Is It OK to Put Vaseline on Eczema? Here’s What You Should Know
Eczema can be incredibly frustrating to manage, with its relentless itching, irritation, and dry, cracked skin. As someone who has dealt with eczema for years, I can totally relate to the constant search for solutions that actually work. So, let’s talk about a common question: Is it OK to put Vaseline on eczema?
Understanding Eczema and How It Affects Your Skin
What is Eczema?
Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a skin condition that causes inflammation, redness, and extreme dryness. It’s usually triggered by things like allergens, stress, or environmental factors. The skin’s natural barrier gets compromised, making it harder to retain moisture, which leads to the dry, flaky patches that many of us are all too familiar with.
Why It’s Hard to Find the Right Treatment
When you have eczema, it feels like everyone has a different opinion on what will work. Some say moisturizers, others swear by steroid creams, and then there are those home remedies that float around. But here’s the big question: Can Vaseline actually help with eczema?
Can You Use Vaseline on Eczema?
Vaseline as a Moisturizer
Vaseline, or petroleum jelly, is essentially a heavy-duty occlusive moisturizer. What that means is, it creates a barrier over your skin to lock in moisture. Now, this is important for people with eczema because our skin has trouble retaining moisture due to a damaged barrier.
Honestly, the idea of using something so thick on your skin might seem counterintuitive at first, but it works wonders for keeping moisture in. I tried Vaseline during one of my worst flare-ups when everything else seemed to make my skin feel drier, and surprisingly, it helped. My skin felt protected, and the dry patches became less irritated.
Does It Treat the Root Causes?
Here’s where things get tricky. While Vaseline can help with moisture retention and soothe dry skin, it doesn’t directly address the root cause of eczema. It doesn’t reduce inflammation or calm the immune response that triggers eczema flare-ups. So while it’s great for relieving dry skin, it won’t stop eczema from happening in the first place.
Benefits of Using Vaseline on Eczema
Moisture Locking Benefits
The main reason Vaseline can be beneficial is that it’s excellent for sealing in moisture. Eczema-prone skin is often extremely dry, and Vaseline’s ability to create a thick barrier helps keep the skin hydrated for much longer. This can reduce the itching, which, let’s face it, is one of the worst symptoms of eczema.
Prevents Further Damage
When eczema is at its worst, scratching becomes inevitable. Vaseline can act as a shield, preventing further irritation and damage. It gives the skin a chance to heal without the constant rubbing and itching. During the night, I’ve found that applying a thick layer of Vaseline on my hands helps to prevent them from cracking further, which is crucial.
How to Apply Vaseline to Eczema?
The Right Way to Use It
While Vaseline can be great for eczema, it’s important to use it correctly. Here’s how I apply it:
Cleanse your skin first: Gently wash the affected area with a mild soap or cleanser, and pat it dry with a soft towel.
Apply a thin layer: Don’t overdo it—use just enough to cover the affected area without making it greasy. A thick layer is fine if you're using it before bed.
Use it at night: Apply it in the evening before you go to bed. This gives your skin a long period to absorb the moisture without being exposed to environmental factors.
When Not to Use It
Although Vaseline can be soothing for eczema, it’s not always the best choice for open wounds or cuts. If the eczema has caused your skin to crack deeply, it’s better to let it heal before using petroleum jelly. You may also want to consult your doctor if you’re experiencing severe flare-ups or infections.
Other Alternatives to Vaseline for Eczema
What Else Can Help?
While Vaseline is great, it’s not the only option for eczema. I’ve tried a few other products that also worked wonders:
Emollient creams: These are lighter than Vaseline but still provide excellent hydration.
Coconut oil: Natural oils like coconut oil are known for their moisturizing properties and anti-inflammatory effects.
Topical steroids: These can help with inflammation and provide more immediate relief from flare-ups.
It’s always a good idea to consult with your healthcare provider before trying a new treatment, especially if you’re using something for the first time.
Final Thoughts: Is Vaseline the Answer?
Well, honestly, Vaseline is a great tool for managing dry skin associated with eczema. It’s simple, inexpensive, and effective for locking in moisture. However, it doesn’t tackle the inflammation or prevent eczema flare-ups. I’d say, if you're dealing with extreme dryness and irritation, it’s definitely worth a try. But don’t expect it to be a cure-all. It’s just one part of the larger puzzle when it comes to managing eczema.
If you have any doubts or need more guidance, feel free to ask your dermatologist—they can recommend the best treatment plan for your skin’s specific needs.
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Is 172 cm good for a man?
Yes it is. Average height of male in India is 166.3 cm (i.e. 5 ft 5.5 inches) while for female it is 152.6 cm (i.e. 5 ft) approximately. So, as far as your question is concerned, aforesaid height is above average in both cases.
Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?
The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.
Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?
How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).
How tall is a average 15 year old?
Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years
| Male Teens: 13 - 20 Years) | ||
|---|---|---|
| 14 Years | 112.0 lb. (50.8 kg) | 64.5" (163.8 cm) |
| 15 Years | 123.5 lb. (56.02 kg) | 67.0" (170.1 cm) |
| 16 Years | 134.0 lb. (60.78 kg) | 68.3" (173.4 cm) |
| 17 Years | 142.0 lb. (64.41 kg) | 69.0" (175.2 cm) |
How to get taller at 18?
Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.
Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?
Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).
Can you grow between 16 and 18?
Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.
Can you grow 1 cm after 17?
Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.