Safety of Petroleum-Based Emollients in Pediatric Atopic Dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that severely impacts the quality of life of both children and adults. Effectively managing AD entails addressing acute inflammatory symptoms, avoiding triggers, and preserving the homeostasis of the skin barrier with emollients. Petrolatum-based emollients are affordable occlusive agents that prevent moisture loss and create a protective layer on the skin to support healing; however, apprehensions, often stemming from safety-related information circulating on social media and mobile applications, have led to increased reluctance among parents and caregivers to use these products to treat their child's AD. This review aims to consolidate the available information in the literature concerning the safety of petrolatum-based emollients while comparing this with the information found in popular mobile applications used to check product safety and health information.