Vicks VapoRub Should NOT Be Used on Babies' Feet (or Anywhere Else on Infants Under 2 Years)
Do not apply Vicks VapoRub to babies under 2 years of age, including on their feet, as it can cause severe respiratory distress, mucus obstruction of small airways, and potentially life-threatening complications. 1, 2
Why This Practice Is Dangerous
Respiratory Complications in Young Children
Vicks VapoRub stimulates excessive mucin secretion (63% increase) and decreases ciliary beat frequency by 35%, leading to mucus obstruction of small airways and increased respiratory resistance. 1 This is the opposite of what parents intend when trying to relieve congestion.
A documented case report describes a toddler who developed severe respiratory distress after VVR was applied directly under her nose, prompting research that confirmed the mechanism of harm. 1
The product contains camphor, menthol, and eucalyptus oil—all volatile compounds that can be absorbed through the skin and are particularly dangerous in young children. 2, 3
Toxic Ingestion Risk
Between December 1995 and March 1997, poison control centers documented 90 children who ingested Vicks VapoRub, with common symptoms including cough, vomiting, and in severe cases, seizures. 2
Camphor toxicity can cause seizures, multi-organ failure, and has resulted in at least one pediatric death in the medical literature. 2, 4
Even when applied to feet, babies frequently put their feet in their mouths, creating a direct ingestion pathway. 2
Skin Absorption in Infants
Terpenes from VVR (eucalyptol, menthol, camphor, alpha-pinene, beta-pinene) rapidly penetrate the stratum corneum and accumulate in skin layers, with potential systemic absorption into blood circulation. 3
Infants have thinner, more permeable skin than adults, increasing the risk of systemic absorption and toxicity from topical products. 3
What the Evidence Shows About Misuse
Common Dangerous Practices
A 2025 comprehensive review identified multiple severe complications from VVR misuse, including lipid pneumonia (11 cases), ocular injury requiring evisceration (5 cases), camphor toxicity with multi-organ failure (5 cases), and severe respiratory distress. 4
The review specifically notes that many complications involve off-label consumer behaviors that increase health risks. 4
Lack of Efficacy Evidence
Despite its popularity, evidence for VVR's efficacy in treating upper respiratory tract infection symptoms is limited and inconclusive. 4
There is no scientific evidence supporting the folk remedy of applying VVR to feet for any therapeutic benefit. 4
Safe Alternatives for Infant Congestion
Age-Appropriate Options
For infants, use saline nasal drops and gentle bulb suctioning to clear nasal passages.
Maintain adequate humidity in the room using a cool-mist humidifier.
Elevate the head of the crib slightly (following safe sleep guidelines) to help drainage.
Ensure adequate hydration through breast milk or formula.
Critical Safety Message
The severity of complications associated with VVR misuse in young children—including respiratory failure, seizures, and death—far outweighs any perceived benefit from this folk remedy. 1, 2, 4 Parents should be explicitly counseled to avoid all topical application of Vicks VapoRub in children under 2 years of age, regardless of the body location. 2, 4