Chest Rubs

Chest and Vapor Rubs at Walgreens

Chest rubs are a type of medicine used externally on the skin to help relieve pain and soothe symptoms of coughs. They usually contain ingredients such as camphor, menthol, and eucalyptus. Chest rubs are available in many forms including creams, ointments, roll-on sticks, and steams. There are also formulas made especially for children and babies. All of these types of chest rubs are available for purchase in stores or online at Walgreens.

What are chest rubs used for?

Chest rubs have a variety of uses depending on the product and ingredients. They are most commonly used to relieve coughs and smooth symptoms of rhinitis, which is a reaction caused by illness or allergies. Rhinitis can cause congestion in the nose, sneezing, itchiness, and a runny nose. Ingredients in many chest rubs like menthol and eucalyptus can help to relieve these symptoms. The essential oil camphor is also common in chest rubs and is used to treat minor muscle and joint pain as well as to relieve cough symptoms. However, camphor can be highly toxic if ingested and should be used with caution. Parents and caregivers should be extremely careful if using a product containing camphor on their child.

Some chest rub formulas are made especially for children and babies and can provide a more gentle and natural alternative. Walgreens offers chest rubs for adults, children, and babies in a variety of gentle and natural formulas. These products often contain soothing ingredients such as eucalyptus, peppermint, and lavender. Eucalyptus provides cooling sensations when inhaled, and can help improve airflow through the nose. More research is needed to determine how helpful other ingredients in natural alternatives may be.

Do chest rubs help with coughs?

Chest rubs can help relieve coughs for some people. When applied externally to the skin on the chest, the ingredients in chest rubs can soothe irritation caused by coughing. Be sure to read and follow the instructions on the label before you apply this medicine, and use extreme caution with children and babies. If you are experiencing severe cough symptoms and they are not improving, speak with your healthcare provider or a pharmacist at Walgreens about other options.

How do chest rubs work?

Chest rubs are usually applied to the chest as an ointment, cream, or roll-on stick. Some products provide a similar effect to chest rubs but are inhaled through steam. Chest rubs work through active ingredients such as camphor, menthol, and eucalyptus and provide a cooling sensation and increased blood circulation, which can ease symptoms of illness such as coughs or nasal discomfort. Chest rubs can also soothe muscle and joint aches. Walgreens has a variety of chest rub options to choose from. If you aren’t sure which option is best for you, a pharmacist can help you decide in stores or online 24/7 with Walgreens pharmacy chat.