From the Research
For herpetic lesions around the eye, petroleum jelly (Vaseline) is the recommended emollient. Apply a small amount to the affected area 3-4 times daily to keep the skin moisturized and prevent cracking. It's essential to use a clean cotton swab or finger for each application to avoid contamination and spreading the infection. While petroleum jelly won't treat the herpes virus itself, it helps protect the skin and may reduce discomfort as the lesions heal.
Key Considerations
- Avoid using medicated ointments containing steroids around the eye as they can worsen herpetic infections 1.
- Always wash hands thoroughly before and after application.
- If you experience worsening symptoms, vision changes, or severe pain, seek immediate medical attention as herpetic eye infections can potentially damage vision if they affect the cornea.
Treatment of Underlying Infection
Antiviral medications prescribed by a healthcare provider are necessary to treat the underlying viral infection. According to recent studies, ganciclovir ophthalmic gel 0.15% is a valuable tool for treating ocular herpes 2. However, the provided evidence does not specifically address the use of emollients for herpetic lesions around the eye. Therefore, the recommendation for petroleum jelly is based on general principles of wound care and prevention of infection spread.