Petroleum Jelly / Petrolatum

At any age, dry skin, eczema, and other bothersome conditions can sneak up on you. As we age, however, these issues can become more frequent and intense. According to WebMD, “Dry skin and itching are common in later life. About 85% of older people develop "winter itch," because overheated indoor air is dry. The loss of oil glands as we age may also worsen dry skin.”

What is Petrolatum?

Petrolatum is the North American synonym for petroleum jelly, a semisolid mixture of mineral oils and waxes. The term is mostly used as a brief version of the phrase petroleum jelly since the word petroleum on its own does not refer to the jelly product at all.

What is Petroleum Jelly Used For?

While petroleum jelly has hundreds of possible uses, here we will discuss some of the many indications of petrolatum for skin and wound care. The list below will explore a few of the most common uses for petroleum jelly as a topical skin product. Aside from the uses discussed below, people also use petroleum jelly on tattoos, as a lubricant for temperature monitoring and sexual intercourse, as a makeup remover and household lube, and much more.

1. Petroleum Jelly for Lips

Dry lips can be inconvenient, painful, and in some cases, a risk of potential infection. So, is petroleum jelly good for lips? Yes, but there are some instances where further care is recommended.

Quite often, people will use petroleum jelly to soothe and moisturize their lips. Using a petroleum jelly lip balm before your lips are chapped works great, as the ointment can help stave off dryness. For this purpose, you may want to consider buying a petroleum jelly tube. However, while petroleum jelly is occlusive and can effectively seal in existing moisture, it does not have restorative properties, making it less helpful for lips that are already damaged.

Therefore, if you are looking to heal dry or chapped lips with white petrolatum, the most effective application would be to pair your use of petroleum jelly with a “humectant,” or substance that attracts water and draws it into the skin. Examples of humectants include:

• honey
• aloe
• shea butter
• calendula

Apply your choice of humectant to your lips first, then seal it in with petrolatum. You may wish to follow a similar routine when using petroleum jelly for dry skin.

2. Petroleum Jelly for Burns and Cuts

Pure petroleum jelly can also be excellent for treating minor cuts or burns.  As with other applications of natural white petrolatum ointment, it locks in moisture at the affected area to help promote faster healing. Dr. Sara Etemad, a University of California family medicine specialist, says, “Remember to cleanse your wound daily with gentle soap and water, apply petroleum jelly and cover it with an adhesive bandage for faster healing.” Petrolatum and gauze should do the trick unless your scrapes or burns are severe; in that case, seek medical attention as it could then be dangerous to use petroleum jelly.

3. Petroleum Jelly for Eczema

Eczema is a chronic skin condition that causes irritation, itching, and scaly patches. It was once thought to primarily be a pediatric condition; however, eczema can suddenly appear later in life due to changes in the body.  As we age, skin becomes drier leading to roughness, scaling, and itchiness. The decline of estrogen levels from menopause can make skin more prone to eczema, as well as more stressful events such as bereavement, being placed in an assisted living facility, or even the stress that comes along with other existing health issues.

While there are many products designed specifically for eczema, some people wonder if petroleum jelly is good for eczema since it is more accessible and cost-efficient than most skin protectants. A 2017 study suggests petroleum jelly as a suitable preventative treatment for eczema outbreaks (Xu, et al., 2017). The study found that using petroleum jelly regularly as an emollient could prevent outbreaks. 

4. Petroleum Jelly for Bed Sores

Those who have low or no ability to walk are at potential risk for developing bedsores. Aside from decreased mobility, other risk factors may include issues such as poor general health, obesity, and poor hygiene.

The Four Stages of Bedsores:

• Persistent redness - At this stage, the skin is still intact and may be painful and firm. Its temperature may be different from that of the surrounding area.
• Partial-thickness skin or tissue loss - At this stage, the skin may be open without the tissue having died yet. The lesion may also be intact or resemble a ruptured blister. It might be shiny, dry, and shallow without bruising. The area will be painful and tender. There should still be no tissue death.
• Full-thickness skin loss - Stage three is when the lesion has become deep, exposing bones, tendons, or muscles. 
• Full-thickness tissue loss - Stage four bedsores could look like a severe deep wound. Muscle, tendon, and bone exposure is possible. Dead tissue may be present and discharge from the wound is likely.

How to Treat Bed Sores:

Bedsores can be treated with a wide variety of topical creams. However, there is little data about which is most effective. One choice that is often considered is creamy petroleum jelly. This is because petrolatum ointment is known to protect the skin from becoming dry and has been proven to shield the sore from bacteria and other contaminants.

Note: Overall, it has been agreed that there is only a minimal risk of causing more damage to the affected area. However, it is recommended that you see your doctor to be diagnosed and get a suggestion for the treatment that is best for you.

5. Petroleum Jelly for Diaper Rash

How Diaper Rashes Happen:

Using adult diapers with high-quality dry technology, along with frequent diaper changes, goes a long way in helping prevent skin damage. However, even the most diligent of caretakers may not be able to help steer their patients or loved ones clear of diaper rash. In fact, a diaper rash can begin much more easily than you would think. Diapers make for a hostile environment for the skin.

Dr. Jennifer MacGregor, a dermatologist at Union Square Laser Dermatology in New York City explains it best.  “Water and moisture occluded on the skin without a barrier is a powerful irritant… It can get so bad that skin breaks down and gets raw.”

Dr. Jennifer Gruen, co-founder of Village Pediatrics adds, “Stool (especially diarrhea, which can be acidic) and urine (which has ammonia) held close to skin, as well as rubbing from the diaper, all cause rash.”  Skin is happiest with only a slightly acidic PH level of around 5.

How to Treat Diaper Rashes Cost-Effectively:

Pure petroleum jelly has no potential allergens and is a cost-effective way to create a moisture barrier that can reduce the risk of diaper rash. The cost of petroleum jelly for sore bums or anal rash is usually under $6.00 and will last a long time, while a comparable size of other ointments like A&D could cost you as much as $11. Using petroleum jelly as a skin protectant can also soothe the skin and offer relief from existing diaper rashes.

It not only acts as a seal that keeps moisture from a wet diaper out, but it also “prevents bacteria and yeast from entering skin,” says Dr. Sonia Batra, a Santa Monica, California–based dermatologist and co-host of The Doctors TV Show. This is particularly useful because, in instances where bacteria or yeast can flourish freely, more severe forms of diaper rash can occur. 

Is Petroleum Jelly Bad for You?

In general, there are no known health concerns related to the use of, or even consumption of, petroleum jelly. As a skincare item that is considered non-toxic and safe, petroleum jelly is good for you. However, there are some possible petroleum jelly dangers that have been discussed in the past:

• Flammable: while white petroleum jelly on its own is quite innocuous, it is flammable, which means it can burn if exposed directly to flames.
• Allergies: like latex, over-exposure to petroleum can, on rare occasions, lead to developing a sensitivity or allergy to the product.
• Adverse reactions: when used on skin that hasn’t been cleaned, petroleum jelly may clog pores and lead to breakouts. Furthermore, when used on uncleaned wounds, petrolatum may encourage bacterial growth and other complications. Consider purchasing a convenient wound cleanser to prevent such issues from developing.

As with any skin care problems, self-diagnosis and treatment are generally discouraged. This is important to keep in mind since delaying treatment for certain problems can lead to the development of serious health issues. If you or your loved one has any medical concerns, be sure to see a physician and get a proper diagnosis and treatment for your specific needs.

The Bottom Line

Whether you prefer to call it petroleum jelly or petrolatum, one thing is for sure: Vaseline-type products have countless uses in the medical field. It can be used for a wide variety of uses, far more than what is listed above. If you need help finding a petroleum jelly product that best suits you, call now at 1-877-813-7799. We look forward to serving you!

Disclaimer: We are not medical professionals and do not offer diagnostic or conclusive treatment advice. If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of the above-mentioned issues, please consult a licensed medical professional.

Source:

Xu S, Immaneni S, Hazen GB, Silverberg JI, Paller AS, Lio PA. Cost-effectiveness of Prophylactic Moisturization for Atopic Dermatitis. JAMA Pediatr. 2017;171(2):e163909.