Vaseline oil. Is it effective for constipation?

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Vaseline oil is a laxative drug used for constipation..

Composition and form of Vaseline oil

Vaseline oil is produced in the form of a colorless oily non-fluorescent liquid (liquid paraffin) in vials of various volumes (20-250 ml).

pharmachologic effect

The use of Vaseline oil improves the motility of the large intestine, softens the stool.

The oil is one of the most popular remedies for constipation due to its availability, safety and effectiveness. Numerous studies and long-term observations have confirmed the absence of a negative effect of liquid paraffin on internal organs. The agent has no carcinogenic, toxic and mutagenic properties, does not affect the intestinal microflora, does not accumulate, is not absorbed into the blood and is completely excreted from the body unchanged.

Unlike other organic oils, liquid paraffin, being distributed over the surface of the intestine, is not absorbed into the walls of the digestive tract. This creates a protective barrier on the intestinal mucosa and allows stool to slide freely over it. In addition, fecal masses, passing through the intestines lubricated with oil, soften, which greatly facilitates the act of defecation.

Indications for the use of Vaseline oil

Vaseline oil, according to the instructions, is prescribed against the background of constipation.

Also, the tool can be used as a basis for various ointments, gels, liniments and applied externally.

Contraindications

It is contraindicated to take vaseline oil orally:

Against the background of hypersensitivity;
Inflammatory processes in the abdominal cavity;
Against the background of intestinal obstruction;
Against the background of acute febrile syndrome;
Pregnancy (because this can cause reflex stimulation of the uterus).

How to use vaseline oil

Vaseline oil for constipation should be taken orally in between meals (interval - at least two hours). Daily dosage - 15-30 ml per day. A laxative effect is usually observed 5-6 hours after taking the remedy. The duration of the treatment course should not exceed 5 days. Longer use of the drug is undesirable, as this can lead to addiction and the development of chronic forms of the disease. If constipation is permanent, you should consult a doctor to identify the causes that cause them. In many cases, it is necessary to change the diet, which will improve the functioning of the digestive tract.

External use of vaseline oil for newborns:

Helps to remove crusts on the head;
Promotes safe and easy cleaning of the nose and moistening of its sinuses;
It is a preventive way to prevent chafing from using a diaper;
Helps with the care of wrinkles, as well as skin with sweating;
As an aid, it is effective when administering an enema or a gas tube. The oiled tip of the enema does not injure delicate baby skin;
Promotes healing of irritated skin, as well as its hydration.

The oil is often used by nursing women for compresses against the background of milk stagnation. As a rule, after applying such a compress at night, hardening in the breast softens, which significantly improves the outflow of milk.

Side effects

According to the results of clinical studies, the use of the drug inside, while observing the recommended dosages, usually does not cause negative side effects. Prolonged use of Vaseline oil for constipation can lead to intestinal catonia, as well as hypovitaminosis A, E, K.

Poorly purified or unpurified liquid paraffin can be irritating to the skin.

Storage conditions for vaseline oil

Vaseline oil, according to the instructions, is one of the over-the-counter drugs.. The shelf life of the drug is 5 years, provided it is stored in sealed packaging and in compliance with other recommendations.

Contraindications to the use of vaseline oil for constipation

Despite the fact that the product is completely purified and environmentally friendly, it also has its own contraindications:

You can not use this method of treating constipation permanently. The fact is that vaseline oil creates a film on the intestinal walls, which means that not a single nutrient will be absorbed into the blood, which can lead to a decrease in the level of vitamins and microelements.

Features of the use of vaseline oil for constipation

In order to avoid any complications, it is important to consult a doctor before use. This is especially true for the treatment of constipation in children. The remedy is used for constipation only for therapeutic purposes. It is not used as a preventive measure. The dosage and duration of treatment is selected especially carefully, since abuse is likely to develop.

In the event that you have chosen vaseline oil, use for constipation should be carried out in accordance with the following scheme:

With proper application, the effect is always only positive. In this case, do not exceed the dosage, as well as the frequency of use. But, despite this, it is impossible to use this remedy on its own and even more so for a long time. It is important to understand the cause of the pathology and eliminate it. Vaseline oil is only a symptomatic remedy in the treatment of the disease, but it does not solve the problem and, moreover, does not help to permanently normalize intestinal motility. Therefore, if problems arise, it is important to see a doctor and undergo an examination, and use a constipation remedy only in extreme cases.

Pain and bloating, flatulence, a feeling of congestion in the rectum and incomplete emptying after defecation, increased dryness of feces - constipation brings a lot of inconvenience and a great desire to get rid of this condition. Vaseline oil can solve the problem. After ingestion, the agent softens the stool, promotes their movement through the intestines.

Signs of constipation

Normal is the state when defecation occurs from three times a day to three times a week, so if a person does not empty himself daily, this does not always indicate pathology. Constipation is a situation in which difficult, slow or insufficient bowel movement (defecation) occurs. This condition is accompanied by the following symptoms:

a small amount of excrement;
very dense, hard and dry feces (another name is fecal stones);
after defecation, there is no feeling of complete emptying of the intestine;
a feeling of blockage, the appearance of a plug in the rectum after emptying;
the process of defecation is painful, accompanied by a long straining;
when emptying, pain is felt, a feeling that the feces scratch the rectum, anus;
hard lower abdomen;
gas formation (flatulence), which is accompanied by a feeling of fullness in the abdomen;
less than three bowel movements per week.

Constipation can be the result of a poor diet, especially if there are foods in the diet that cause bowel problems. Low physical activity, side effects of certain drugs, pregnancy, prolonged bed rest can also provoke pathology. Often, constipation is a symptom of a serious illness. For this reason, if problems with the stool do not go away in a few days, you should consult a doctor, find the cause and start treatment. Pathology can be provoked by the following factors:

intestinal obstruction due to a tumor or inflammation in the abdominal cavity;
traumatic brain injury;
motor bowel disease;
hemorrhoids, anal fissure and other diseases of the anus;
pelvic floor disease;
hormonal disorders;
spinal cord injury.

Regardless of whether the cause of constipation is disease or poor nutrition, the problem cannot be ignored. In addition to unpleasant sensations that interfere with focusing on daily activities and recreation, problems with stools cause intoxication of the body with harmful substances. The work of the digestive system is disrupted, especially the stomach and intestines. Chronic constipation can provoke hemorrhoids, cause bleeding during emptying, cause polyps and tumors in the rectum.

Vaseline oil for constipation

Vaseline oil (another name is liquid paraffin) can help with constipation - an oily, colorless liquid, odorless and tasteless. The agent is a purified oil fraction without impurities of harmful organic substances, which is obtained after distillation of kerosene. It is used for both external and internal use. The drug does not have a toxic effect on the body, rarely causes allergies, does not affect the balance of microflora.

After entering the intestines, the oil is evenly distributed throughout it. After some time, the feces soften, the mucous membrane is lubricated with oil, which contributes to peristalsis (wave-like contractions of the organ) and the movement of feces out. At the same time, a protective barrier appears on the walls of the intestine, which protects them from damage. The laxative effect begins five to six hours after taking the remedy. The drug is almost not absorbed into the blood, it comes out along with the feces.

Application

Vaseline oil for constipation can only be taken orally by adults, including the elderly. For chronic constipation, liquid paraffin is drunk on an empty stomach (2 hours before a meal) or 2 hours after a meal. The course of therapy lasts five days. Before use, the drug is shaken. Take it for 2 tsp. 1-2 times during the day. If necessary, you can increase the dose to 2 tablespoons.

Another option for using oil is an enema at night with a pear. To prepare the solution, you need to mix 2-3 tbsp. l. products with 100 ml of warm water (37–38 ° C). A warm enema is often given to an adult - it has a relaxing effect on the intestinal walls, eliminates spasms of smooth muscles, softens feces, greatly facilitating the process of defecation. The procedure does not have an immediate effect: the result of its action can be seen after 8-12 hours.

Vaseline oil for constipation in children is recommended to be used as an enema (including newborns). Before preparing the solution, you should consult a doctor who will indicate a clear dosage depending on the age and weight of the baby. In order not to injure the child, to prevent cracks, irritation, before giving an enema, it is necessary to lubricate the anus with liquid paraffin. The same can be done to facilitate the emptying process. Vaseline oil should not be given to children inside: instructions for use clearly indicate children's age among contraindications.

Pregnant women are contraindicated inside, because it can provoke a tone (contraction) of the uterus, causing a miscarriage or premature birth. The tool can be used during lactation, but only after agreement with the doctor, strictly following the instructions given by him. This is especially important if problems with the stool arose immediately after childbirth.

If petroleum jelly has contaminated skin or clothing, it should be wiped off with a cotton swab and washed off with warm soapy water. During ingestion and for some time after the end of the course of treatment, the agent may be released from the anus and stain linen. In order to avoid embarrassing situations at this time, it is better to wear special pads.

Contraindications

Vaseline oil is not prescribed for everyone. Contraindications are:

individual intolerance to the drug (allergy);
acute phase of inflammation of the abdominal organs (peptic ulcer, colitis, appendicitis, peritonitis);
intestinal obstruction;
haemorrhoids;
pregnancy;
period;
poisoning with phosphorus or compounds containing organophosphorus substances;
fever of an infectious or other nature.

Side effects

Vaseline oil is not a prophylactic, so it should not be taken to prevent constipation, and also longer than the period specified in the instructions. Over time, addiction to the remedy occurs, due to which the intestines stop working on their own in anticipation of outside help. As a result, due to the intake of oil, atony develops. Pathology is characterized by a decrease in intestinal tone, when its ability to independently contract and remove feces worsens.

In addition, an overdose leads to a breakdown in the digestive system, which causes nausea, vomiting, allergies, rashes, and itching in the anus. Among the side effects are hypovitaminosis A, D, K, anorexia, since vitamins, minerals and other undigested useful substances begin to come out with feces.

The drug should not be used during treatment with fat-soluble anthelmintic drugs (Vermox, Medamin). This is explained by the fact that it enhances the side effects of these drugs, causing nausea, headaches, abdominal pain, convulsions, an allergic reaction, up to anaphylactic shock. The liver can react negatively to such a combination with oil - an increase in liver enzymes or the development of hepatitis is possible.

Video

Vaseline oil is a colorless and odorless liquid paraffin. This substance is of mineral origin. To obtain it, a vacuum method of distillation of products from oil is used. There are no harmful impurities in vaseline oil, however, there are no useful substances in it. At the same time, this substance has a number of useful properties.

For the production of vaseline oil, artificial and natural methods are used. It mixes well with other oils, which makes it applicable in medicine, perfumery, cosmetology and industry.

Why and how is Vaseline oil used?

Vaseline oil is widely used in various areas of life and to solve a number of problems. It has found wide application in the manufacture of cosmetics. The tool is part of many creams, hair and body care products. Vaseline oil is also used in medicine. We will discuss the use of Vaseline in more detail below.

Oral use for constipation

Constipation - systematic difficulty in defecation. It can occur for various reasons, the main among which is a violation of intestinal patency. Vaseline oil, which has emollient properties, helps to solve this problem.

In the case of constipation, oil is taken internally. It has no toxic and mutagenic properties, is not absorbed into the blood and does not accumulate in the body. There is a uniform distribution of oil along the walls of the intestine, thereby creating a protective wall between the feces and the mucous membrane.

Due to its viscous structure, the oil is fixed on the vertical walls. This allows the feces to slide through the intestines and is much easier to remove from the body. Along with this, they soften and stimulate the work of the digestive tract. Already five hours after taking this drug inside, the act of defecation is facilitated. It can be used at home, which is very convenient.

The use of vaseline oil for constipation has several advantages:

Fecal masses soften;
The intestines are lubricated;
A mucous barrier is formed that promotes the promotion of feces;
There are no congestions in the intestines.

It is recommended to take vaseline oil two hours before or after meals. For an adult, the required dose is 2 tsp. This drug can also be used in the fight against constipation in children aged one year and older. Babies under three years old should be given half a teaspoon. A child from three years of age should increase the dosage to two full spoons.

External use in the form of compresses

Vaseline oil is used for diseases of the joints, muscle pain after exercise. In this case, it is applied externally in the form of compresses, which have a fairly quick and positive therapeutic effect.

It is best to do such compresses at night as follows:

Prepare a gauze pad or bandage folded in several layers;
Moisten a napkin with vaseline oil and wring out;
Apply a tissue to the affected area;
Cover the compress with compress paper;
Fix the compress and paper with a bandage (wide bandage).

A compress of vaseline oil and alcohol is also highly effective. In this case, it is necessary to lubricate the sore spot with oil, after which a napkin sprinkled with alcohol is applied with moistened water.

For the treatment of the skin of newborns

Every family in which there are newborn children must have vaseline oil in the first-aid kit. Its beneficial properties will help in caring for the skin of the baby, with constipation, as well as in caring for the breasts of a nursing mother. How and where will it be applied?

On the scalp of a baby, yellow crusts often form. They are also called diathesis. It is not recommended to rip them off, as this can damage the integrity of children's skin, which will lead to the risk of infection in the child's body. To remove such crusts, vaseline oil is used, which lubricates the scalp of the child. You can achieve the best effect by lubricating the baby's scalp after the bath. After a few minutes, the crusts will soften and can be safely and easily removed.
Diaper rash and prickly heat are the most common skin problems in children. Vaseline oil is able to cope with these unpleasant irritations. To do this, after washing the baby, problem areas and folds must be lubricated with oil. This drug can be used as a prevention of diaper dermatitis and used under a diaper.
Infants may have difficulty breathing due to difficulty breathing. The reason for this may be the accumulation of dust and dirt in the nose. Vaseline oil is used to lubricate the nasal passages. It moisturizes and softens the mucous membrane and helps the baby breathe more easily and freely.
In case of constipation, the child should be given an enema. Vaseline oil, used as a lubricant, will help facilitate the entry of the tip into the rectum;
Breastfeeding mothers often have a milk blockage problem. This leads to the formation of hardening in the chest and painful sensations. Vaseline oil compress can soften the chest. This will remove discomfort and pain, as well as improve the outflow of milk.

The use of vaseline oil in cosmetology

Vaseline oil mixes well with other oils and substances, which allows it to be used in cosmetology as the basis for various creams and ointments. This drug is of particular importance in the field of hair care.

How to use for hair

The most common hair problem is hair loss. The reason for this can be frequent styling, the use of dyes, hair dryers, curling irons, etc. However, hair loss can also occur due to internal factors such as poor heredity, malnutrition, nervous overload, etc. In hair treatment, it is important to find the cause and eliminate it, however, you can achieve an improvement in the condition of the hairline at home using simple remedies, such as vaseline oil.

Vaseline oil in its pure form can only soften and moisturize the scalp. In combination with other oils, you can achieve a significant positive effect. For the preparation of masks on vaseline oil, it is recommended to use the following oils: olive, burdock and sea buckthorn oil. Aromatherapy has a beneficial effect. You can get a pleasant mask by adding drops of needles, tea tree, mint or lavender to the main composition.

How to prepare such masks? Vaseline oil is mixed with other oils in equal proportions. A few drops of essential oil are added to the composition. The resulting mixture is applied to wet hair for an hour, after which it is washed off with warm water.

Contraindications to the use of the drug

The use of vaseline oil has its limitations. It should not be used by persons with:

Diseases infectious diseases of the abdominal cavity;
Individual intolerance;
Ulcerative lesions of the intestine;
temperature.

Pregnant women should also not take vaseline oil internally, as this can cause uterine tone.

Petrolatum jelly helps relieve constipation

Properties of vaseline oil

The tool has a wound-healing, disinfectant, laxative effect, it is odorless and colorless. When applied to the skin, it forms a dense thin film that retains moisture and protects the skin from the negative effects of the external environment (cold, sunlight).

When ingested, vaseline oil helps to cleanse the intestines, improve its peristalsis. It removes from the body harmful substances accumulated due to a rare stool. Once in the intestine, the agent creates a film on its walls and softens the feces, while not being absorbed and completely excreted from the body.

The oil is hypoallergenic, non-toxic, it does not adversely affect human health. However, it should be borne in mind that its frequent use inside provokes a decrease in the tone of the intestinal muscles (atony), and also impairs the work of the stomach, the absorption of vitamins and minerals.

Vaseline oil: application

The tool is used in medicine and cosmetology. It is used to eliminate constipation, improve the condition of the skin and hair, eyelashes. Vaseline oil is considered an excellent skin care product for babies. It helps to fight diaper rash, children's seborrhea (the formation of crusts on the head in newborns).

The oil is used as:

individual skin care products;

laxative;

a bactericidal agent for lubricating the nasal cavity;

bases for creams and cosmetics.

Liquid paraffin dissolves in other oils (with the exception of castor), cosmetologists recommend using it in conjunction with essential oils. The product itself does not contain nutrients, therefore its use without additional components does not benefit the skin.

Instructions for the use of vaseline oil says that it is used on an empty stomach, up to 2 times a day, a tablespoon. The laxative effect occurs six hours after taking the drug. It is possible to increase a single dose of oil if the stool does not normalize after 1 dose. Do not use the drug without consulting a doctor, as it only eliminates unpleasant symptoms, but does not fight the cause of constipation.

Contraindications for oral use:

· pregnancy;

· childhood;

intestinal obstruction;

· heat;

Inflammatory processes in the gastrointestinal tract;

Bleeding and acute abdominal pain.

In the presence of oil intolerance, the drug is also not recommended for use. When using liquid paraffin, you need to know that the duration of its use should not exceed five days.

The product used on the skin can provoke the appearance of acne, pimples. To avoid this, you need to use it correctly. On oily skin, vaseline oil creates a film and prevents normal oxygen exchange in cells. Therefore, the use of the drug for this type of skin is not recommended. The oil is suitable for normal and dry skin, it helps to restore the skin with dermatitis, diaper rash, cuts and scratches.

The product can be mixed with apricot oil, and then applied to the skin - so the beneficial substances are absorbed faster. In the cold season, the drug is applied to the skin of the hands and face during adverse weather conditions (snowfall, strong wind). Before visiting the beach, the oil will provide the skin with protection from the negative effects of sunlight. Remember that the product must be washed off after several hours of being on the skin, otherwise the risk of a greenhouse effect increases.

Liquid paraffin is an inexpensive and affordable product with a wide range of applications. The average cost of the drug is 40 rubles per pack. In comparison with other means of a similar action, vaseline oil is much more effective, safer and cheaper.