Petrolatum is a favorite of dermatologists everywhere. It is virtually non-allergenic and non-irritating, holds moisture in skin well, and does not require preservatives. It is particularly popular as white petrolatum, Vaseline, or in some lip balms. It is sold over the counter as well as via prescription in the form of ointments. Ointments are often white petrolatum with medicine that are applied topically to the eyes or skin. This is great... unless you use home oxygen. Although the flashpoint of white petrolatum is 199 deg Celsius, you can't be too careful when using pressurized, high concentration oxygen. Petrolatum is a petroleum based product and can catch fire with a spark and oxygen. All preparations using petrolatum should be avoided on the face, scalp, and eyes when oxygen is in use. Also, it should not be used as a lubricant for endotracheal tubes (because you can develop lipoid pneumonia if the vaseline gets in your lungs too). Laser treatments and plastic surgery cases using petrolatum and oxygen should be done with caution.
Common preparations:
vaseline
ointments (check the ingredients)
lip balms (check the ingredients)
Petrolatum is not going to spontaneously combust and is generally safe. But for people in special situations... home oxygen, laser treatments, and the operating room, it is something to consider.
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