Watkins Petro-Carbo Salve Review

I say that this is the 2nd product I grab after hurting or burning myself.  That's not a slam against Watkins Petro Carbo Salve.  It just means that the first thing I do is put ice or cold water on the wound, then after I've calmed down I grab the Petro Carbo.

My husband introduced me to Watkins Products about 15 year ago and we are still very loyal to several of them.  One of the items that we always keep in our first aid box is Petro Carbo Salve as I have a really bad habit of burning and cutting myself.  I'm known to be a bit of a klutz.

Petro-Carbo Salve is "a soothing and helpful dressing of many uses. For minor irritations, chafing, chapping, and slight cuts and burns".  It comes in a large tin that you pull the top off to open. It also comes in a tiny travel size tin which is about the size of a lip gloss tin.  We keep the large one at home so I can use it when I burn myself on my hair appliances or the fireplace or stove and I keep the small one in my toiletry bag so I have it with me when we travel.  I've also used it a few times for treating blisters, paper cuts, and abrasions.  I even used it once to help remove a nasty sliver from a wood deck out of my foot. 

I like the way that Petro Carbo seals the cut or burn to keep air out of them.  They don't seem to hurt as badly when not exposed to air.  The salve helps to soothe wounds and prevent bacteria from reaching wounds.  The only complaint I have is that it doesn't smell very pleasant. 

What I don't like is that my cat loves the stuff.  In fact the inside of the tin specifically says to not use it on cats.  I was never sure why but I have a theory.  When my husband cuts the lawn or uses the snowblower he sometimes comes in smelling of gasoline and my one cat will actually lick his pants and hands and coat.  It's freaky.  But I think it's from the petroleum and maybe you're not supposed to use Petro Carbo on cats because they may be attracted to the scent and lick it off which may make them ill.  Not sure, it's just my crazy theory.