Lanolin is a naturally occurring byproduct of wool production. According to the website for the PBS show "Rough Science," lanolin is the oily substance found in unprocessed sheep's wool. Many beauty products contain lanolin, due to its moisturizing properties. You can find creams that contain lanolin at any drugstore or beauty supply store. The benefits of lanolin make it a good treatment choice for dry and irritated skin anywhere on the body.
Relieves Nipple Pain
The MayoClinic.com website states that lanolin cream is effective in treating dry and cracked nipples caused by breast-feeding. You can find lanolin creams made specifically for breast-feeding mothers at any drugstore. If your nipples are cracked and sore when breast-feeding, apply topical lanolin to your nipples after each feeding to heal and soothe your skin. A 2004 study published in the "Journal of Perinatal Education" found that using lanolin cream in conjunction with breast shields provided good relief from sore nipples in breast-feeding mothers.
Treats Diaper Rash
The AskDrSears.com website suggests using lanolin cream to treat stubborn diaper rashes. Applying pure lanolin to your little one's bottom when she is experiencing a diaper rash can ease her pain and reduce redness. Visit any drugstore or baby supply store to find specially created diaper rash creams that contain lanolin. Some babies are allergic to lanolin, so use a bit of lanolin on a small, non-irritated area of your child's skin to make sure he isn't allergic before you put lanolin on his diaper rash.
Soothes Dry Skin
Lanolin is effective in soothing dry, irritated skin anywhere on your body, according to the Aging Skin Net website. You can find numerous skin moisturizers that contain lanolin for sale at any drugstore. Skin creams that contain lanolin trap water inside your skin, keeping your skin moist and healthy. Use lanolin cream right after bathing to keep your skin hydrated. You can apply lanolin cream throughout the day as needed to soften your skin.
Softens Feet
If you have rough corns and calluses on your feet, you may benefit from using lanolin cream, according to "The New York Times" Health website. Lanolin can soften hardened skin that leads to corns and calluses by dissolving hard, dead skin. According to "Dance Spirit" magazine, using lanolin can prevent your calluses from tearing and becoming painful. Apply lanolin cream to your feet after bathing or soaking them in warm water for the best results.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Breast-Feeding: What Every Mom Needs to Know
- PubMed; "Journal of Perinatal Education"; Pain Reduction and Treatment of Sore Nipples in Nursing Mothers; Karin Cadwell, Ph.D., FAAN, RN, IBCLC, et al.; 2004
- AskDrSears: Diaper Rash
- PubMed Central: Lanolin Allergy
- Aging Skin Net: Dermatologists' Top 10 Tips for Relieving Dry Skin
