Skip to Content

Does Vaseline work for burns?

Quick answer

Vaseline, also known as petroleum jelly, can provide some benefits for minor burns but should not be used for severe burns. When applied to minor burns, Vaseline can help lock in moisture and prevent irritation and infection in the damaged skin. However, it should not be used on second or third-degree burns as it can trap heat and worsen the injury. For serious burns, specialized burn creams or ointments prescribed by a doctor are more appropriate.

What is Vaseline?

Vaseline is a brand name for petroleum jelly, a semi-solid mixture of hydrocarbons derived from petroleum. It has a smooth, greasy texture and is commonly used in skincare and cosmetics. The main components of petroleum jelly are paraffin and microcrystalline wax.

Some key facts about Vaseline:

– invented in 1859 by Robert Chesebrough
– used in a variety of cosmetic and medicinal products
– helps seal in moisture and protect skin
– non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog pores
– affordable and easy to find at most drugstores and supermarkets

How does Vaseline work on burns?

When applied to a minor burn, Vaseline works by:

– Locking in moisture: Vaseline creates a protective barrier over the skin, sealing in moisture and preventing dryness and irritation. This helps promote healing.

– Preventing infection: The petroleum jelly barrier can keep germs and bacteria out of damaged skin tissue. This reduces the risk of infection developing.

– Easing pain: Vaseline can soothe pain receptors in the skin due to ingredients like paraffin wax. This provides a mild numbing effect.

– Reducing inflammation: The emollients in Vaseline can decrease inflammation associated with burns and sensitivity.

– Providing comfort: The coating and smoothing properties of petroleum jelly provide comfort to burned skin.

So in summary, Vaseline is able to help minor burns by keeping them moisturized and protected from infection and other irritants during the healing process. This helps decrease pain and inflammation as well.

What types of burns can Vaseline treat?

Vaseline is only appropriate for treating first-degree, minor burns. These burns only affect the outer layer of skin. Examples include:

– Sunburns
– Scalds from hot water or liquids
– Contact burns from touching a hot object
– Mild thermal burns from a heat source

For these minor burns, Vaseline can be effective at providing relief and preventing complications like infections.

However, Vaseline should not be used on more severe second and third-degree burns that damage deeper skin layers and tissue. These require specialized burn cream and professional medical care.

Second-degree burns

Second-degree burns extend beyond the outer layer of skin and cause blistering. Vaseline can worsen these burns by trapping in heat and fluids from burst blisters. Seek medical attention instead of using Vaseline.

Third-degree burns

Third-degree burns go through all layers of the skin. Vaseline will not help these serious burns that require grafting and surgical treatment. Using Vaseline can again make the burns worse.

So in summary, only use Vaseline on minor, superficial first-degree burns, not more serious second or third-degree burns. Check with your doctor if unsure what degree burn you have.

How to use Vaseline for burns

If using Vaseline for a minor burn, follow these tips:

– Clean burn first with mild soap and cool water. Do not break any blisters.

– Apply a thick layer of Vaseline over the affected area. Cover entire burn with petroleum jelly.

– Reapply 2-3 times per day to keep area moisturized.

– Cover with sterile gauze or bandage to protect burn.

– Watch for signs of infection like pus, increasing pain and swelling. Seek medical help if these occur.

– Stop using Vaseline if irritation increases. Discontinue use if rash or inflammation develop.

– Do not use on deep, third-degree burns as Vaseline will cause more harm. Go to ER or call 911 instead.

So use a clean technique, apply a liberal amount of jelly, and regularly reapply to maximize the moisturizing effects of Vaseline on minor burns. Seek professional help if your burn is severe.

Is Vaseline recommended for burns?

Here is a summary of guidelines on whether Vaseline is recommended for burns:

– Minor burns: Yes, Vaseline is recommended as a topical treatment according to the American Academy of Dermatology. It helps soothe, moisturize and protect minor burns.

– Severe burns: No, Vaseline is not recommended for severe second or third-degree burns. It can make these worse by trapping in heat and fluid. Seek emergency medical care for serious burns.

– Infected burns: No, Vaseline should not be used on infected burns. The petrolatum can seal in bacteria and make the infection worse. Use antibiotic creams instead.

– Facial burns: Use carefully as Vaseline is oil-based. Acne, rosacea and dermatitis can occur. Seek alternative creams for facial burns.

– Burns on babies/children: Consult pediatrician first before using. Children’s skin is more delicate. Avoid petrolatum-based products on large burns.

– Electrical/chemical burns: No, chemical and electrical burns require special wound care. Vaseline may interact with caustic chemicals. Seek expert medical treatment.

So Vaseline is generally recommended only for treating minor, superficial burns. It should be avoided on severe, deep tissue burns or burns showing signs of infection. Consult your doctor if unsure whether Vaseline is appropriate.

Is Vaseline better than aloe vera for burns?

Here is a comparison of Vaseline and aloe vera for burn treatment:

Vaseline Aloe Vera
Creates protective barrier to seal in moisture Contains polysaccharides that help skin retain moisture
Prevents infection with petrolatum barrier Has antibacterial properties to prevent infection
Contains paraffin for mild pain relief Natural anti-inflammatory agents reduce pain and swelling
Affordable and accessible Easy to extract gel from homegrown leaves
Not suitable for deep, severe burns Should not be used for deep burns needing medical care

In summary, both Vaseline and aloe vera provide protective moisturizing properties for minor burns. Aloe vera may be preferred for its natural anti-inflammatory effects. However, Vaseline is more accessible and seals in moisture more effectively. For severe burns, do not use either home remedy and instead seek medical treatment.

What are the side effects of using Vaseline on burns?

Potential side effects of using Vaseline on burns include:

– Acne breakouts: The oil base can clog pores leading to acne, especially on the face.

– Allergic reactions: Skin inflammation, rash, and irritation may occur if allergic to petroleum jelly. Discontinue use.

– Heat retention: Vaseline can trap heat in severe second and third-degree burns, worsening the injury.

– Infection risk: Petroleum jelly can seal in bacteria and fluid from burst blisters.

– Skin maceration: If Vaseline is used too liberally, it can cause the outer skin layers to soften and break down.

– Scar tissue: May increase risk of thick, raised scarring especially if used on deeper tissue burns.

– Delays healing: Vaseline should not be used in place of burn cream or antibiotics for infected wounds.

To avoid potential complications, only apply Vaseline in a thin layer to superficial burns. Monitor for any negative reactions and discontinue use if irritation develops. See a doctor immediately if any signs of wound infection arise. Avoid using Vaseline on severe burns altogether.

What to avoid putting on burns

Avoid these common home remedies for burns as they can cause more harm:

– Butter or margarine: Dairy-based products can encourage bacterial growth. Use Vaseline instead.

– Toothpaste: Contains irritants like menthol and alcohol that further damage burned skin. Rinse off immediately if applied.

– Ice: Putting ice directly on a burn can further damage skin. Use cool water instead.

– Egg whites: Can help temporarily relieve pain but may increase risk of salmonella infection.

– Raw potato slices: Starchy juice can irritate and inflame burns.

– Cucumber: Provides cooling effect but no protection or pain relief for damaged skin.

– Vinegar: Has antimicrobial properties but is highly acidic and stings severely on burns.

Stick to cool water, aloe vera, and antibacterial creams or ointments recommended by your doctor or pharmacist. Avoid home remedies like butter or ice that can worsen burns.

Home treatment for minor burns

Here are some evidence-based home treatments for minor superficial first-degree burns:

– Run cool tap water over the burn for 10-15 minutes to decrease temperature and pain. Avoid using ice.

– Clean the burn gently with mild soap and water. Do not break any blisters.

– Apply aloe vera gel liberally to soothe and moisturize the damaged skin. Reapply every few hours.

– Use an over-the-counter antibiotic cream with bacitracin or polymyxin B to prevent infection.

– Take OTC pain medication like ibuprofen or acetaminophen to relieve pain.

– Keep the burn moisturized with Vaseline to aid healing and prevent scarring. Reapply 2-3 times per day.

– Cover with a sterile non-adhesive bandage or gauze to protect the wound.

– Watch for increasing redness, swelling, oozing pus, or fever as these indicate infection. Seek medical help immediately if these symptoms develop.

Avoid folk remedies like toothpaste, raw eggs, ice, or butter which can worsen burns. With proper home treatment, many minor burns can heal well with minimal scarring. Get medical attention if the burn covers a large area or is on the face, hands, feet or genitals.

When to see a doctor for burns

See a doctor or go to the emergency room right away if:

– The burn covers an area larger than 3 inches in diameter.

– The burn resulted from chemicals, electricity or explosions.

– The skin is blackened or charred, indicating a third-degree burn.

– There are signs of infection like increasing pain, swelling, fever, oozing, or red streaks.

– The burn is located on the face, hands, feet, groin, buttocks or over a major joint.

– The burn was sustained by a baby or young child.

– You have other medical conditions like diabetes that can impair healing.

– Home remedies are not helping relieve pain and inflammation after a few days.

Most minor burns can be safely treated at home. But see a doctor promptly if the burn is severe, becomes infected, covers a large area, or is impeding your ability to function normally despite home treatment. Burn injuries require professional medical attention in many cases.

Conclusion

Vaseline has long been used as a home remedy for burns due to its moisturizing and protective properties. When applied to minor first-degree burns, Vaseline can help prevent infection, ease pain, reduce inflammation and aid healing. However, petroleum jelly should never be used on more severe second and third-degree burns as it can worsen the injury by trapping in heat and fluid. While useful for superficial burns, Vaseline is not a stand-in for specialized burn treatments and antibiotics. Seek emergency medical care for any major or infected burns. With proper precautions, Vaseline can be a beneficial addition to your first aid kit for treating mild burn injuries at home. Just be mindful of its limitations with deeper burns that require professional medical care for the best recovery.