Lanolin
About
Lanolin belongs to a class of drugs called 'emollients' (skin moisturizers). Lanolin is primarily used to treat excessive dryness of the skin. Also, Lanolin is used to prevent and treat itching, dry skin, or any skin irritations caused by skin burns from radiation therapy, diaper rash, and others. Dry skin may be caused by loss of water, exposure to dry weather conditions, swimming in a chlorinated pool, or certain chemicals that make skin dry.
Lanolin contains Lanolin. It is also known as wool wax which is a natural substance made from sheep’s wool. It works by forming an oily layer on the top of the skin that traps in the water. Thereby moisturizing the outermost layer of skin and making it smoother and softer.
Lanolin is only for external use. Apply a small amount of Lanolin on the affected area and gently rub it in. Avoid contact of Lanolin with nose, mouth, eyes, rectum, or vagina. In case Lanolin comes in contact with these areas accidentally, rinse with water. Some people may experience skin redness, burning, irritation, or stinging sensation. Most of these side effects of Lanolin do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
If you are known to be allergic to Lanolin or any other medicines, please tell your doctor. If you are pregnant or a nursing mother, it is advised to consult a doctor before using Lanolin. Do not apply Lanolin to broken, cut, chapped, or infected areas of face, skin, or eyes unless advised by a doctor. If you have any allergy, skin irritation on large areas, open sores or deep wounds, redness, warmth, swelling, bleeding, or oozing, consult your doctor before taking Lanolin.
Uses of Lanolin
Medicinal Benefits
Lanolin is a skin moisturizer that is primarily used to treat excessive dryness of the skin. Also, Lanolin is used to prevent and treat itching, dry skin or any skin irritations caused by skin burns from radiation therapy, diaper rash and others. Lanolin forms an oily layer on the top of skin that traps in the water. Thereby moisturizes the outermost layer of skin and makes it smoother and softer.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Lanolin
- Skin redness
- Burning, irritation or stinging sensation
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
If skin irritation, redness, burning or stinging sensation worsens at the site of application, stop using Lanolin and consult a doctor. If you have any type of allergy, skin irritation on large areas, open sores or deep wounds, redness, warmth, swelling, bleeding or oozing, consult your doctor before taking Lanolin. Avoid sun exposure, use a sunscreen lotion and wear protective clothing while going out in the sun as Lanolin may make skin more sensitive to sun. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, please contact a doctor before taking Lanolin. If the condition of your skin does not improve or worsen after 7 days, consult a doctor.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: No interactions found.
Drug-Food Interaction: No interactions found.
Drug-Disease Interaction: If you have any type of allergy, skin irritation on large areas, open sores or deep wounds, redness, warmth, swelling, bleeding or oozing, consult your doctor before taking Lanolin.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionInteraction of alcohol with Lanolin is unknown. Please consult a doctor before consuming alcohol while using Lanolin.
Pregnancy
cautionIf you are pregnant, please consult a doctor before using Lanolin.
Breast Feeding
cautionLanolin may be applied to the nipple area but should be used as recommended by a doctor.
Driving
not applicableLanolin usually does not affect your ability to drive or operate machinery.
Liver
consult your doctorIf you have any concerns regarding the use of Lanolin in patients with liver problems, please consult a doctor.
Kidney
consult your doctorIf you have any concerns regarding the use of Lanolin in patients with kidney problems, please consult a doctor.
Children
cautionPlease consult a child specialist before using Lanolin in children as the safety of Lanolin is unknown in children.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Drink plenty of water as dry skin may be due to loss of water.
- Avoid hot showers or hot water to bathe to prevent worsening of dry skin.
- Apply a suitable moisturizer immediately after taking a bath or shower when the skin is still damp.
Special Advise
- Before applying Lanolin, clean and dry the affected area.
- Avoid contact of Lanolin with nose, mouth, eyes, rectum, or vagina. In case of accidental contact with these areas, rinse with water.
- Do not apply Lanolin to broken, cut, chapped, or infected areas of face, skin, or eyes unless advised by a doctor.
- Apply Lanolin every time you wash your hands throughout the day to treat dry hands.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Dry skin: It is a condition associated with itching, cracking and scaling of the skin that may be caused due to various reasons such as loss of water, exposure to dry weather conditions, hot water, swimming in a chlorinated pool or certain chemicals that make skin dry. It commonly affects arms, hands and legs. Dry skin can be treated usually by changing lifestyle and using moisturizers. Even then if the condition persists, consult a skin specialist.
FAQs
Yes, Lanolin can be used by a breastfeeding woman to treat cracked and sore nipples caused by breastfeeding. You are recommended to apply a pea-sized amount of Lanolin to the complete nipple area after each feeding and need not wash off Lanolin before breastfeeding again.
You are recommended to use Lanolin for as long as your doctor has advised it. However, if the symptoms worsen or persist after 7 days of using Lanolin, please consult a doctor.
Yes, Lanolin may cause allergic reactions in some people. It is not necessary for everyone taking Lanolin to have allergic reactions. However, if you experience difficulty in breathing, skin rash, swelling of lips, face, throat or tongue, consult a doctor immediately.
Yes, Lanolin may be used to prevent or treat a diaper rash in babies. You are recommended to clean and dry the diaper area well before applying Lanolin. Apply Lanolin as required at each time you change the diaper.
Yes, Lanolin can be used after bathing. In general, moisturizers require water to work well. Therefore, Lanolin can be applied immediately after taking a shower or bath while the skin is still wet. However, hot, long or frequent bathing may worsen dry skin.
