The Low Prevalence of Allergic Contact Dermatitis Using a Petrolatum Ointment Containing Lanolin Alcohol

October 2019 | Volume 18 | Issue 10 | Original Article | 1002 | Copyright © October 2019


Zoe Diana Draelos MD,ª Leon H. Kircik MD,b Darrell Rigel MDc

ªDermatology Consulting Services, PLLC, High Point, NC

bIcahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, NY; Indiana Medical Center, Indianapolis, IN 

cNew York University Medical Center, New York, NY

Not all lanolin alcohols are equal. This is an important consideration when examining the reported incidence of allergic contact dermatitis to lanolin alcohol and the absence of allergic contact dermatitis demonstrated in this research.

No incidence of wound infection was observed in this research, in agreement with prior studies. Thus, petrolatum ointment with lanolin alcohol is suitable as a dressing for wounds healing by secondary intention.

SUMMARY

Allergic contact dermatitis to a wound healing ointment containing lanolin alcohol should be of minimal concern to dermatologists. A wound healing ointment containing lanolin alcohol without antibiotics is a suitable post-surgical wound dressing.

DISCLOSURES

Drs. Draelos, Rigel, and Kircik received an educational grant from Beiersdorf to conduct this research.

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AUTHOR CORRESPONDENCE

Zoe Diana Draelos MD zdraelos@northstate.net