petrolatum jelly

Petrolatum jelly is a semi-solid mixture of hydrocarbons used as a topical emollient and occlusive dressing. In the context of burn care research at the University of the Philippines, it is utilized as an open dressing for superficial partial thickness burns. Its primary mechanism of action is the creation of a semi-occlusive barrier that prevents moisture loss from the wound surface, thereby maintaining a hydrated environment conducive to re-epithelialization. Clinical evidence suggests that this approach is as effective as traditional silver sulfadiazine dressings for minor burns, while offering advantages in terms of easier dressing removal and reduced application time.

Other names

petroleum jellypetrolatum gelwhite petrolatum