Medicine overview
Indications of Parafresh
Established Uses
Parafresh is indicated as an emollient and skin-barrier protectant for:
- Dry, rough, scaly, or chapped skin (xerosis)
- Minor skin irritation, chafing, and cracked skin (e.g. lips, hands, heels)
- Adjunctive skin care in chronic dry-skin conditions such as eczema and ichthyosis, where it is used between flares to maintain skin hydration (adjunct to, not a replacement for, prescribed anti-inflammatory treatment)
- Barrier protection for skin exposed to friction, wind, or moisture (e.g. nappy/diaper area skin care)
Other Uses
- As an inert emollient base in some compounded or medicated topical preparations
Parafresh is not intended to treat active infections, deep wounds, or significant inflammatory skin disease on its own; a physician should be consulted for such conditions.
Composition
Each unit of ointment contains a combination of white soft paraffin (soft/white petrolatum), liquid paraffin (mineral oil), and wool alcohol (a lanolin-derived emulsifying fraction) in an occlusive ointment base. Exact percentage composition may vary slightly by manufacturer/brand.
Description
Parafresh is a topical emollient ointment combining occlusive petrolatum-based ingredients with a lanolin-derived emulsifier (wool alcohol). It is used to moisturize, soothe, and protect dry, chapped, cracked, or irritated skin, and to help restore the skin's natural barrier. The wool alcohol component also functions as a water-in-oil emulsifier, allowing the ointment to mix more readily with skin moisture and exudate compared with plain paraffin preparations, and it is also used as a base for compounding some other topical/medicated preparations.
Therapeutic Class
Emollient / Topical skin protectant. Parafresh belongs to the class of occlusive, lanolin-containing emollient ointments.
Pharmacology
White soft paraffin + Liquid paraffin + Wool alcohol works purely by a physical (non-pharmacological) mechanism. White soft paraffin and liquid paraffin form an occlusive, hydrophobic film on the skin surface that reduces transepidermal water loss (TEWL), helping to trap moisture within the stratum corneum and soften hardened or scaly skin. Wool alcohol is a mixture of lanolin-derived sterols and fatty alcohols that acts as a water-in-oil emulsifier, allowing the ointment to blend with skin surface moisture and improving spreadability and adherence. Together these components support restoration of the skin's natural lipid barrier. There is negligible systemic pharmacological activity, as the ingredients act topically and are not intended to be significantly absorbed.
Dosage & Administration of Parafresh
Adults and Children
| Population | Application |
|---|---|
| Adults | Apply Parafresh thinly to moderately over the affected skin area 1–3 times daily, or as often as needed for dryness. |
| Children and infants | Apply a thin layer of Parafresh to the affected area as needed; use a smaller amount and apply less frequently in neonates and young infants, and avoid the napkin/diaper area unless advised by a physician. |
Application Guidance
- Clean and gently dry the skin before application
- Massage gently until absorbed; a thin residual film is expected and normal
- For hand use, apply after washing hands and after contact with water
- Do not apply to broken, infected, or weeping skin unless directed by a physician
- No renal or hepatic dose adjustment is applicable, as this is a topical, minimally absorbed preparation
Administration of Parafresh
Route: Topical (external use on the skin only). Parafresh should not be swallowed, applied to the eyes, or used on broken skin, deep wounds, or infected skin without medical advice.
Interaction of Parafresh
Parafresh is applied topically with minimal systemic absorption, so clinically significant systemic drug interactions are not established. Notable local/physical interactions include:
- Applying Parafresh over other topical medicines may form an occlusive film that alters the absorption of the other product; when using another topical medication on the same area, allow it to absorb first and apply this ointment afterward, or as directed by a physician.
- Parafresh is oil-based and may reduce the effectiveness of latex-based products (e.g. latex condoms, some latex gloves) on contact.
- Because it is paraffin-based, Parafresh can soak into fabric and dressings and increases their flammability (see Precautions and Warnings).
Contraindications
White soft paraffin + Liquid paraffin + Wool alcohol is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to wool alcohol/lanolin (a recognized and relatively common contact allergen) or to any other component of the formulation, including white soft paraffin or liquid paraffin.
Side Effects of Parafresh
Parafresh is generally well tolerated. Reported adverse effects are almost exclusively local and include:
- Contact dermatitis or allergic skin reaction (redness, itching, rash), particularly in individuals sensitized to wool alcohol/lanolin
- Mild stinging or greasy/oily sensation at the application site
- Rarely, folliculitis with occlusive prolonged use on hair-bearing skin
Systemic side effects are not expected given the topical route and minimal absorption.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Parafresh is applied topically with minimal systemic absorption. It is generally considered suitable for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding for skin care purposes when used as directed; however, as with any topical product, it should be used only if clearly needed, and a physician should be consulted, particularly for use over large areas of skin. If breastfeeding, avoid applying Parafresh directly to the nipple/areola area shortly before feeding, or gently clean the area before the infant feeds, to reduce the amount ingested by the infant.
Precautions & Warnings
- External use only: Parafresh is for use on the skin only; avoid contact with the eyes and mucous membranes, and do not swallow.
- Fire hazard: Parafresh is paraffin-based and flammable. Fabric, clothing, dressings, or bedding that has absorbed the product can catch fire more easily; keep away from open flames, lit cigarettes, and other sources of ignition, and use particular caution in patients using supplemental oxygen.
- Allergy risk: Discontinue Parafresh and seek medical advice if signs of contact dermatitis or allergic reaction develop (redness, itching, rash, swelling), given the recognized allergenic potential of the wool alcohol/lanolin component (see Contraindications).
- Do not apply Parafresh to broken, infected, or actively weeping skin without medical advice.
Overdose Effects of Parafresh
Significant overdose is unlikely with normal topical use of Parafresh, as systemic absorption is minimal. If accidentally ingested in a large amount, or if excessive application causes marked skin irritation or an allergic reaction, seek immediate medical attention or contact a poison control center. Do not attempt to induce vomiting unless specifically instructed by a medical professional.
Storage Conditions
Store at room temperature (below 30°C), away from light, heat, and moisture. Keep the container tightly closed and out of reach of children. Keep away from open flame due to flammability of paraffin-based ingredients.
Use In Special Populations
Pediatric Use
Parafresh is commonly used for skin care in infants and children for dryness and minor skin irritation. In neonates and young infants, use sparingly and avoid the napkin/diaper area unless advised by a physician, and monitor for signs of wool alcohol/lanolin sensitization.
Elderly
No specific dose adjustment is required in elderly patients; Parafresh is commonly used for age-related skin dryness.
Renal/Hepatic Impairment
Not applicable, as Parafresh is a topical preparation with minimal systemic absorption.
Duration Of Treatment
Parafresh may be used for as long as needed to maintain skin comfort and hydration, including long-term regular use in chronic dry-skin conditions. If no improvement is seen within 1–2 weeks, or if the skin condition worsens, a physician should be consulted.
Drug Classes
Emollients; Skin protectants; Lanolin-containing topical preparations
Mode Of Action
White soft paraffin + Liquid paraffin + Wool alcohol acts as a physical occlusive barrier rather than through a pharmacological receptor mechanism. It coats the skin surface, slows evaporative water loss, and softens the stratum corneum, while the wool alcohol component helps the preparation emulsify with skin moisture for better coverage and comfort.
Pediatric Uses
Parafresh may be used externally in infants and children for dry skin and minor skin irritation. Use a thin layer and avoid application to broken or infected skin. Because wool alcohol/lanolin can occasionally sensitize the skin, discontinue use and consult a physician if a rash or irritation develops. Safety and efficacy of long-term daily use on very premature or medically fragile neonates should be guided by a pediatrician.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Parafresh 57.3%+42.5%+0.2% Ophthalmic Ointment used for?
A: Parafresh 57.3%+42.5%+0.2% Ophthalmic Ointment is a topical emollient ointment used to moisturize and protect dry, chapped, cracked, or irritated skin, and to help restore the skin's natural moisture barrier. It may also be used as an adjunctive skin-care measure in chronic dry-skin conditions such as eczema, alongside any treatment prescribed by a physician.
Q: How should I apply Parafresh 57.3%+42.5%+0.2% Ophthalmic Ointment?
A: Apply a thin to moderate layer of Parafresh 57.3%+42.5%+0.2% Ophthalmic Ointment to clean, dry skin 1 to 3 times daily, or as often as needed to keep the skin comfortable, unless your physician advises otherwise. Gently massage until absorbed.
Q: Who should not use Parafresh 57.3%+42.5%+0.2% Ophthalmic Ointment?
A: Parafresh 57.3%+42.5%+0.2% Ophthalmic Ointment should not be used by anyone with a known allergy to wool alcohol/lanolin or to any other ingredient in the product, as wool alcohol is a recognized contact allergen. Stop use and seek medical advice if you develop redness, itching, or a rash after application.
Q: Is Parafresh 57.3%+42.5%+0.2% Ophthalmic Ointment flammable?
A: Yes. Parafresh 57.3%+42.5%+0.2% Ophthalmic Ointment contains paraffin-based ingredients that are flammable. Fabric, dressings, or clothing that has absorbed the product can catch fire more easily, so keep away from open flames or lit cigarettes, and take extra care if you or someone nearby is using supplemental oxygen.
Q: Can Parafresh 57.3%+42.5%+0.2% Ophthalmic Ointment be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
A: Parafresh 57.3%+42.5%+0.2% Ophthalmic Ointment is applied to the skin with minimal absorption into the body and is generally considered suitable during pregnancy and breastfeeding for skin-care purposes when used as directed. Even so, it should be used only if clearly needed, and you should consult a physician, especially before using it over large areas of skin. If breastfeeding, gently clean the nipple/areola area before feeding if the product has been applied there.
Q: What should I do if I accidentally swallow Parafresh 57.3%+42.5%+0.2% Ophthalmic Ointment?
A: If Parafresh 57.3%+42.5%+0.2% Ophthalmic Ointment is accidentally swallowed in a significant amount, or if it causes an allergic reaction or severe irritation, seek immediate medical attention or contact a poison control center rather than attempting home treatment.
Disclaimer
The information provided is accurate to the best of our knowledge, but it does not replace professional medical advice. We cannot guarantee its completeness or accuracy, and the absence of specific information about a drug should not be taken as an endorsement. We are not responsible for any consequences arising from this information, so please consult a healthcare professional for any concerns or questions.
