Petroleum jelly (white petrolatum, USP 100%) is a simple product with many uses, mainly as a skin protectant. You can find it as an active ingredient (it is also an inactive ingredient in many ointments) in tubs (3.75 to 13 ounces), tubes, scented (baby fresh or lavender) or not, store brand or Vaseline brand. Store brand is just as good as the Vaseline brand and is usually priced lower (unless the Vaseline brand is on sale). I chose to pay 50 cents more not to have it scented.
My 10 month-old has bad eczema behind his chubby knees, and occasionally you can see him use his right foot to scratch his left knee. The solution? Bathing in colloidal oatmeal and slathering him with petroleum jelly. I was getting discouraged when it didn't seem to be working, but then again I wasn't exactly slathering. His pediatrician did not even examine the eczema when I brought him in on Monday; he just ordered more oatmeal baths and jelly. No prescription for a topical steroid. Shhhh, I have sparingly applied 0.5% hydrocortisone cream once or twice, but it was only a temporary fix. So back to the oatmeal and jelly. Lo and behold, slathering the greasy stuff really works!
But wait, didn't I also use dollops of this jelly on his circumcision wound? How about when he had those minor diaper rashes? Oh yes, I used this under his neck and armpits when they're red. When it was windy and cold, I smeared it on his cheeks to keep from chafing. My daughter likes to dab some on her lips. Heck, I've been using it on my own eczema on my right hand. Some people use it as a beauty product for hair growth and smooth skin. What do you use it for?
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