DEAR DR. GOTT: I’m confused as to why some consumers should no longer use products that are petroleum based or contain parabens. Is it unsafe to use Vaseline, petroleum jelly or Bag Balm on dry, cracked feet?
DEAR READER: Because petroleum jelly is derived from oil, it must be refined. Some refining and production methods are said to have been shown to contain toxic, hazardous or carcinogenic components. Perhaps what you are referring to is the people that use Vaseline for different reasons, such as putting it inside the nose to keep the nostrils moistened. The product can run down the back of the nose and be swallowed, leading to lipoid pneumonia, especially if used over an extended period of time.
When it comes to rubbing Bag Balm on cracked feet and heels, I suppose it is possible for some of the product to enter the body and bloodstream. However, I can’t imagine it would be sufficient enough to be of concern.
Parabens are widely used as preservatives in cosmetic products (including deodorants), foods and pharmaceutical products. They are absorbed through the skin, blood and GI tract. Concentrations large enough to be measured from several different parabens have been identified in samples obtained for biopsy from breast tumors; however, as of May 2009, the Food and Drug Administration did not believe there should be any cause for concern by consumers using products that contain parabens.
