Petrolatum

Drug Details

This medication serves as a moisturizer, specifically designed to treat or prevent dry, rough, scaly, and itchy skin, as well as minor skin irritations like diaper rash and skin burns resulting from radiation therapy. Emollients are key components that soften and moisturize the skin, reducing itching and flaking. Some ingredients, such as zinc oxide and white petrolatum, primarily protect the skin from irritation caused by moisture. Dry skin typically results from a loss of water in the skin's upper layer. Emollients and moisturizers work by creating an oily barrier on the skin's surface, which helps retain moisture. Common emollients include petrolatum, lanolin, mineral oil, and dimethicone. Humectants like glycerin, lecithin, and propylene glycol attract water into the skin's outer layer. Additionally, many products contain ingredients like urea and alpha hydroxy acids (such as lactic, citric, and glycolic acid), as well as allantoin, which soften the keratin, allowing dead skin cells to shed more easily. This process helps the skin retain moisture, leaving it feeling smoother and softer.