Petrolatum or petroleum jelly is a moisturizer to prevent or treat dry, rough, cracked, or itchy skin. This moisturizer is also often used to relieve minor skin irritations from diaper rash or radiotherapy procedures.
Petrolatum works by creating a layer of oil on the skin. This way of working will prevent the evaporation of water from the surface of the skin, while providing a protective effect on the skin. This moisturizer can be found in a variety of skin and beauty products.
Trademark petrolatum: Cetaphil Moisturizer, Multifunction Petroleum Balm, Petroleum Jelly, Petroleum Jelly Body Care, Petroleum Jelly Perfumed, Ultra Gentle Body Wash, Vaseline
What is Petrolatum
| group | Free medicine |
| Category | Skin moisturizer (emollient) |
| Benefit | Moisturizes the skin and prevents or treats dry skin |
| Used by | Adults and children |
| Petrolatum for pregnant and lactating women | Category A: Controlled studies in pregnant women have not shown any risk to the fetus, and it is unlikely that harm to the fetus is possible. Petrolatum is not known to be absorbed into breast milk or not. However, petrolatum as a topical medication is considered safe for use when breastfeeding. |
| Shape | Creams, ointments and ointments |
Precautions Before Using Petrolatum
There are several things you should pay attention to before using petrolatum, including:
- Do not use products containing petrolatum if you are allergic to this ingredient.
- Do not use petrolatum on eyes, mouth, nose, deep wounds, stab wounds, serious burns, or wounds from animal bites.
- Stop use and consult a doctor if the condition does not improve after using petrolatum products for more than 7 days.
- Consult your doctor first if you want to use petrolatum along with certain medications, supplements, or herbal products.
- See a doctor immediately if an allergic reaction or overdose occurs after using petrolatum.
Dosage and Rules for Use Petrolatum
Petrolatum is often found in various skin and beauty products. Read and follow the instructions for use listed on the packaging. If you have doubts or have certain health conditions, discuss with your doctor to get the appropriate dose, duration, and method of use.
How to Use Petrolatum Correctly
Petrolatum is only used on the surface of the skin. Read the information on the product packaging or consult a doctor before using products that contain petrolatum.
Wash hands with soap and running water before and after using products containing petrolatum. Make sure the area to be smeared is clean and dry. Apply petrolatum evenly to the affected skin area.
Some petrolatum products need to be shaken before use. For dry skin, petrolatum can be applied repeatedly as needed.
Some petrolatum products can make acne worse. If your skin is prone to acne, talk to your doctor first about using petrolatum.
Before using petrolatum to treat diaper rash in children, you must make sure that the area to be smeared is completely clean and dry.
Store petrolatum at room temperature and away from direct sunlight. Keep this product out of reach of children.
Petrolatum Interactions with Other Drugs
Concomitant use of petrolatum-containing products with topical corticosteroid medications, such as betamethasone or triamcinolone, may increase the absorption of corticosteroid medications. To be safe, consult your doctor if you plan to use petrolatum with other medications.
Petrolatum Side Effects and Hazards
Although rare, there are some side effects that can occur after using petrolatum, namely:
- Burning and burning sensation on the skin
- Reddish skin
- Watery skin
- Symptoms of skin infection
Check with a doctor if the complaints mentioned above do not go away or an allergic reaction occurs on the skin after using petrolatum.