Vicks VapoRub, petrolatum, and no treatment for children with nocturnal cough and cold symptoms

Questionnaires were completed by parents of 138 children aged 2-11 years who at bedtime the night before had Vicks VapoRub©, or petrolatum ointment, or no treatment applied to their chest and neck. Children who were treated with Vicks VapoRub© were significantly more able to sleep than children in the two other groups. The parents of children treated with Vicks VapoRub© also reported better sleep than the parents of the children in the other groups. Parents’ reporting of the severity of nasal congestion in their children with colds also showed a significant benefit for Vicks VapoRub©.