HomeAnswersDermatologylubricantsCan Vaseline be used along with condom?

Vaseline cannot be used in conjunction with condom. Is that correct?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Sneha Kannan

Published At January 21, 2016
Reviewed AtJune 27, 2023

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

My dermatologist recommended Vaseline for any abrasions in the glans penis. The area is dry, and often I get chafing there, so began to use it daily. However, that becomes concerned that when using a condom, the residue of the Vaseline causes condom latex to weaken. My penis is uncircumcised. I also had fungal infections before so do not want my penis to be too moist. At times I use Nystatin powder for fungal infections. I have had bacterial and viral cultures to be sure, and these are negative. First, is there a good way to completely wash off the Vaseline? Even with soap, there is often a mild resident. Second, is there a safe alternative to Vaseline for this purpose that will not affect condoms?

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have thoroughly gone through your case and can well understand your genuine health concerns.

The Probable causes

1. Small abrasions on the glans penis that usually come across during sexual intercourse are healed up on their own. The problem occurs when they get combined with fungal, bacterial, or viral attacks. 2. I preferably suggest you to apply K-Y jelly or gel before sex to get lubricated. It is a water based lubricant and has no chemical interaction with the latex of condoms. 3. For fungal infection you need to apply Hydrocortisone or Clotrimazole ointment on the chaffed skin of glans. This ointment will give you ease from abrasions too. You do not need to apply Vaseline, especially the days when you will be having a fungal attack too. 4. Using Nystatin powder will make the surface rougher and dries up. That is not good in your case as it may cause more abrasions being dry. 5. Please avoid rigorous sexual intercourse especially in the days when you have fungal growth. 6. To completely wash off the Vaseline you do not need to use anything else. Soap wash with a mild soap-like dove is the best option for you. 7. The residual Vaseline you are talking about has nothing to do with latex. It is totally safe and never renders the latex weak. 8. You do not need anything else other than Vaseline to apply on chapped skin (abrasions) when there is no fungal attack. It is a good option and I think it is working well for you. 9. In many of my patients with these issues, I opted in for circumcision and referred them to a general surgeon with very encouraging results. You can also go for the same to get rid of abrasions and fungal infections.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Thank you for the detailed response.

I have two follow up questions just to clarify based on the information. Vaseline, in general, cannot be used in conjunction with condoms, but if washed with soap and water any minor residual will not cause a weakening of condoms - is that correct? When using the ointment you suggested, similarly need to be washed off before applying a condom? Or is there no such interaction? Thank you again. Have a nice day.

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I have thoroughly gone through your follow up queries and can well understand your genuine health concerns.

The Probable causes

1. Yes, while using the suggested ointment you need to clean up same as for Vaseline. Ointment is also oil based and you need to be careful as you cannot mix ointment and condom. 2. Yes, you are correct. You can never use oils, oil based lubricants or petroleum jelly with condoms as this causes latex to be ineffective as a contraceptive.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Muhammad Majid Hanif
Dr. Muhammad Majid Hanif

Cardiology

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