Why do doctors use Vaseline?

Author: Alexandrea Fadel  |  Last update: Wednesday, September 17, 2025

Increased trans-epidermal water loss is the key factor that leads to the development of skin conditions such as eczema and chapped lips. This also creates a protective barrier on the skin which is helpful when using it on cuts and burns. One of the most common uses of pure petroleum jelly in Dermatology is wound care.

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 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.

Mix Vaseline with Lemon and you will be shocked! If only I had known about this earlier!

Does Vaseline speed up healing?

Uses of Petroleum Jelly

Injuries (such as lacerations, abrasions, burns, and surgical sites) heal faster, have a lower risk of infection, and scar better if the wound remains moist with regular petrolatum application.

Can I put Vaseline on my private area?

If you have very bad dryness and irritation, a hydrating moisturizer may be better for you. Never use petroleum jelly (such as Vaseline®) as a moisturizer. It can irritate your vagina and vulva. It can also raise your risk of getting a vaginal infection.

Do dermatologists recommend Vaseline?

In fact, a common, inexpensive product found in most people's medicine cabinets, petroleum jelly, can have multiple skin care uses for the entire family. To save on skin care, dermatologists recommend using petroleum jelly to: Relieve dry skin, including your lips and eyelids.

When should you not use Vaseline?

While Vaseline helps seal moisture into the skin, some experts have suggested that it may also trap in oil and dirt. As such, the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) warn that people who are prone to acne may experience breakouts after applying Vaseline to the face.

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.

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.

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.

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.

What toilet paper do gynecologists recommend?

Use soft, white unscented toilet paper, for example, Cottonelle toilet tissue in blue packaging. Wear white, 100% cotton underwear.

Can I put Vaseline on my face?

But hold on, can you put Vaseline® products on your face? The frequently asked question has a simple answer: Yes! Vaseline® products, including Vaseline® Original Healing Jelly, are absolutely safe for your skin. The Vaseline® Jelly is non-comedogenic, which means it does not block or clog your pores.

Is petroleum jelly the same as Vaseline?

Petroleum jelly is made from a blend of natural waxes and mineral oils. People often refer in general to petroleum jelly as “Vaseline®”, but the real Vaseline® petroleum jelly is different. The real Vaseline® petroleum jelly is triple purified to remove impurities. It is gentle enough to be used on sensitive skin.

Is Vaseline better than neosporin?

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.

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 do Africans use Vaseline?

From using petroleum jelly to protect skin from the elements, such as the bitter winter months, to using it to lock-in moisture to provide skin with a healthy appearance, slugging has always played a part in the personal care routine of many Black and Brown households.

What are the unexpected uses of Vaseline?

How To Use Vaseline
  • De-Scuff Leather. Similarly, you can get rid of marks and scuffs on leather furniture and shoes by using Vaseline. ...
  • Lubricate Hinges. Goodbye, squeaky doors and hard-to-open windows. ...
  • Keep Light Bulbs From Sticking. ...
  • Remove Sticky Residue. ...
  • Keep Glue Fresh.

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.

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