Petroleum jelly
271860
226088301
2008-07-16T19:46:43Z
Gazimoff
6409608
Reverted edits by [[Special:Contributions/82.26.194.195|82.26.194.195]] to last version by WadeSimMiser (using [[WP:HG|Huggle]])
{{for|Vaseline (brand) and other uses|Vaseline (disambiguation)}}
[[Image:White Petrolatum1.jpg|thumb|right|200px|White Petrolatum]]
'''Petroleum jelly''', '''petrolatum''' or '''soft paraffin''' [http://www.tiscali.co.uk/lifestyle/healthfitness/health_advice/netdoctor/archive/100004783.html] is a [[semi-solid]] mixture of [[hydrocarbon]]s (with [[carbon]] numbers mainly higher than 25),[http://www.inchem.org/documents/icsc/icsc/eics1440.htm] originally promoted as a topical [[ointment]] for its healing properties. Its folkloric medicinal value as a "cure-all" has since been limited by better scientific understanding of appropriate and inappropriate uses (see [[#Uses|''Uses'']] below). However, it is recognized by the U.S. [[Food and Drug Administration]] (FDA) as an approved [[Over-the-counter drug|over-the-counter]] (OTC) [[skin]] protectant and remains widely used in [[cosmetic]] skin care.
The raw material for petroleum jelly was discovered in 1859 in [[Titusville, Pennsylvania]], [[United States]], on some of the country's first oil rigs. Workers disliked the [[paraffin]]-like material forming on rigs because it caused them to malfunction, but they used it on cuts and burns because it hastened healing.
[[Robert Chesebrough]], a young [[chemist]] whose previous work of [[distillation|distilling]] fuel from the oil of [[sperm whales]] had been rendered obsolete by [[petroleum]], went to Titusville to see what new materials had commercial potential. Chesebrough took the unrefined black "rod wax", as the drillers called it, back to his laboratory to refine it and explore potential uses. Chesebrough discovered that by distilling the lighter, thinner oil products from the rod wax, he could create a light-colored gel. Chesebrough [[patent]]ed the process of making petroleum jelly ({{US patent|127568}}) in 1872. The process involved [[vacuum distillation]] of the crude material followed by filtration of the still residue through [[bone char]].
Chesebrough traveled around [[New York]] demonstrating the product to encourage sales by burning his skin with acid or an open flame, then spreading the ointment on his injuries and showing his past injuries healed, he claimed, by his miracle product.
He opened his first factory in 1870 in [[Brooklyn]], [[United States]]. The [[brand name]] "[[Vaseline (brand)|Vaseline]]" has been anecdotally claimed to be from the German word for water, ''wasser'' (pronounced vahser), and the Greek word for oil, ''elaion'', but this is unconfirmed.
== Physical properties ==
Petrolatum is a flammable, semi-solid mixture of [[hydrocarbons]], having a melting-point usually ranging from a little below to a few degrees above 100°F (37°C). It is colorless, or of a pale yellow color (when not highly distilled), [[translucent]], and devoid of taste and smell when pure. It does not oxidize on exposure to the air, and is not readily acted on by chemical reagents. It is insoluble in water. It is soluble in [[chloroform]], [[benzene]], [[carbon disulfide]] and oil of [[turpentine]].
There is a common misconception (resulting from the similar feel they produce when applied to human skin) that petroleum jelly and [[glycerol]] (glycerine) are physically similar. While petroleum jelly is a non-polar hydrocarbon [[hydrophobic]] (water-repelling) and insoluble in water, [[glycerol]] (not a hydrocarbon but an alcohol) is the opposite: it is so strongly [[Hydrophile|hydrophilic]] (water-attracting) that by continuous absorption of moisture from the air, it produces the feeling of wetness on the skin, similar to the greasiness produced by petroleum jelly. The feeling is similar, but petroleum jelly repels water, and glycerine attracts it.
Producers of [[microcrystalline wax]][http://www.microcrystallinewax.net] and related materials often produce petrolatums. Some testing standards used by these companies are as follows:
*Drop Melt Point (ASTM D-127)
*Cone Penetration (ASTM D-937)
*Saybolt Color (ASTM D-6045)
*Lovibond Color
Depending on the specific industry the petrolatum is used for, the petrolatum may be USP ([[United States Pharmacopeia]]) grade. This pertains to the processing and handling of the petrolatum so it is suitable for cosmetic and personal care applications.
== Uses ==
Chesebrough originally promoted Vaseline primarily as an ointment for scrapes, burns, and cuts, but physicians have shown that Vaseline has no medicinal effect or any effect on the blistering process, nor is it absorbed by the skin. Vaseline’s effectiveness in accelerating wound healing stems from its sealing effect on cuts and burns, which inhibits germs from getting into the wound and keeps the injured area supple by preventing the skin's moisture from evaporating.
Vaseline brand '''First Aid Petroleum Jelly''', or '''carbolated petroleum jelly''', containing [[phenol]] to give the jelly additional [[anti-bacterial]] effect, has been discontinued.
However, after becoming a medicine chest staple, consumers began to use Vaseline for myriad ailments and cosmetic uses, including [[chapped lips|chapped hands and lips]], [[Onychomycosis|toenail fungus]], [[nosebleed]]s, [[diaper rash]], [[Common cold|chest colds]], and even to remove [[makeup]] or stains from furniture. Uses for pets include stopping fungi from developing on aquatic turtles' shells and keeping cats from making messes when they cough up [[Hairball|furballs]]. In the first part of the twentieth century, petrolatum, either pure or as an ingredient, was also popular as a hair [[pomade]]. When used in a 50/50 mixture with pure [[beeswax]], it makes an effective [[moustache wax]].
During [[World War II]], a variety of petroleum jelly called '''dark red veterinary petroleum jelly''' was often included in life raft survival kits. Acting as a [[sunscreen]], it provides almost perfect protection against [[ultraviolet]] rays.
Most petroleum jelly today is consumed as an ingredient in skin [[lotion]]s and cosmetics. Although petrolatum is less expensive than [[glycerol]], the most common active lubricating ingredient in skin lotion, it is not used in expensive lotions, because it is not absorbed into the skin, resulting in a greasy feel.
Petroleum jelly was formerly used as a way to pitch a [[spitball]] in baseball. Although the pitch was banned in 1920, pitchers sometimes throw "the spitter" surreptitiously.
Petroleum jelly is used to moisten [[plasticine]], as part of a mix of hydrocarbons including greater ([[paraffin wax]]) and lesser ([[mineral oil]]) molecular weights.
Petroleum jelly is commonly used as a [[personal lubricant]]. (Not recommended due to its [[solvation|dissolving]] effect on condoms. See below.)
It can also be used to lubricate a [[Rubik's Cube]] (if [[silicone]] spray is not available), which allows it to turn with greater ease.
It can also be used to lubricate the anus if the patient is suffering from conditions like [[hemorrhoids]] or anal fissures. The purpose of this is to allow the stool to pass through the rectum easier and more freely in an effort to minimize any further damage to the tissue.
It can also be used to lubricate the anus before taking rectal temperature.
It can be used as a softener for cuticles and lips.
=== Dangerous uses to avoid ===
As the substance became more common in households, it began to be used for a number of medical purposes, some of which medical science has shown to be dangerous or damaging.
*'''Burns'''
:It should not be used on ''fresh'' burns of any kind, including sunburn. Petrolatum traps heat inside, worsening burns. After heat has dissipated, however, it can serve as a dressing for minor burns to soothe later pain.<ref>[http://www.bmj.com/cgi/content/full/327/7426/1289 Vaseline and burns: Vaseline should not be used as first aid for burns - De Souza et al. 327 (7426): 1289 - BMJ<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
*'''Nasal congestion or dryness'''
:If particles of petrolatum are inhaled from the nose, they may deposit in the lungs and lead to a condition called [[lipoid pneumonia]], although this is usually caused by excessive use, rather than daily use.<ref>[http://www.erj.ersjournals.com/cgi/content/full/21/6/1078 Lung infiltrate in a male with a bronchopleural fistula - Raynaud et al. 21 (6): 1078 - European Respiratory Journal<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
*'''Sex with latex condoms'''
:Since petroleum jelly is oil-based, it interferes with the structure of latex. Using petroleum jelly with latex condoms weakens the material increasing the chance of rupture, and thereby the chance of conceiving or spreading [[sexually transmitted infections]].
==External links==
*[http://www.inchem.org/documents/icsc/icsc/eics1440.htm Safety and chemical properties]
*[http://jdr.iadrjournals.org/cgi/reprint/51/6/1672.pdf Study of the effect of Aquaphor and petrolatum ointment on wound healing]
==References==
<references/>
*{{1911}}
{{E number infobox 900-909}}
[[Category:Petroleum products]]
[[Category:Cosmetic chemicals]]
[[Category:Personal lubricants]]
[[Category:Amorphous solids]]
[[zh-yue:花士令]]
[[ar:فازيلين]]
[[da:Vaseline]]
[[de:Vaseline]]
[[fr:Vaseline]]
[[id:Vaseline]]
[[it:Petrolato]]
[[ja:ワセリン]]
[[nl:Vaseline]]
[[no:Vaselin]]
[[pl:Wazelina]]
[[pt:Vaselina]]
[[ru:Вазелин]]
[[fi:Vaseliini]]
[[sv:Vaselin]]
[[uk:Вазелін]]