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Overview: Petrolatum is applied to your skin or lips to help soothe and protect from irritants or after minor injuries. It is usually well tolerated. There are multiple forms of petrolatum. They may have different ingredients or be used in different ways. If you are not sure which petrolatum product to use, talk to your pharmacist or another health care provider.

Uses

What is petrolatum used for?

Petrolatum is commonly used to protect your skin. It is helpful for the following purposes.

These uses may vary depending on the specific petrolatum product used.

Petrolatum may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does petrolatum work (mechanism of action)?

Petrolatum helps soothe and protect your skin. It softens and moisturizes your skin. It also helps form a barrier between your skin and irritants, such as wind, cold, or soiled diapers.

How is petrolatum supplied (dosage forms)?

Petrolatum is available in several strengths of a cream or ointment that is applied to the lips or skin.

How should I store petrolatum?

Store petrolatum according to the package labeling. Most medicines should be kept in a cool, dry place that is out of the reach of children and pets and not in direct sunlight. Avoid freezing it or exposing it to excessive heat. If you are unsure how to store petrolatum, ask your pharmacist.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of petrolatum?

Petrolatum is usually well tolerated. Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that bother you.

Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of petrolatum?

While less common, the most serious side effects of petrolatum are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Petrolatum may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using petrolatum and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use petrolatum?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use petrolatum.

  • Aquaphor
  • Cerave
  • D-Cerin
  • Hydrophor
  • Petrolatum
  • Vaseline
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific petrolatum products they stock.

What should I know about petrolatum before using it?

Read and follow the directions on the product or follow your health care provider’s recommendations. Petrolatum should only be used on clean and dry skin. Do not get it in your eyes or swallow it. If you get any petrolatum in your eyes, rinse them well with water right away.

Keep petrolatum out of the reach of children.

You should not use petrolatum for any of the following unless your health care provider tells you to.

You should stop using petrolatum and contact your health care provider if any of the following happen.

  • Your skin seems to look worse instead of better
  • Your skin seems to get better but worsens again in a few days
  • Your symptoms last for more than seven days 

If you are using petrolatum for diaper rash, follow other suggestions from your health care provider to prevent or reduce symptoms. These may include things like frequent diaper changes, changing diapers right before bed or before long car rides, or using petrolatum with every diaper change. 

What should I tell my health care provider before using petrolatum?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if petrolatum is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Pregnancy. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Your health care provider will let you know if you should use petrolatum while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

Breastfeeding. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should use petrolatum while breastfeeding.

Interactions

Does petrolatum interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between petrolatum and foods or drinks.

There are no known interactions between petrolatum and alcohol.

Does petrolatum interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between petrolatum and other medicines. Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

 

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much petrolatum?

If you or someone else has used too much petrolatum or if it is swallowed, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of petrolatum?

Petrolatum is meant to be used only when needed. Use it according to the package directions or as recommended by your health care provider. Do not use double or extra doses.