Can you get sick from eating vaseline?
In this short article, we will provide an answer to the question, “Can you get sick from eating vaseline?”. Moreover, we will discuss what happens if we eat vaseline and the side effects of eating vaseline.
Can you get sick from eating vaseline?
The answer is yes, you can get sick from eating vaseline, however, the adverse effects depend on the amount of vaseline you are consuming.
If anyone has consumed vaseline in smaller amounts, there is not much to be worried about. However, when it comes to children or those with any underlying health issues, it is possible that ingesting large amounts get stuck in the throat.
What is vaseline?
Vaseline is a combination of natural waxes and mineral oils. It is extracted from crude oil and is chiefly intended to be used topically such as for moisturizing the skin, exfoliating the lips, and also removing makeup.
Uses of vaseline
When used topically, vaseline provides a number of benefits: It helps to:
- Heal wounds, burns, and scrapes
- Seal moisture in the skin
- Prevent bacterial infection through the thick moisture barrier
- Remove makeup
- Heal and prevent diaper rash
- Prevent staining from hair dye or nail polish
- Increase the time span of perfume scents
- Seal split ends
Side effects of eating vaseline
Vaseline, also known as petroleum jelly, is an oily substance, which if aspirated can lead to coughing with blood, fever, chills and chest pains and also cause damage to the lungs.
In children, there is also a risk of suffocating if incorrectly swallowed or consumed in large amounts.
If taken in large amounts, vaseline can act as a laxative and cause watery diarrhoea, abdominal pain, and shortness of breath among other health conditions.
Additionally, medicated vaseline that has added ingredients such as fragrance, is not safe for consumption and may have adverse side effects if consumed in large amounts.
What should I do if my child has eaten vaseline?
If you find out your child has eaten vaseline, do not panic. Take it away from your child, wipe out their mouth with a wet wipe, wipe off any vaseline from their hands, and have them drink some water.
However, if your child has ingested a large amount of vaseline and starts to cough, it is recommended to contact poison control, immediately, as coughing may be a sign of aspiration.
Can you eat vaseline for sore throat?
Some people believe that taking vaseline with honey works wonders to treat sore throat. However, considering the adverse effects of eating vaseline, it is advisable to avoid using vaseline for sore throat. Instead, you can use coconut oil along with honey to cure sore throat.
Can you eat vaseline for losing weight?
It is a common belief that adding vaseline to your diet can help you lose weight by shedding fat. While there really is little or no truth to this belief, other than the fact that it can be used as a laxative.
This way, though vaseline may cause you to excrete more which will ultimately lead to weight loss, it is not recommended as there is not much evidence for this, anyway. However, considering the harmful effects of consuming vaseline, you should never eat it even if you want to lose weight.
Can you swallow vaseline?
In the final analysis, swallowing vaseline in smaller amounts will not cause any harm, since it is naturally derived. Unless you are allergic to the compounds present in vaseline, you will probably be okay.
However, overconsumption, especially in children, increases the risk of health problems. increases. Look for watery diarrhoea or loose bowels. Always seek medical attention if your child starts coughing after ingesting vaseline.
Never use vaseline orally that has additives such as fragrance or medications, as it can pose serious threats to your health.
Harmful effects of vaseline when used topically
Common risks associated with the topical use of vaseline include:
- Acne and Clogged Pores:
Vaseline is widely used as a skin moisturizer. However, using vaseline on your face will not always prove beneficial. That is because of its thick texture and heavy soothing properties. In many cases, vaseline when applied over the face can result in large and painful breakouts or acne because of clogged pores.
- Skin Infection:
Depending on the cleanliness of the product itself, as well as the cleanliness of your skin, the application of vaseline on irritated skin or open wounds may lead to skin contamination. For this reason, avoid applying vaseline on unwashed skin and make sure your skin is completely dry before using vaseline.
- Allergic Reaction:
Some people are vulnerable to petroleum-derived compounds. These individuals may develop allergic reactions when they apply vaseline. So they should avoid using vaseline at all costs.
Conclusion
In this short article, we have answered the question, “Can you get sick from eating vaseline?”. Moreover, we have discussed what happens if we eat vaseline and the side effects of eating vaseline.
