What do doctors use Vaseline for?

Author: Prof. Hope Stracke  |  Last update: Friday, June 27, 2025

Other common uses of pure petrolatum ointment in Dermatology include: chapped lips. moisturizing eczema-prone skin on the feet, legs, and hands. applying to the nares in dry climates to prevent nose bleeds.

Why do doctors recommend Vaseline?

Olsen: One recent study called petroleum jelly the best way to reduce the risk of eczema in newborns. Dr. Davis says because petroleum jelly is chemically similar to proteins in our skin, it's also a good choice for treating everything from chapped lips to dry cuticles, hands and feet.

What is Vaseline used for medically?

This medication is used as a moisturizer to treat or prevent dry, rough, scaly, itchy skin and minor skin irritations (such as diaper rash, skin burns from radiation therapy). Emollients are substances that soften and moisturize the skin and decrease itching and flaking.

Why do doctors put Vaseline on wounds?

To help the injured skin heal, use petroleum jelly to keep the wound moist. Petroleum jelly prevents the wound from drying out and forming a scab; wounds with scabs take longer to heal. This will also help prevent a scar from getting too large, deep or itchy.

What do dermatologists recommend Vaseline for?

Alleviating itching. Atopic dermatitis is a skin condition that causes patches of dry, flaky, and itchy skin. Dermatologists often recommend petroleum jelly and similar ointments as a treatment for atopic dermatitis.

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Is Vaseline good for under eyes?

Applying Vaseline® Jelly under eyes is a tried-and-tested way to lock in moisture, keeping skin in the eye area soft and elastic, and rejuvenating skin that looks dry and tired.

Is Vaseline or neosporin better for wound healing?

They gave small skin wounds to human participants and applied Vaseline or Neosporin. The people who applied Vaseline healed faster than those who applied Neosporin to their wounds. This suggests that Neosporin kills the bacteria and makes the wounds heal slower, Garza said.

Does Vaseline help with inflammation?

Peter Elias, M.D. '67, UCSF dermatology professor emeritus, found that applying Vaseline petroleum jelly to mice reduced the levels of inflammation in their blood. A small study by Elias and other researchers suggested the same might be true of humans.

Why do dentists use Vaseline?

Vaseline is recommended to prepare the buccal cavity, lubricate the sensitive areas and improve sliding of the rubber dam. Composed with healthy pure petrolatum jelly for dental use, the gel is hypoallergenic, unscented, stable and non-water soluble.

Why do soldiers use Vaseline?

Vaseline® Jelly has been a first aid kit essential since the First World War when U.S. soldiers and medical officers would use it to treat minor cuts and bruises, and to ease minor sunburn.

What are the disadvantages of Vaseline?

Petroleum Jelly Disadvantages
  • Infection. If petroleum jelly is used on unclean skin, it traps contaminants there. ...
  • Clog Pores. Clogging pores is the most common side effect of petroleum jelly. ...
  • Sunburn. Petroleum jelly is a petroleum-based product, and it absorbs heat. ...
  • Low Melting Point Lubricant.

What was Vaseline originally used for?

The history of Vaseline® Jelly starts in 1859, when Robert Chesebrough travelled to Titusville, a small town in Pennsylvania. That's where oil workers had been using rod wax, an unrefined form of petroleum jelly – then just a simple by-product of the drilling they were working on – to heal wounded or burnt skin.

When should you stop putting Vaseline on a wound?

This will help keep the wound moist and allow it to heal faster with less scarring. Continue applying the petroleum jelly until the wound has fully healed. Open wounds heal more slowly. A large wound can take 4 weeks or more to heal.

Why is Neosporin no longer recommended?

Neomycin frequently causes allergic reactions of the skin called contact dermatitis. It can cause the skin to become red, scaly, and itchy. The more Neosporin you use, the worse the skin reaction gets.

What is the yellowish fluid that oozes from the wound?

A wound that's healing can produce a clear or pink fluid. An infected wound can produce a yellowish, bad-smelling fluid called pus. When fluid seeps from a wound, it is called wound drainage.

Why not to use Vaseline?

This ingredient creates a barrier on the skin, preventing it from breathing and releasing toxins. This can lead to clogged pores, which can lead to acne and other skin irritations.

What does Vaseline do to bacteria?

Contributes to Secondary Infections

The seal created by petroleum jelly is so impermeable that it starves the area of oxygen, which allows any oxygen-hating bacteria on the skin to survive undisturbed for longer.

What is Vaseline essential healing for?

Overview. Vaseline Intensive Care Essential Healing Body Lotion is clinically proven to moisturize deeply with the first application. This daily body lotion best for dry skin and rough skin and keeps dry skin healed for 3 weeks*. *Proven after 4 weeks daily use in a clinical study.

Can Vaseline help wrinkles?

Although there is no scientific evidence to indicate that petroleum jelly can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles, its moisturizing properties may help keep skin looking and feeling soft and supple. It can also provide a protective barrier against environmental damage, which may slow down the natural aging process.

Why put Vaseline on eyes at night?

The added hydration plumps up skin and can help reduce fine lines. As an occlusive product, Vaseline creates a physical barrier that holds onto moisture. “Pure 100% petrolatum is the most effective occlusive moisturizer and it prevents 99% of water loss while you sleep,” Dr.

Is Vaseline good for hair?

The natural oils reduce friction and lock in moisture. Without it, you may experience hair breakage, split ends, and frizz. Vaseline can act as a stand-in for these natural oils, combating dryness and acting as a protective barrier for your hair. So, it just might be worth using Vaseline on your hair and scalp.

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