What is the difference in the kerosene of today and coal oil of the 1940's that was used for scrapes.?

I remember my mother putting ';coal oil'; on my scrapped knees when I fell down. I was wondering if the kerosene that is sold today is the same as ';coal oil'; and can it be used for scrapped knees.What is the difference in the kerosene of today and coal oil of the 1940's that was used for scrapes.?
No it isn't the same. The coal oil was the prerunner of vasaline. Kerosine is much more refined and would actually burn your skin, like a rask.pp