Sharing Vaseline?

I think you have to be careful of spreading germs, especially cold germs and viruses. At least that is what I would guess from what I have read about sharing things like lip balms or other treatments that might harbor germs.

Hi

Germs can be transmitted by touching the bathroom door handle that has previously been touched by someone who is ill.
Yes, basic hygienic practices are important (don't share towels), however I would be more concerned by the application of petroleum jelly (Vaseline or any other brand) on the skin, then by germs.

Why? Read on....

The skin is the largest organ of the human body. It breathes, taking in oxygen and releasing carbon
dioxide. All petrochemicals pollute our water and destroy marine life.
Petroleum and its derivatives are not beneficial ingredients for the general care of your skin.

The refined petroleum used in skincare product sforms a film on the surface of your skin and cannot be absorbed (think of it like liquid Saran Wrap).
It blocks the pores and the skin's natural respiration. Mineral oil may also cause allergic reactions and dryness.

Petroleum jelly forms a heavy film on the surface of your skin.
When your skin perspires and releases water containing salt and chemicals, it aids the liver and kidneys in detoxifying your body. Like mineral oil, petroleum jelly blocks the skin's natural breathing and excretion functions.

Be an informed consumer!!

Uzma

P.S If you do continue to use Vaseline, I suggest you get a tub for your personal use. The original problem is then solved.

Petrolatum and paraffins...add those to the list.

There are some wonderful alternatives to petroleum jelly. Non petroleum...jellys'...Like;

"Un-petroleum" Plant Powered Healthcare.

My family has shared around colds several times since fall (Yuck!). I already had my own lotion and mouthwash; now I have my own toothpaste, too. We still share some soaps, and computer keyboards and mouses (some people say to wipe them with anti-bacterial wipes after switching users, but I haven't gone that far).

About the best-working product for my hands is petroleum based (it's the baby oil gel, sold by Johnson's and a knockoff by Walmart). However, I'm planning to try pure shea nut butter to see if that works well for me (I've read all sorts of things about it -- that it's hypoallergenic and that quite a few people are allergic to it; that it smells for a few minutes, a few hours, or not at all; etc.).