Lanolin allergy
Contact allergy to lanolin (wool alcohols) in creams.
About lanolin allergy
Lanolin, also called wool alcohols or wool wax, is a natural grease derived from sheep's wool and used to soften and moisturise in many creams, ointments, lip balms and cosmetics. Allergy to it is a delayed, type IV allergic contact dermatitis, so any reaction usually develops 12 to 72 hours after the product is applied. Lanolin is a relatively weak sensitiser, and the risk is higher when it is applied to already damaged or inflamed skin, for example on leg ulcers, eczema or chapped lips, which is why it is sometimes described as a problem of broken skin.
The rash is itchy and red, sometimes scaly or blistered, appearing where the lanolin-containing product was used, such as the lips, face, hands or lower legs. In people using emollients for a pre-existing skin condition, a lanolin allergy can be missed because the new rash is blamed on the underlying disease rather than the treatment. Continued use tends to keep the dermatitis going.
Diagnosis is by patch testing with a dermatologist rather than skin-prick testing. Management means checking ingredient labels for lanolin and wool alcohols and switching to lanolin-free emollients and cosmetics. The skin usually recovers once the product is stopped, helped by suitable emollients and, if advised, topical steroids for flares. See your GP or a dermatologist if a rash persists despite moisturising, as the moisturiser itself may be the cause.
Common triggers
- Lanolin and products containing it
Symptoms
- Red, itchy rash (contact dermatitis)
- Dry, cracked or scaly skin
- Blistering or weeping in severe cases
- Burning or stinging where skin met the trigger
Avoidance & management
- Avoid skin contact with the trigger
- Wear gloves or use barrier creams
- Choose products labelled free from the allergen
- Rinse skin promptly after contact
- Use emollients or prescribed steroid creams
Sources & references
Allergy safety: what everyone should know
Mild-to-moderate reaction signs
- Itching, hives or a raised rash
- Swelling of lips, face or eyes
- Tingling mouth, sneezing, runny nose
- Stomach pain, nausea or vomiting
Anaphylaxis — call 999 (UK) or 112 (EU) immediately
- Difficult or noisy breathing, wheeze, persistent cough
- Swelling of the tongue or tightness in the throat
- Dizziness, collapse, pale and floppy (young children)
- Use an adrenaline auto-injector (e.g. EpiPen) at once if prescribed, then call an ambulance even if symptoms improve
Allergy or intolerance? A true allergy involves the immune system and can escalate quickly; an intolerance (e.g. lactose intolerance) is unpleasant but not life-threatening. The symptoms overlap, so self-diagnosis is unreliable.
Getting tested: home-testing kits based on IgG are not diagnostically valid. If you suspect an allergy, ask a GP for referral to an allergy clinic for skin-prick or specific-IgE testing and a supervised food challenge where appropriate.