From the Guidelines
Vaseline should not be used for burns because it can trap heat, slow healing, and increase the risk of infection. According to the 2024 American Heart Association and American Red Cross guidelines for first aid 1, occlusive dressings such as petrolatum (Vaseline) may not be the best choice for wound healing. Instead, for minor burns, immediately cool the area with cool (not cold) running water for about 10-20 minutes, then cover with a clean, non-stick bandage or sterile gauze. Some key points to consider when treating burns include:
- Cooling the burn with cool running water to reduce temperature and ease pain
- Covering the burn with a clean, non-stick bandage or sterile gauze to protect the wound
- Using over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain relief as directed
- Considering alternative topical treatments such as aloe vera gel or antibiotic ointments specifically formulated for burns Petroleum jelly creates an occlusive barrier that prevents proper air circulation to the wound and can seal in bacteria, which can lead to infection 1. It also doesn't provide any cooling effect or pain relief. For second-degree burns (with blisters) or third-degree burns (affecting deeper skin layers), seek immediate medical attention rather than attempting home treatment. Burns on the face, hands, feet, genitals, or covering large areas always require professional medical care regardless of severity.
From the Research
Reasons for Not Using Vaseline on Burns
- Vaseline is not an effective treatment for burns as it does not have antimicrobial properties, which are essential for preventing infection in burn wounds 2, 3.
- The use of Vaseline on burns may actually hinder the healing process, as it can create a barrier that prevents the wound from "breathing" and can trap heat, which can further damage the tissue 2.
- There are more effective treatments available for burns, such as silver-based antiseptics, honey, and other topical antimicrobial agents, which have been shown to promote healing and prevent infection 4, 2, 5, 3, 6.
- Studies have compared the effectiveness of different treatments for burns, including Vaseline, and have found that other treatments are more effective in promoting healing and preventing infection 2, 5, 6.
- For example, a study found that burns treated with nanocrystalline silver dressings had a slightly shorter mean time to healing than those treated with Vaseline gauze 2.
- Another study found that burns treated with honey had a reduced mean time to healing compared to those treated with Vaseline or other non-antimicrobial treatments 2, 5.