A Comparative Study to Assess the Effectiveness of Application of Coconut Oil Versus Petroleum Jelly on Heel Fissures Among Young Women

Abstract

Introduction: Heel fissure is one of the commonly existing podiatric conditions in our society. It is associated with excessive dryness leading to cracking of heels. Coconut oil is a versatile product with good moisturizing, nourishing and smoothing effect on skin. Petroleum jelly is a greasy gelatinous substance that has been promoted as a topical ointment for its healing and moisturizing properties. The objective of this study is to compare the effect of application of coconut oil and petroleum jelly on heel fissures among young women. Methods: Thirty young women between the age group 18 – 25 years with heel fissures were selected by non-probability purposive sampling technique. Participants were randomly divided into two groups (Group I – Coconut oil and Group II – Petroleum jelly) with 15 samples in each. Pre – test was done and Coconut oil/Petroleum jelly was applied once daily for 14 days on heel fissures, followed by post- test. Data was collected by observation using a self-prepared checklist and rating scale. The tool is found to be reliable by using inter- rater reliability (r = 1.0). Results: It is found that there is a statistically significant difference between pre–test mean score (7.67) and post-test mean score (5.33) of Group I (coconut oil) p value (0.0013). There is statistically significant difference between pre- test mean score (8.53) and post- test mean score (4.13) of Group II (Petroleum jelly) p value (0.0000). The difference in mean score of coconut oil Group is 2.33 and petroleum jelly is 4.4 Conclusion: This study concluded that both coconut oil and petroleum jelly are effective on heel fissures. In comparison, petroleum jelly is more effective than coconut oil in managing heel fissures. Keywords: coconut oil, heel fissures, petroleum jelly, young women