8 Surprising Ways You Can Use Vicks VapoRub That Have Nothing to Do With Your Cold

Anyone who's used Vicks VapoRub is certainly aware of its unique tingling effects. The cough-suppressing analgesic has been around for over a hundred years, and in that time, people have claimed that Vicks VapoRub can be effective for other uses in addition to its intended purpose. 

At least anecdotally, you don't need to be sick at all to reap the many benefits of using Vicks VapoRub. According to a number of online sources — as well as grandmothers across the nation — you can use Vicks VapoRub for just about anything!

People credit the topical rub for a number of wondrous effects, from the seemingly implausible — localizing the reduction of body fat — to easing acne and sinus headaches. Some people have even used Vicks as a cream to moisturize their skin, to remove infected areas of the fingernails and to soften cracked heels. A YouTube user shared her many uses for Vicks VapoRub in a video posted below:

Check out these eight ways people are using Vicks VapoRub other than to treat a cold:

Skin Moisturizer

Apply some Vicks VapoRub on problem areas where skin is often dry and watch it become smooth as a baby's bottom in no time. 

Stretch Marks

People have long praised Vicks VapoRub for softening the lines of pregnancy. The analgesic is said to help reduce stretch marks as well. 

Makes Small Cuts Disappear

For fast recovery of splinters and small cuts, apply a liberal amount of Vicks within the first hour of the cut and a few hours thereafter. 

Relieve Symptoms of Eczema

People with eczema use Vicks to relieve them of itchiness and inflammation associated with the skin condition.  

Repel Ticks, Bugs and Mosquitos

Many attribute the oils in Vicks in helping to prevent bug bites and ticks from latching themselves onto the skin. Vicks VapoRub contains cedarleaf oil, a mild pesticide which may actually repel insects. 

No More Headaches

Gone are the days of popping an excess amount of Tylenol or Advil to cure your headache. Simply apply a bit of Vicks to your temples and forehead, lay down, and let the magic kick in.

Cure Athlete's Foot Once And For All

Some users have reported that rubbing Vicks VapoRub on their feet can actually cure athlete's foot and fungal infections, while medication designed specifically for this purpose takes months to work if at all. 

Stop Your Cat From Pissing In Its Tracks

If nothing else is preventing your pet from peeing where he or she so chooses, an open bottle of Vicks VapoRub should do the trick. Simply keep the opened bottle near an area your feline uses the bathroom, and the odor should deter them from ever making that mistake again.

Of course, these uses are anecdotal, and the efficacy of using Vicks VapoRub, even for its intended purpose, has not been proven. Sorry, grandma.