Lanolin is a "yellow substance extracted from wool," according to The Columbia Encyclopedia. This wax-like substance protects sheep from the elements. It is a renewable, natural substance that is obtained during the sheering process. Lanolin is used as a lubricant as well as a foundation for ointments and creams. Pure, medical-grade lanolin is often recommended to new breastfeeding mothers as a treatment option for sore nipples.
Evidence for Lanolin Use
Lanolin has been shown to work better than other methods for breastfeeding mothers for reducing nipple pain. In a 2010 study published online by "Skin Pharmacology and Physiology," researcher Michael Abou-Dakn and colleagues found that highly purified anhydrous, or HPA, lanolin decreased nipple pain during feedings faster than expressed breast milk. The study participants using only expressed breast milk to heal nipple trauma had pain intensity increase while the mothers using lanolin had pain diminish as soon as they began treatment. The nipple trauma healed faster in the lanolin group, and there were also fewer incidences of mastitis.
Moist Wound Healing
Moist wound healing is the use of a moist environment to encourage skin to regenerate over a wound, according to Abou-Dakn. A moisture barrier is placed over an injury to prevent crusts or scabs from forming. This method is being used for treatment of burns and general wounds and can produce new skin growth 50 percent faster than other wound treatments. To use this method for sore and damaged nipples, HPA lanolin "has anti-inflammatory and barrier repair properties," according to Abou-Dakn.
Evidence Against Lanolin
There have been documented cases of allergic reactions to lanolin since the 1920s. E.W. Clark conducted a study to "draw from detailed evidence a valid conclusion about the general incidence of specific lanolin allergy." Published in the "Journal of Cosmetic Science" in 1975, it found that there are approximately 1.5 to 8.75 cases per million of lanolin allergy annually worldwide. Although rare, this allergy could cause issues with the nipples as well as breastfeeding babies.
Preparation Ineffective
In a 1975 study published in "Nursing Research," Marie Scott Brown and Joan T. Hurlock found that the traditional methods of preparing breasts for breastfeeding, including applying cream to the nipples, are ineffective. A literature review conducted by Kristine Morland-Schultz and Pamela D. Hill published by the "Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Neonatal Nursing," or JOGNN, in 2005 found that no topical treatment, including lanolin, can prevent the nipple pain associated with early breastfeeding.
Alternatives
Expressed breast milk has antibacterial properties, according to an article in the La Leche League publication "Leaven" published in 2000 by Jahaan Martin. Rubbing fresh hind milk into sore nipples following the feeding can soothe pain and reduces infection risk. You could also apply a warm, moist compress to the affected nipple. Noelie A. Lavergne published a study in "JOGNN" which reported that warm water compresses are an effective treatment for the pain of sore nipples. Applying warm, wet teabags is a popular home remedy, but according to the Marin in the La Leche League article, tannic acid found in tea can make nipple pain worse by causing drying and cracking.
References
- "Saudi Medical Journal;" The Effect Of Breast Milk And Lanolin On Sore Nipples; Mohammadzadeh et al; 2005
- "Skin Pharmacology and Physiology;" Positive Effect of HPA Lanolin versus Expressed Breastmilk on Painful and Damaged Nipples during Lactation; Abou-Dakn et al; 2010
- "Leaven;" Nipple Pain: Causes, Treatments, and Remedies; Jahaan Martin; 2000
- "Journal of Cosmetic Science;" Estimation Of The General Incidence of Specific Lanolin Allergy; E.W. Clark; 1975
- "Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic, and Neonatal Nursing;" Does Application of Tea Bags to Sore Nipples While Breastfeeding Provide Effective Relief; Noelie A. Lavergne; 1997
- "Best Practice;" The Management of Nipple Pain and/or Trauma Associated with Breastfeeding; Page et al; 2003
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