In its continuing effort to debunk urban legends, Snopes.com took on the many uses of Vicks VapoRub, including rubbing it on the soles of feet to prevent a child's excessive nighttime coughing as well as using it to treat toenail and fingernail fungus.

They did find a news item from the head of the National Research Council Canada praising the virtues of VapoRub as a cough suppressant for children. But Snopes was more skeptical about the use of VapoRub to treat toenail and fingernail fungus, even though several syndicated health care writers advocate it.

Their only source "debunking" the fungus fix, however, was highly dubious: An automated phone message to VapoRub questions did not recommend it for the purpose.

Dr. Mercola's Comment:

Hundreds of people wrote to me to confirm that VapoRub really works on toenail fungus after I posted a very popular video about this very same topic late last year. My experience tells me that when so many people anecdotally confirm something, it is likely true.

Toenail fungus can be a vexing problem that can last for years with no obvious solution, so if it does work it would be a boon for many people. Conventional medical anti-fungal treatments can cost thousands of dollars and result in dangerous side effects.

One way to reduce your risk of fungal infections -- cut down on sugar, which helps fungus to grow. Spending some regular time in the ocean or another body of salt water can also help, if you have access to one.

There are a number of good posts below that expand on different options you can use for this problem, which is GREAT!! That is the purpose of Vital Votes: to allow you to post YOUR solutions and vote on others.

Come on, join the fun and give us your two cents, and please be sure and vote for others while you are at it.

In any case, I'm certainly glad Vicks works as a cough suppressant for children, as an alternative to their taking an over-the-counter suppressant that can potentially kill them.

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