lanolin, anhydrous + light liquid paraffin + white soft paraffin: clinical use

Prescribing considerations

• Confirm a dry-skin presentation suitable for an emollient; the licence covers dry-stage eczema and certain dry forms of psoriasis.
• Counsel patients and carers about fabric contamination and fire risk, particularly with smoking, oxygen, impaired mobility or prolonged time in bed or a chair.
• Consider contact sensitivity if symptoms worsen; lanolin, cetyl alcohol and parabens may be relevant.

Contraindications and cautions

• Hypersensitivity to anhydrous lanolin, light liquid paraffin, white soft paraffin or any excipient.
• Do not apply to mucous membranes or broken skin.

Monitoring

• No routine laboratory monitoring is described.
• Review for rash, allergic dermatitis, acne or inadequate symptom control.
• Assess and document fire risk where residue may accumulate on fabrics; oxygen equipment should not contact emollients.

Clinical pharmacology

The ingredients act as emollient lipids, softening the stratum corneum and reducing transepidermal water loss through an occlusive surface layer. Systemic exposure is expected to be negligible.

Formulation and product differences

• The product is a smooth, white or nearly white cream supplied in tube, tub, jar and pump presentations.
• Cetyl alcohol may cause local contact dermatitis; methyl and propyl parahydroxybenzoates may cause delayed allergic reactions.
• Creams are generally lighter and less greasy than ointments, although tolerability and skin dryness should guide formulation choice.