Petrolatum White

Drug Details

This medication serves as a moisturizer designed to treat or prevent conditions such as dry, rough, scaly, itchy skin, and minor skin irritations like diaper rash or skin burns from radiation therapy. Emollients in the medication help soften and hydrate the skin, reducing itchiness and flakiness. Some components, such as zinc oxide and white petrolatum, primarily protect the skin from irritation caused by moisture. Dry skin results from a loss of water in its upper layers, and emollients create an oily layer on the skin's surface to trap 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 that soften keratin, the protein that binds skin cells, such as urea, alpha hydroxy acids (e.g., lactic, citric, glycolic acid), and allantoin. This process helps shed dead skin cells, retains moisture, and leaves the skin feeling smoother and softer.