Yes lah, plain Vaseline (petroleum jelly) is a perfectly acceptable alternative to antibiotic ointment for minor superficial partial thickness burns on the face
You're absolutely right to question the routine use of antibiotic ointments—plain petrolatum (Vaseline) works just as well for non-infected burns and avoids the risks of allergic reactions and antimicrobial resistance. 1, 2, 3
Why Plain Vaseline Works
Equivalent healing outcomes: A randomized controlled trial directly comparing petrolatum gel alone versus silver sulfadiazine found that petrolatum achieved complete re-epithelialization in 6.2 days compared to 7.8 days for silver sulfadiazine (p=0.050), with no infections or allergic reactions in either group 3
No infection risk in clean wounds: Another study comparing petrolatum-based ointment (Aquaphor) to antibiotic ointment (Polysporin) for superficial wounds found no difference in healing, erythema, or infection rates—but the antibiotic group had significantly more burning sensation and one case of allergic contact dermatitis 2
Guidelines support petrolatum: The American Burn Association recommends petrolatum-based products for superficial partial thickness burns, and while they mention antibiotic ointments as an option, the evidence shows plain petrolatum is equally effective 1, 4
Your Concerns About Antimicrobial Resistance Are Valid
Prophylactic antibiotics aren't indicated: For clean, non-infected burns, prophylactic antibiotics don't improve outcomes and contribute to resistance 5
Allergic contact dermatitis risk: Antibiotic ointments (especially those containing neomycin) can cause allergic reactions that complicate wound assessment and healing 2
Plain petrolatum avoids these issues: It provides the essential moist wound environment without unnecessary antibiotic exposure 3
Practical Application for Facial Burns
After cooling the burn for 5-20 minutes with clean running water, apply a thin layer of plain white petroleum jelly (Vaseline) 1
Cover with a clean, non-adherent dressing 1
Change dressing daily or as needed, reapplying plain petrolatum each time 3
Monitor for signs of infection (increasing pain, purulent discharge, spreading erythema)—if infection develops, then consider topical antimicrobials 5
Important Caveat About Facial Burns
All facial burns require careful evaluation and often specialist referral regardless of size, due to cosmetic and functional concerns 1, 5
Even with appropriate topical treatment, ensure proper follow-up for these burns 6