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Does duct tape remove warts? Can Vicks VapoRub put an end to toenail fungus?

You hear all kinds of crazy stories about home remedies that people claim work. And because of the internet, you hear these stories even more often than ever before.

So, what’s the deal? Do people make those stories up just to get a rise out of everyone else? Or do they have some truth behind them?

Find out below:

1. Does Duct Tape Remove Warts as Well as Liquid Nitrogen Treatments?

Liquid nitrogen hurts. It takes some time and a couple treatments to work. It’s unsightly. But, it’s the most common recommendation for treating warts.

What if you could wrap a piece of duct tape around your toes or fingers instead?

One study found 85% of people who used duct tape got rid of their wart, and most did so within 28 days. That compared to 60% who used liquid nitrogen.

But, they had to use the duct tape in a very specific way.

First, they put the duct tape on for 6 days, replacing it if it fell off. After those 6 days, they removed the tape, soaked the affected area in water, and rubbed the wart with emery board or pumice. They then left the duct tape off for 12 hours. A new piece was put on. And the cycle repeated for 2 months, or until they got rid of the wart.

2. Does Vicks VapoRub Cure Toenail Fungus?

The first question that comes to mind: who got the idea to take Vicks VapoRub, and instead of using it to alleviate their cold, decided to rub it on their fungus-infected toenail instead?

It turns out that, whoever it was, they weren’t so crazy after all. The New York Times put this home remedy to the test and found that Vicks VapoRub in fact does relieve toenail fungus. This is good news because over-the-counter treatments are expensive, have annoying and significant side effects, and have a low success rate.

It’s nothing special about Vicks VapoRub though. What it has is a lot of Thymol, a primary oil found in thyme, a well-known herb and antiseptic.

To make it work, coat your toenail 1-2 times per day in Vicks VapoRub. Or, give your foot a bath in thyme essential oil.

Be a little careful. Some people are allergic to thyme and break out in an itchy rash.

Sometimes Home Remedies Make Sense, and Sometimes They Don’t

In this case, these 2 remedies are proven to work. But, you have to make sure you do them in the right way.

Just be careful before you try any home remedy. It’s important to know the truth and what really happens so you don’t make your injury any worse.