelly. I find it very effective because it melts the hard clots and I can blow my nose with ease. Soon after blowing my nose, my nose run continuously.
My question is can removal of Sinuses help because on a full day I blow out dried clots 2’3 inches long or is there a drug that can help with stopping the running nose and the dry nose.
Valerie
NS, Canada
I have a severe dry nose as well; it’s almost painful. I have been using Vaseline in my nose for about 20 yrs. I haven’t had a problem, but in today’s society of everyone dying of cancer – I’m starting to get a bit concerned. Nothing works quite like it; so when I try alternatives, I end up going back to Vaseline just to get some sleep. Saline spray dries up immediately, unfortunately. So far, no lung problems.
Sabine
Nederland
You cannot remove your sinuses, as they are cavities in your skull. I find using a steriod nose spray and regular rinsing of my nose with saline solution work the best. I am not a doctor so I suggest a visit to an ENT specialist.
Joy
For extremely dry nasal passages, what do you think of the safety of applying a very thin coating of vitamin A &D?
Trudy
Flushing, NY
I have used Vick’s Vaporub daily on my toenails for years and never had a fungus again. It also makes the nails shine and look as attractive as they would with nail polish.
Temeka
Ohio
As a child I was told to put vicks around my nose, in my nose and to swallow a nickle size amount of it and never had an issues until I was in my late 20’s and got a cold and did my usual Vicks therapy. About 2 days later it literally hurt to take in air. Went to the ER and after a chest x-ray they asked me if I had AIDS (I don’t) cause they had never seen so much cloudiness in a patient who didn’t have it. Then the doctor ask that magic question… have you been using Vicks? What a wake up call. If the lable says not to do something then don’t cause more than likely someone has already did it and gotten sick.
Judi
Try raw honey in nostrils. It works.
Mary
New Brunswick, Canada.
I had used Vicks *occasionally* since childhood and had no problems. I am a senior now and recently had a dry cough. I put a small amount of Vicks in each nostril to help calm it. Hours later I woke from a deep sleep wheezing and struggling for air. I was terrified and thought I was going to die. I have never suffered from asthma or serious allergies, but I am almost certain it was an asthma attack. I am pretty sure that I developed an allergy to something in the Vicks. I wont be using it again.
Harry's daughter
Wisconsin
I am a respiratory therapist of 40 years, and using a petroleum product on any of your mucosa does not make good sense. Our nasal/oral cavities are a direct link to our lungs. They are also very rich in blood vessels that lie close to the surface. Any chemical alteration of the surface, including absorption of a petroleum product into the bloodstream, could have undesirable effects.
Please consider a water-based alternative, or better yet, a saline spray. Saline is similar in pH and sodium content to our bodies’ own fluid, and it is much more natural than a petroleum-based product. I assume that most of us who are interested in the information that peoplespharmacy.com provides are more interested in healthy alternatives and truths about medicine. I am extremely skeptical of what Western medical doctors tell us and appreciate peoplespharmacy.com as a reliable research source. Thank you.
Matt
Can’t take a chance, I’m only 20 and I already suffer enough to add to the pile. Thanks for the warning. I had tried it yesterday, the petroleum jelly, and quickly wiped it out of my nostril.
Steve
Madison, WI
I grew up with terrible bloody noses during the dry winter months. I would be at school , at home or even at work and my nose without any external manipulation would just begin to bleed. I would have to run to the rest room and spend 10 minutes holding my nose to stop and then have to clean my cloths and hands of blood. I dealt with this for 35 years until I found that if i put a small amount of Petroleum Jelly in each nostril at the beginning of the day i would not have bloody nose all day. So for the last 5 years i have been using petroleum jelly as needed during the winter months to keep me from those embarrassing moments.
Sandra
Ca.
Thanks
Are Vicks inhalers ok?
genie
wisconsin
A doctor you had on your show suggested in her blog that sesame oil was good for keeping the nose moist. What do you think about that choice?
Mary
I would put Vicks UNDER my nostrils if I had a stuffy nose. And not enough where it might travel to my lungs. Why take a chance?
You will get the benefits of the menthol in it that way.
Rosie
USA
My grandmother who lived to be in her mid 80’s used to swallow Vicks to keep her lungs clear.
She never had pneumonia, and never was sick much either. I can’t stand the smell of it and never do anything with it except sniff the jar for a stuffy nose.
BT
United States
Why do we not get to see other people’s comments on the articles as we used to. I always like to read other peoples’s experiences and suggestions. Since you changed your website I no longer see comments
The People's Pharmacy
Thank you for your comment. Due to the large volume of comments, and the need to moderate our comment spaces to keep out spam, commercial comments, and abusive or objectionable language, we frequently have a backlog of pending comments that may range from 24 to 48 hours, and potentially longer for comments posted on evenings, weekends or holidays. We appreciate your understanding and patience.
Check back on posts that you are interested in and you’ll see new comments appear a day or two after the post’s publication date. It can take a little time for brand new content to accumulate comments.
Lou
San Antonio
8 or 9 years ago my primary care doctor (at the time) suggested I put petroleum jelly around my nostrils as I was having problems with dry nose and some bleeding. She also suggested saline rinse. So I used the petroleum jelly for several years until read the article by People’s Pharmacy. I started using the name brand lubricating gel until I found the generic type has exactly the same ingredients so I’ve been using it since. I’ve had no problem with dry nose, still use saline spray. I’d rather not take a chance at my old age with a poor immune system, so I’ll stick with water based gel that does the same thing as petroleum jelly: keeps nostrils from drying.
Jessica
I have been using Vicks on and off for most of my (almost) 56 years for colds when I was younger and then for post nasal drip and lately if I can’t sleep I’ll put some on (it relaxes me much like lavender does for others–probably because of the mental connection of being cared for). My only bouts with pneumonia came after being around a heavy smoker or in their house for an extended time period where I did not use Vicks or petroleum jelly during or after the visit. If I use a saline spray my nasal passages are even drier than they should be and I wind up with bloody noses but if I take a small amount of petroleum jelly on a q-tip and spread it around the inside edges of the nares I don’t wake up with an overly dry nose (I only put Vicks under my nose and on my chest because the few times it got into the nares it would sting).
ACL
MARYLAND
My allergist said to use a saline nasal gel the same as some use Vicks in the nostrils at bed time. I use AYR but there are several brands that drug stores carry. It is thick and not runny like saline sprays which I do use in the daytime. This keeps my nostrils moist all night long. It comes in a very small tube but a tiny dab is all you use and the tube seems to last a long time. I’ve used this for years and love the results.
Sandy
Rio Rancho NM
Is the product Ayr sold in gel form okay to use.?
Marsha
Ruckersville, Virginia
What about coconut oil? I have a terribly dry nose during the winter; the skin often cracks and bleeds. A little coconut oil in the nostrils seems to help, but could that also lead to pneumonia? Saline nasal spray, and even a neti pot, are no help at all.
Art
NM
The condition is called,”Lipid-Pneumonia”,and as the Dr. stated, is irreversible. Petrolatum based ointments are mineral oil based and, are not absorbed by the body once aspirated in the form of fine droplets into the lungs. That’s why mineral oil is used as a non-absorbable laxative.
Mike
Texas
I appreciate the debate on the medicinal uses of Vicks salve. For the last 15 years I have used the salve to help me breathe overnight as I sleep. However, instead of applying it directly into my nostrils, I dab a little on my upper lip. This way, I can still breathe the vapors in and thus get the benefits of the camphor, eucalyptus, and menthol without the risk of aspirating the petroleum jelly oil into my lungs.
Thank you for the opportunity to share my experiences. I also appreciate and look forward to “The Peoples Pharmacy” newsletter each week as a “must read” resource for improved personal health in an ever increasingly complicated industry.
Sherry
Eastern PA
Regarding the use of Vicks Vaporub in the nostrils, my mother did this for me throughout my childhood to alleviate a stuffy nose , and it always helped me breathe. Now, in middle age, in the rare event that I have a cold or stuffiness in the nose, I shall continue to put a small amount Vicks in my nose to help me breathe. I could never figure out why the label says to put it on the chest or throat area, since that never helped!
Alice
NC
My Dermatologist who is also a DO also told me not to use petroleum jelly. He recommends using KY Jelly….it is water based and does not contribute to the problems that Vicks or petroleum jelly can cause. I find it very effective.
Ruth
St. Louis, MO
Your article on 3-17-15 relating to using Vicks in your nose also included a statement by a pulmanary specialist, “—–it is never advisable to place any oil-containing substances into the nostrils”. I have been using coconut oil in my nostrils for dryness and it is very helpful. Does coconut oil fall into the category of oil-containing substance?
Mary
Roswell, GA
I am 79 and have been using Vicks Vapor Rub in my nostrils since childhood. I only use it when my nose is stuffed-up which is not that often. Never had a reaction.
JC
United States
In response to the note on petroleum jelly in nose, I am wondering if Ayr saline nasal gel is oil free and so a safer way (than vaseline) to lubricate the nostrils? Thanks, J
judith
Michigan
My pulmonologist suggested AYR nasal gel for my dry nostrils. It contains a passel of ingredients but no petroleum jelly. As I have post nasal drip as well as emphysema caused by environmental issues, I often have a stuffy, dry nose. So I put the Ayr in the nostrils and rub Vicks below the nose. Because I am a side sleeper who frequently ends up in the fetal position with my hands tucked near my mouth, I put Vicks on the back of my hands to inhale while I sleep. Its a win-win situation as the Vicks also helps with the dry skin on the upper part of my hands.
joyce
durham, nc
I’ve put Vaseline “around” my nostrils, but not in, for 65 years with no problem. This prevents the sore, burned skin issue that can happen when blowing your nose a lot. It seems to me that a salt solution would be the very LAST thing you’d want to put in a dry nose! This advice seems thoughtless to me.
Pat Moore
Charlotte
I use Shea butter. It is my new Vaseline.
Natural and effective.
Mary
SC
My mother suffered in the evenings from the lining of her nasal passages being dry even with the heat off in the bedroom and a window open. She used Vicks in her nose for many years before going to bed. Yes, she developed a constant, annoying small cough. Can we prove it came from the Vicks ? No, but after reading this article, I have a feeling it solved the mystery of the coughing. Thank you for the article.
Al
United States
For dry nose I use olive oil. It works better than anything I’ve found at the drugstore.
cpmt
some people may be allergic or sensitive, but not all of us are.
Dr. Judi
Kfar Saba, Israel
“We also heard from others who experienced lung problems after using petroleum jelly or Vicks in their nostrils for long periods of time.” Post hoc, ergo propter hoc? Lots of people get “lung problems” even though they never used petroleum jelly or Vicks, Correlation is not causation.
Gabriele
Los Angeles
I remember Adelle Davis advised against using mineral oil, especially on the skin since it could hold the fatty soluble oils (A, D, E) in suspension so they could not be used by the body but would travel out of the body.
I read reliable sources and found lotions I could use that would work for my skin, not against it. I think the only time I used petroleum jelly was to remove dried paint from my hands…a jar lasted at least ten years.
When I developed some sore places inside my nostril I took supplements but I also used either Vit A or Vit E or both…just a drop on a q-tip on the spot. It worked efficiently and quickly.
I used to like the Vick’s inhaler but once I started taking zinc for head colds, seldom needed an inhaler and some essential oil in hot water worked better anyway.
I definitely recommend the saline solution when in controlled interiors…stuck in a large room on jury duty, a local gathering or such and when travelling by air, a necessity.
I wish someone would do a stury about people who do and who don’t use saline solution sprayed in the nose bofore and during a long flight to see how much it prevents the spread of germs. On 2 times 12 trips to Europe (over and back) I used the saline on all but one of them…and that was the trip I got sick right after…of course the person sitting next to me was sick…but even so I think my cold would have been less if I had used the saline solution. (I had mistakenly packed it in the stowed suitcase).
This link expresses what I’ve learned elsewhere.
http://www.revivalabs.com/info/glossary/Mineral-Oil-gsd.html