Paraffin

South African indications:

• Dry skin conditions

Contraindication

• Hypersensitivity to the active ingredient or any of its excipients 

Caution

• Pregnancy
• Broken skin

Forms avail. in SA and covered in this monograph: jel

Treatment of dry skin conditions (including eczema, ichthyosis and pruritus of the elderly)

• Topical (jel): Apply small amount to affected area immediately after showering and patting dry

 Do not apply to face 

CAUTION: Flammable

See adult dosage

Pregnancy 

• Safe
• May be used in pregnancy

Breastfeeding

• Compatible
• May be used during breastfeeding

Renal Impairment

• No dose adjustment recommended

Hepatic Impairment

• No dose adjustment recommended

Elderly

• No dose adjustment recommended

Porphyria Information

• Not yet classified (NC)

Drugs in Sport

• Non-regulated product: Authorities caution athletes against the risk of using these products

Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders

• Contact dermatitis 

No information available

None routine 

The mechanism of action is by occluding water loss from the outer layer of skin. 

Paraffin is available in several formulations. Please note the list below gives examples of products which are available and is not necessarily comprehensive. The listing of a product does not constitute endorsement of the product by EMGuidance; likewise, failure to list a product does not imply that EMGuidance disapproves of the product. This information is put together on the basis of the National Government's Medicines Price Registry at the time of publication

White Petroleum Jelly

• Vaseline (Elida Ponds)

Yellow Petroleum Jelly

• Vaseline (Elida Ponds)