Petrolatum

For general skin protection and treatment of dry skin, Petrolatum should be applied topically to the affected area as needed. There is no maximum daily dose for topical application, though a thin layer is generally sufficient to provide an occlusive barrier.

Petrolatum is considered safe for use in infants, children, and adolescents. For diaper rash, apply Petrolatum with every diaper change, especially at bedtime or anytime when exposure to wet diapers may be prolonged. For general skin dryness, apply as needed.

Renal Impairment

No dosage adjustments are required as there is no systemic absorption.

Hepatic Impairment

No dosage adjustments are required.

Elderly Patients

No specific adjustments are necessary; however, elderly patients with fragile skin should apply the product gently to avoid mechanical trauma.

• Clean the Area: Before application, gently clean the affected area and pat dry.
• Application: Apply a small amount of Petrolatum and spread it evenly. It is most effective when applied to damp skin immediately after bathing to 'lock in' moisture.
• External Use Only: This product is for topical use only. Avoid contact with eyes. If the product gets into the eyes, rinse thoroughly with water.
• Storage: Store at room temperature (15°C to 30°C / 59°F to 86°F). Keep the container tightly closed to prevent contamination.

Since Petrolatum is used on an as-needed basis, missing a dose is not clinically significant. Apply it as soon as you remember if the skin feels dry or irritated.

Systemic overdose from topical application is virtually impossible. However, if the product is ingested, it may have a laxative effect. In cases of significant oral ingestion, contact a poison control center. If inhaled (aspiration), seek immediate medical attention as it can cause lipid pneumonia.

> Important: Follow your healthcare provider's dosing instructions. Do not adjust your dose without medical guidance.

• Greasy Sensation: The most common 'side effect' is the physical texture of the product, which can feel heavy or sticky on the skin.
• Skin Softening: Excessive moisture retention can lead to maceration (soggy, white appearance of the skin) if applied too heavily to areas that do not need it.

• Folliculitis: Because Petrolatum is highly occlusive, it can trap sweat and bacteria in hair follicles, leading to small red bumps or 'heat rash' (miliaria).
• Acne Exacerbation: In individuals prone to acne, application to the face may clog pores (comedogenicity).

• Allergic Contact Dermatitis: While extremely rare due to its inert nature, some individuals may develop a sensitivity to impurities in lower-grade petrolatum.
• Lipid Pneumonia: This occurs only if the product is applied inside the nostrils and accidentally inhaled into the lungs over a long period.

> Warning: Stop using Petrolatum and call your doctor immediately if you experience any of these:

• Signs of Infection: Increased redness, warmth, swelling, or pus at the application site.
• Severe Allergic Reaction: Hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat (anaphylaxis).
• Non-Healing Wounds: If the skin condition worsens or does not improve within 7 days.

Prolonged use on healthy skin is generally safe. However, chronic use in intertriginous areas (skin folds) may lead to skin breakdown or fungal infections due to excessive moisture trapping.

No FDA black box warnings exist for Petrolatum. It is widely recognized as safe (GRAS) for its intended topical uses.

Report any unusual symptoms to your healthcare provider.

Petrolatum is for external use only. It should not be used on deep or puncture wounds, animal bites, or serious burns unless directed by a healthcare professional.

No FDA black box warnings for Petrolatum.

• Aspiration Risk: Never apply Petrolatum inside or around the nose of infants or elderly patients. Accidental inhalation of the oils can lead to lipid pneumonia, a serious lung inflammation.
• Fire Hazard: Petrolatum-based products can soak into clothing, bedding, and dressings. While the product itself is not easily ignited, fabric contaminated with petrolatum burns more fiercely. Keep patients away from open flames or smoking materials.
• Infection Risk: Do not apply over areas that are already infected, as the occlusive barrier may trap bacteria and worsen the infection.

There are no specific laboratory monitoring requirements (e.g., blood tests) for the use of topical Petrolatum. Patients should monitor the skin for signs of improvement or secondary infection.

Petrolatum does not affect the ability to drive or operate machinery. However, if applied to the hands, it may cause a slippery grip.

There are no known interactions between topical Petrolatum and alcohol consumption.

Petrolatum can be stopped at any time without a tapering schedule. If being used for a chronic condition like eczema, discontinuation may result in a return of skin dryness.

> Important: Discuss all your medical conditions with your healthcare provider before starting Petrolatum.

There are no known systemic drug-drug contraindications for topical Petrolatum. However, it should not be used simultaneously with latex condoms or diaphragms if applied to the genital area, as petroleum products can weaken latex and lead to contraceptive failure or increased STI risk.

• Topical Corticosteroids: Petrolatum can act as an enhancer for topical steroids by increasing their penetration into the skin. While often used together therapeutically, this can increase the risk of steroid-related side effects like skin thinning.

• Other Topical Medications: Applying Petrolatum over another medicated cream may either trap the medication (increasing potency) or prevent a second medication applied on top from reaching the skin.

There are no known food interactions with topically applied Petrolatum.

No significant interactions with herbal supplements have been documented for topical Petrolatum.

Petrolatum does not typically interfere with standard blood or urine laboratory tests. It may interfere with the results of certain skin patch tests if not properly cleaned from the site.

For each major interaction, explain:

• The mechanism: Physical occlusion and barrier formation.
• The clinical consequence: Altered absorption of co-administered topical agents or degradation of latex materials.
• Management strategy: Space application of different topical products and use non-latex barrier methods if Petrolatum is applied to the groin.

> Important: Tell your doctor about ALL medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking.

• Hypersensitivity: Known allergy to petrolatum or any component of the formulation (though extremely rare).
• Deep Wounds: Must not be used on deep puncture wounds or lacerations that require surgical closure, as it may interfere with debridement or trap anaerobic bacteria.

• Active Infection: Use with caution on skin that is currently oozing or infected.
• Acne-Prone Areas: Avoid heavy application on the face or back in individuals with severe cystic acne.

There is little evidence of cross-sensitivity between Petrolatum and other hydrocarbons, but patients with multiple chemical sensitivities should perform a small spot test first.

> Important: Your healthcare provider will evaluate your complete medical history before prescribing Petrolatum.

FDA Pregnancy Category: Not formally assigned (Topical). Since Petrolatum is not absorbed systemically, it is considered safe for use during all trimesters of pregnancy. There is no known risk of teratogenicity or adverse developmental effects.

Petrolatum is safe for use during breastfeeding. However, if applied to the breast or nipple area, it should be thoroughly cleaned off before nursing to prevent the infant from ingesting the product or slipping during latching.

Approved for use in infants and children of all ages. It is a first-line recommendation for the prevention of diaper rash and the management of pediatric atopic dermatitis (eczema).

Highly effective for geriatric xerosis (dry skin). Care should be taken to avoid application to the soles of the feet, as this can significantly increase the risk of falls due to slipperiness.

No dosage adjustments are needed. It is safe for patients on dialysis.

No dosage adjustments are needed as the drug is not metabolized by the liver.

> Important: Special populations require individualized medical assessment.

Petrolatum acts as an occlusive emollient. It creates an epicutaneous (on top of the skin) film that serves as a physical substitute for the skin's natural lipid barrier. This film prevents the evaporation of water from the stratum corneum to the external environment. By maintaining a high water content in the skin, it promotes the desquamation (shedding) of dead skin cells and improves the flexibility and integrity of the skin surface.

The effects of Petrolatum are immediate upon application. The duration of effect lasts until the product is physically removed or absorbed into the very top layers of dead skin cells. It does not have systemic pharmacological effects and does not bind to receptors.

| Parameter | Value |

|---|---|

| Bioavailability | 0% (Topical, intact skin) |

| Protein Binding | N/A |

| Half-life | N/A (Non-systemic) |

| Tmax | N/A |

| Metabolism | None |

| Excretion | Physical removal |

• Molecular Formula: Primarily $C_{n}H_{2n+2}$ (a mixture of hydrocarbons where n > 25).
• Molecular Weight: Variable (High molecular weight mixture).
• Solubility: Insoluble in water; soluble in benzene, chloroform, and ether.
• Description: An odorless, tasteless, yellowish to white semi-solid, unctuous mass.

Petrolatum is classified as a Skin Protectant and Occlusive Emollient. It is often grouped with other protectants like zinc oxide or dimethicone in dermatological therapy.