Woman only just realising she’s been using VapoRub wrong for years

A TikTok creator has gone viral on the video-sharing platform which explains that we've all been using a popular health product in the totally wrong way.

We all know there's absolutely nothing worse than having a stuffy nose - and for many of us, rather than going through 20 boxes of tissues or using a nasal inhaler, Vicks VapoRub is the go-to for getting decongested.

Slathering it all over our noses has been a given for most of our lives... but it turns out everything we've ever believed with regards to the topical ointment all wrong.

The flu is ravaging us all (Getty Stock Image)

The TikToker captioned her video: "Me after finding out you aren’t supposed to put vapor rub in your nose or under your nose because it can [kill] you??

"(I've been doing it every day in the morning and at night before bed)."

One person wrote: "Who said you’re not supposed to put it under your nose!?"

To which the social creator responded: "Vapor rub, the back of the bottle."

And upon further inspection, it's revealed that the guidance does in fact state that there are a number of places the ointment shouldn't be applied.

They are:

• By mouth
• In nostrils
• On wounds or damaged skin
• With tight bandages

Personally, this is brand new information.

There's nothing worse than an endless stream of tissue (Getty Stock Image)

One person commented: "My Nana was 100+ when she passed she did this everyday."

Another said: "My grandparents both did this since I can recall in the 80s they both lived a very very long time."

A third added: "I thought that forever until I saw something about putting it on your feet to work. Mind blowing."

The Vicks VapoRub website advises: "To use, rub a thick layer of the medicated ointment on your chest and throat to temporarily relieve cough due to minor throat and bronchial irritation associated with the common cold. Keep clothing loose around throat and chest to allow the Vicks Vapors to reach the nose and mouth and go straight to the source of your cough."

The website further states, for cough suppression:

1. Rub a thick layer on throat and chest
2. Cover with a warm, dry cloth if desired
3. Keep clothing loose about throat and chest to help vapors reach the nose and mouth
4. Use up to three times daily or as directed by doctor

And for muscle / joint minor aches and pains:

1. Apply to affected area not more than 3 to 4 times daily

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