Is it safe to use vapor rub on a baby?
When
your child is sick, it can be scary trying to fix the problem without knowing
what is wrong. After all, your child cannot tell you what hurts or upsets him,
and you will do everything to help him feel better. But is steam rubbing safe
for nasal congestion in babies?
Using vapor rub on babies
Babies
are especially susceptible to the disease because their immune systems are
still developing. They didn't have time to develop antibodies that fight common
illnesses like the common cold or the flu. In addition, their sinuses are very
sensitive to irritants.
If you
think steam rubs will help relieve their symptoms, be sure to purchase a
product specifically formulated for your child's age. Read the label and follow
the directions carefully to make sure you are helping your child and not
putting him or her at risk.
About vapor rub. Traditional steam rubbing uses
the main ingredients of camphor, eucalyptus and menthol to suppress coughs and
as an analgesic to relieve pain. You apply the product to your chest and inhale
it, which relieves symptoms such as cough and nasal congestion. You can also
massage your muscles with steam to relieve pain.
The
main ingredients in baby sprays are aloe vera and coconut oil. However, the
application is similar.
One
study found that children who used friction spray were significantly better at
relieving symptoms than children who used petroleum jelly or nothing at all.
Although infants were not included in the study, it is still good to know that
the product is producing results.
Uses for vapor rub. It is important to remember that
steam rubbing relieves your child's symptoms and does not cure any underlying
medical conditions. While your child may need additional tests and treatment to
address the cause of their symptoms, steam rubs are a great way to keep them
comfortable until they get over the illness or irritation.
Causes
of nasal congestion in babies include:
- Common cold
- Flu
- COVID-19
- Allergies
- Cold weather
- Exposure to irritants like chemicals or tobacco smoke
Symptoms
may include:
- Runny nose
- Sneezing
- Cough
- Chest congestion
- Itchy or inflamed skin around the nose and face
Management. Before purchasing and using a
vaporizer for a child, read the entire package, including all warnings. If your
child is younger than the recommended age for the spray you purchased, consider
applying it to the legs instead of the chest. This way they still get the
benefits of not applying it so close to the face.
If
you're spraying on his chest, make sure he's under a top or pajamas so he
doesn't get in the way of his arms as he moves. Reapply as needed, as directed.
Warnings. Rubbing with steam is harmful to
babies if swallowed. In addition, you should avoid:
- Getting it near your infant’s eye
- Applying it inside the nostrils or around the mouth
- Using it with tight bandages
- Applying it on wounds or to damaged skin
If you
notice redness or irritation on your baby's skin after using the spray, stop
using it and contact your doctor.
Talk to your pediatrician. Talk to your child's pediatrician
before using any over-the-counter medicines, including topical ointments such
as spray. Your doctor will know your child's health and medical history and can
help you make an informed decision about treating your child's symptoms.
Other solutions. Steam rubbing is not the only way
to relieve nasal congestion in babies. You can also use a suction bulb to
gently empty your baby's sinuses. For sticky mucus, first use a saline solution
to soften it.
A cool mist humidifier is another great way to reduce nasal congestion and relieve symptoms. If your child is overworked, he may breathe through his mouth. This causes additional symptoms such as dry mouth and sore throat, which can be treated with a humidifier.