How much lanolin cream should you use?

What does a generous amount mean?

Apply the product to the area that needs treatment rather than measuring out a fixed amount for every body part. General emollient guidance calls for large amounts on dry skin, so a tiny dab is not a universal rule. Lanolin forms an oily barrier that reduces water loss. Its job is to keep moisture in the skin, which is less glamorous than cream advertising would prefer.13

How should you apply lanolin?

1. 1Read the product or prescription directions and wash your hands before applying lanolin.
2. 2For dry skin, apply your emollient after washing, once you have gently patted the skin dry and it is still moist.
3. 3Apply generously to the affected area. Smooth an emollient gently in the direction your hair grows instead of rubbing it in.
4. 4Wash your hands afterwards. Keep lanolin out of your eyes and do not cover a medicinal lanolin ointment with a bandage unless your care team tells you to.

How often should you use it?

For very dry skin, general emollient guidance is to apply 2 to 4 times a day, or as prescribed, and reapply when skin feels dry or tight. Follow any different schedule on your lanolin label. Creams generally absorb quickly and suit daytime use; ointments are thicker, greasier and useful for very dry skin or at night. An ointment's greasy texture is not an application error requiring a formal investigation.34

How much should you use during breastfeeding?

For cracked nipples, use 100% pure lanolin after feedings and follow that nipple product's application directions. A universal amount in grams or a pea sized dose is not established here. Avoid soaps and harsh washing or drying of the nipples, which can cause dryness and cracking. Lanolin can help nipple pain, but comparisons with breastmilk and other approaches have had mixed results. Starting lanolin before delivery has not been effective at preventing nipple pain.25

Can you layer it with prescription creams?

Keep an emollient and a steroid cream or other skin treatment 20 to 30 minutes apart to avoid diluting the treatment or spreading it beyond the intended area. Ask your doctor which to apply first. For medicinal lanolin ointment, ask your care team before using other skin products on the same site. Discuss medicinal lanolin use during pregnancy or breastfeeding, and use in children, with your care team.14

When should you stop or get help?

Avoid lanolin if you have a known wool allergy, even if the product is highly purified. Stop an emollient that causes a skin reaction and speak to a pharmacist. Report hives or swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat promptly. If the area treated with medicinal lanolin ointment is not better within a week, contact your care team. During breastfeeding, a warm, red or painful breast, or scaly, itchy nipple skin, needs medical assessment rather than more cream.1235

Keep emollients away from flames and cigarettes. Clothing, bedding and dressings with emollient residue can catch fire easily, and washing does not remove the residue completely.4