Paraffin Preparations in Pediatric Practice
Overview
- Classification as emollients and laxatives
- Multiple therapeutic applications
- Available in various formulations
- Important role in pediatric dermatology and gastroenterology
Physical Properties
- Colorless, odorless hydrocarbons
- Non-reactive and chemically stable
- Varying viscosities available
- Different melting points for different applications
Types and Formulations
Liquid Paraffin
- Oral Preparations
- Light liquid paraffin
- Heavy liquid paraffin
- Available concentrations: 1-100%
- Topical Preparations
- Pure liquid paraffin
- Combinations with soft paraffin
- Emulsified formulations
Soft Paraffin
- White Soft Paraffin
- Highly purified
- Used in sensitive skin conditions
- Base for medicated preparations
- Yellow Soft Paraffin
- Less refined variant
- More occlusive properties
- Better water-retention
Specialized Formulations
- Medicated Paraffin Gauze
- For wound dressing
- Non-adherent properties
- Various sizes available
- Paraffin-based Emulsions
- Creams and lotions
- Enhanced absorption
- Better spreadability
Clinical Applications
Dermatological Uses
- Atopic Dermatitis
- Barrier protection
- Moisture retention
- Frequency: 2-3 times daily
- Xerosis
- Deep moisturization
- Prevention of water loss
- Application after bathing
- Wound Care
- Non-adherent dressing base
- Protection of wound edges
- Promotion of moist environment
Gastrointestinal Applications
- Constipation Management
- Dosing by age groups
- Duration of treatment
- Monitoring requirements
- Specific Conditions
- Chronic constipation
- Fecal impaction
- Anal fissures
Dosing Guidelines
- Oral Liquid Paraffin
- 1-5 years: 2.5-5 mL daily
- 5-11 years: 5-10 mL daily
- 12-17 years: 10-20 mL daily
- Topical Applications
- Liberal application
- Frequency based on condition
- Assessment of response
Safety and Monitoring
Precautions
- Oral Administration
- Risk of aspiration
- Interference with vitamin absorption
- Anal seepage
- Topical Application
- Fire hazard warning
- Risk of occlusion
- Folliculitis potential
Contraindications
- Absolute
- Difficulty swallowing
- Recumbent patients
- Intestinal obstruction
- Relative
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Severe skin infections
- Known hypersensitivity
Monitoring Parameters
- Clinical Response
- Efficacy assessment
- Side effect monitoring
- Treatment compliance
- Long-term Use
- Vitamin absorption
- Growth monitoring
- Skin condition assessment
Further Reading
