Ingested petroleum jelly, what are the side effects?

In Indonesia, petroleum jelly is now well known to many people. Its uses are quite diverse, ranging from treating dry skin to helping clean wounds. However, if petroleum jelly is accidentally swallowed, are there any side effects that could harm the body?

Check out the reviews below to find out the answer.

What is petroleum jelly?

Before discussing the side effects of ingesting petroleum jelly, first identify what ingredients this soft-textured cream has.

Petroleum jelly is a cream that is not a dangerous substance. Apart from having no smell and taste, this cream comes from petroleum and is often used in the world of health.

Starting from skin moisturizers, fat substitutes in ointments and cosmetics, to lubricating oils to prevent rust.

Petroleum jelly is produced from the process of reducing oil wax to oil that is melted at 38-54 ° C and mixed with hydrocarbons.

Therefore, as it says on the label, petroleum jelly should only be used on the outside of the body, aka your skin.

Effects of ingestion of petroleum jelly

As a cream that has a clear color and soft texture, petroleum jelly is commonly used to keep moisture and prevent skin irritation.

In fact, this cream known as petrolatum is also often used as the main ingredient in lotions and other cosmetics.

Adults may well know that this cream should not be eaten. However, if it is placed where children can reach it, the risk of ingesting petroleum jelly is very high.

If you eat a small amount of petroleum jelly, this cream can have the same properties as a laxative, so the stool can become too soft.

If consumed in large quantities, of course it can make people who eat it choke. As a result, coughing and vomiting can occur.

In some cases, as reported by the Missouri Poison Center, ingesting petroleum jelly can cause lung problems. This is because petroleum jelly is an oily substance and may not enter the digestive tract, but the lungs.

If you or your child accidentally eat the cream, drink water immediately so that the texture and taste on the tongue is lost.

However, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, petroleum jelly is a product that is not harmful if swallowed.

However, if you or someone else accidentally swallowed the cream and experience the following symptoms, please go to the hospital for treatment.

• Diarrhea
• Stomach cramps
• Nausea and vomiting
• Sore throat
• Hard to breathe

The first step you may be able to take is to stop using the product. Then, if this happens to children or other people, there is no need for them to vomit up the substance.

Tips for safe using petroleum jelly

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After knowing what are the side effects of ingesting petroleum jelly, identify how to use petroleum jelly safely, such as:

• Store petroleum jelly and other skin remedies away from toothpaste or other oral medications.
• Keep creams and medicines out of reach of children and store on the highest shelf.
• Read the drug label every time you use it.

Petroleum jelly may not be a dangerous compound, but if it is ingested, the risk of side effects to the digestive tract and other organs can arise. Therefore, always read the drug label every time you use it.