Can lanolin for eczema be effective? Eczema is a horrible problem that can impact pretty much anyone and everyone. Even if you wash daily and apply lotion, there is still a risk that you’re going to develop eczema at some point in your life. This could even be something as mild as contact dermatitis. The good news is that this skin condition is no longer untreatable on a day-day basis. Today, it may be possible to remedy the problem by utilizing over-the-counter and even home remedies. Is there a possibility that Lanolin can alleviate the symptoms associated with eczema? Is lanolin for eczema sufferers actually safe? You’ll find out the answers below.
About Eczema
First and foremost, you should take the time to learn a little more about eczema. This is a medical condition that primarily impacts the skin. People dealing with eczema will display the signs and symptoms directly on their skin. It is often associated with blisters, which can eventually lead to bleeding and itching. This is the worst-case scenario. In mild cases, the person will develop rough and inflamed patches on their skin.
In the past, Eczema was very difficult to remedy. Today, there are plenty of potential solutions. Lanolin is one worth trying. You’ll find out why this is the case below.
What Is Lanolin?
Now, you should take the time to learn a little more about Lanolin. What is it exactly? Well, lanolin is actually a type of wool grease or wax. It’s a wax that is derived from animals. The specific type of lanolin utilized by humans is pretty much always obtained from the sebaceous glands of domestic sheep. Lanolin is sometimes referred to as wool fat. However, it should be noted that it lacks glycerides. Therefore, it’s not really a true fat.
Common Uses Of Lanolin
It should be noted that lanolin can be utilized for an abundance of purposes. As mentioned above, some people are going to use wax to treat their eczema. This is one of the most common uses, but it is not the only one. For your consideration, other common uses of lanolin will be explored in greater depth below.
As A Moisturizer
First and foremost, you should know that lanolin is commonly used as a moisturizer. It is effective for cleaning up dry and scaly skin. If your skin is itchy or irritated, there is a pretty good chance that lanolin will help relieve it. Besides being used for eczema, lanolin is also used frequently for skin burns and diaper rash.
Anticorrosive And Lubricant
Another thing to note is that lanolin is sometimes used for industrial purposes. It can be effective as an anticorrosive and lubricant. Since it’s used for these purposes, a lot of people are concerned that lanolin may not be safe for their skin. This matter will be discovered in greater depth below.
Is Lanolin Safe?
Is it completely safe to use lanolin? The truth of the matter is that it depends on how you’re going to be using it. If you’re using lanolin in the correct manner, it will be safe. However, it is also possible to run into problems. Below, you’ll find out how it can be used safely and how you shouldn’t use it.
Is It Safe To Use Lanolin On The Skin?
The truth of the matter is that using lanolin on the skin is indeed safe. The natural substance is actually used in an abundance of skincare products. In fact, you might be using a beauty product that contains this waxy substance. As long as you use it on the skin and don’t ingest it, you’ll be fine.
Is It Safe To Swallow Lanolin?
Swallowing lanolin won’t kill you, but, it could cause major issues down the road. If you swallow lanolin, you’re going to likely experience diarrhea, rashes, skin irritation, and swelling. You’ll probably begin vomiting as well. With this in mind, you should never swallow lanolin or products that contain it. Doing so is simply too risky and detrimental to your overall health.
How To Use Lanolin
Now, it’s time to find out how to use lanolin on your skin. The truth of the matter is that there are no universal answers here. There are various skincare products that contain lanolin and they’re going to come with their own unique instructions. Before using these products, you should go ahead and read the instructions. Be sure to follow them thoroughly. If the instructions are unclear, you should speak with your pharmacist or doctor in advance.
Priming Lanolin
With some products, you may need to prime them before you can use them. In order to do this, you will need to follow the instructions on the label. This sometimes requires the user to shake the bottle ahead of time. If you do not prime the lanolin cream in advance, it may not be effective and you will not get the results that you’re after.
Tips For Using Lanolin Safely
Again, lanolin is very safe as long as it is used correctly. With that being said, there is little room for error. You need to know how to use lanolin safely before even trying it out. First and foremost, you need to make sure that you follow the directions on the product you’re using that contains lanolin. This cannot be stressed enough. At the same time, you have to be very cautious about getting the wax into the wrong areas. Be sure to keep the product away from the eyes, mouth, nose, and private area. Otherwise, there is a possibility that it is going to enter the body.
Depending on the product in question, you probably shouldn’t use it on the cut or cracked open skin. Again, it really depends on the lanolin cream that you’re using. Read the instructions carefully and take note of any precautions that are offered. Otherwise, you might get yourself into a little bit of trouble.
Are There Any Side Effects Of Lanolin Use?
If you’re going to be using lanolin on the skin, the side effects will most likely be nonexistent. Nevertheless, there is still a possibility that you’re going to be using emollients that will cause some problems. Some of the most common side effects associated with lanolin use can be found below for your consideration.
- Burning of the skin
- Skin redness
- Irritation
In all likelihood, these side effects are going to dissipate in a matter of minutes. Please understand though in rare cases, they’ll linger for much longer. If this happens, you should seek medical assistance as quickly as possible. You should also be cautious of allergic reactions. If you experience any symptoms similar to an allergic reaction, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible. Don’t delay!
What Are The Benefits Of Lanolin Cream?
Why would anyone want to use lanolin on their skin? What are the benefits of doing so? The truth of the matter is that there are immense benefits associated with the use of lanolin. You’ll learn a great deal more about these benefits below.
Moisturizes And Protects
First, you should know that lanolin is going to create a shield or barrier on the skin. In return, this will stop water evaporation. That can go a long way towards keeping your skin moisturized.
Extra Protection For Dry Areas
It is also true that lanolin is going to provide extra protection to dry areas. Dry skin tends to be more problematic on the elbows, feet, and knees. Using a little lanolin cream on these specific areas can make a big difference. It’ll protect the skin and remedy problems.
Soothes Irritation And Wounds
Lanolin, just like frankincense, is also effective for soothing wounded skin. If you’re dealing with skin rashes, wounds, minor cuts, or burns, you should definitely try using lanolin. The waxy substance will dull the sting and help speed up the healing process. Just make sure that you’re using the right lanolin product. Purified lanolin is often best. Other skincare products may do more harm than good.
Can Lanolin Help Eczema?
If you’re suffering from eczema, you’re probably seeking a solution pretty much anywhere and everywhere. The good news is that there are plenty of products that can help. Some people prefer using lanolin. After all, it possesses the right characteristics that should make it effective for the treatment of eczema. Just remember that you have to be very careful with this wax. If you use too much lanolin on the skin, there is a real possibility that it is going to prevent the skin from receiving enough oxygen and that may slow the healing process. Other than that minor concern, lanolin should indeed be a good solution for eczema.
Speak with your doctor in advance just to be safe.
Conclusion
All in all, eczema is a serious problem. It is embarrassing and frustrating. If left untreated, the problem is only going to worsen. With that being said, you need to find a way to remedy your eczema as quickly as possible. There are plenty of ways to do that, but you should never overlook lanolin. This natural substance has been known to be helpful for this particular purpose time and time again. Just make sure that you choose a product that contains lanolin and no harmful ingredients. Make sure to always use products in moderation and never rely on anything as a long term solution.
