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.
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