Milking fat

Milking fat to protect the udders of cows that have been stressed by milking

Milking is a skin care cream on paraffin base to protect the teats of cows , mares and other dairy animals.

Milking fat usually consists of paraffins (a by-product of the petroleum refinery ), e.g. B. Vaseline .

Milking fat is applied to the animal's udder after milking. In addition to milking fat, so-called dipping agents are now also used, which kill germs through their iodine content .

Cosmetic milking fat

Various cosmetic products are available on the market under the name "Melkfett", but these only have to do with the name of the original milking fat. Cosmetic milking fat must be free from all harmful substances such as pesticides . Mostly, milking fat products are added to substances such as vitamin E , calendula , chamomile , soybean oil , beeswax , skin-friendly fragrances and others.

Application and mode of action

It should be noted with all applications that contact allergies can occur (milk fat eczema).

In humans

Possible uses of so-called cosmetic "milking fats" in humans:

With severe keratinization of the skin. The skin surface is covered with an insulating, water-impermeable film. This film prevents the evaporation of secretions and allows the horny layer to swell (with lasting hydration ). This makes it easier to loosen and remove the cornea .

To protect against loss of temperature on winter mountain tours or skiing. Since milking fat reduces the release of heat, it can prevent frostbite on the treated skin areas.

As a sunscreen . It is available in stores up to sun protection factor six and is especially popular with winter sports enthusiasts.

As a short-term skin protection , for example from aggressive liquids such as feces , urine or other secretions that cause skin lesions

Well suited and widely used as hair pomade or hair wax

Use as a lubricating cream during sex (not suitable for latex condoms due to the fat content )

For the prevention of friction injuries ( intertrigo ) in running sports on the thigh / genital area

As long-term therapy for lichen sclerosus

The use of milking fat can be useful, but it is not harmless. Basically all ointments with a high fat content clog the pores with the insulating film and therefore counteract physiological skin breathing and temperature exchange. Therefore they have to be removed after a few hours. This is also the reason why milking fat is no longer used in nursing care as a decubitus prophylaxis . Today there are better substances that allow pore breathing and temperature exchange and protect them just as well.

Other uses

As an environmentally friendly underwater fouling protection for motor boats and sailing yachts
Care and protection of objects made of smooth leather, e.g. B. boots or motorcycle clothing
For paw care in dogs

Individual evidence

↑ ^a ^b Axel Trautmann, Jörg Kleine-Tebbe: Allergology in Clinic and Practice: Allergens - Diagnostics - Therapy . Thieme, 2013. ISBN 9783131593528 . P. 235.
^ Manfred Stauber, Thomas Weyerstahl: Dual series of gynecology and obstetrics . Thieme, 2007. ISBN 9783131526038 . P. 215.
↑ Jutta König: 100 errors in the MDK test . Schlütersche, 2015. ISBN 9783842686014 , pp. 101f.
↑ Ursel Bühring : Practical textbook Medicinal Herbology: Basics - Application - Therapy . Thieme, 2014. ISBN 9783830477501 . P. 71.

[trautmann-1] Axel Trautmann, Jörg Kleine-Tebbe: Allergology in Clinic and Practice: Allergens - Diagnostics - Therapy . Thieme, 2013. ISBN 9783131593528 . P. 235.

[2] Manfred Stauber, Thomas Weyerstahl: Dual series of gynecology and obstetrics . Thieme, 2007. ISBN 9783131526038 . P. 215.

[3] Jutta König: 100 errors in the MDK test . Schlütersche, 2015. ISBN 9783842686014 , pp. 101f.

[4] Ursel Bühring : Practical textbook Medicinal Herbology: Basics - Application - Therapy . Thieme, 2014. ISBN 9783830477501 . P. 71.