Can I use Vaseline to keep area around my eyes from chapping?

[Martha1946]

My eyes water a lot, especially if I'm in wind or cold weather or suffering from springtime alergies. When that happens, the skin in the corner of the eyes gets chapped and hurts a lot. I've discovered that dabbing a bit of Vaseline soothes and waterproofs that skin, so it not only doesn't hurt so much but also stops the chapping process. However, I'm worried about using a petroleum product near my eyes, because sometimes a bit of it gets into the eye itself. Please tell me if it's okay to do what I'm doing, and if not... what else would be safer but accomplish the same thing. Thank you!


This discussion is related to vaseline in eye.

[Martha1946]

Okay, I'll try it. Thank you, Dr. O!

[Ray T Oyakawa, MD]

Yes,  that is why it is safe to use around the eye.  It will not cause a problem if it gets into the eye.

Dr. O.

[Martha1946]

Thank you for your reply! I had not heard of Muro, so I looked it up. Muro ointment is what I assume you mean, but it seems to be for use *inside* the eye (for corneal edema), not on the skin. Is this the product you meant, or something else?

[Ray T Oyakawa, MD]

No.  Muro is the equivalent product that is safe to use around the eyes.

Dr. O.