Hello Netters,

People have written in about lanolin and yeast and questions does lanolin
have bacteria?
Then it was asked "Perhaps someone is familiar with "topical petrolatum
ointment" - would this
be similar to lanolin?"
I have had the same questions run through my mind over the years.  I have
been fortunate to work
with various creams, oils, herbs and done med line searches for
investigation which have been
interesting.  First off, lanolin's composition is totally different than
petrolaturm which  is a mixure  
of semisolid hydrocarbons from petroleum. (aren't you glad you asked??) 
Petroleum or also
called vaseline is not recommended to put on wounds, infections, etc.  I
remember working in the
nursery and being told to discourage mother's from putting vaseline on
babies bottoms because 
if baby would get bacteria or yeast infection, it would encourage growth by
not allowing  air in.
As far as lanolins go, they use to contain high free alcohols and
pesticides because it does come from
sheep fleece/hair.  The use of lanolin goes back to the ancient Greeks 
(700BC.)  It was refined in 1882.
The standards and quality are now regulated.  As long as one is using "USP"
(United States 
Pharmacopeial) modified lanolin chances of allergies are slim.  Standards
for pesticides in US are
3ppm (parts per million) and Australia recommendations are 40ppm.  The
National Formulary in
May 1992 allows for 6% free lanolin alcohols.  Only 5-6 people per million
might have a sensitivity to 
standard lanolin.  Lanolin are in most of your cosmetics, lipsticks,
handcreams, etc.  One study did
show that it would take 3000 lbs of ingested lanolin to effect an infant. 
CAN YOU AMAGINE ??? 
I have not seen a correlation between yeast and lanolin and no bacteria is 
in USP modified lanolin.
I discourage anyone using lanolin if there is any potential of yeast. 
Lanolin should be used sparingly
and for only a short period of time.  Breast milk is wonderful on healthy,
normal nipples.
That is it for now folks.  I am fininshed.  If any one does have questions,
please e-mail me.  Have a
wonderful weekend and Happy Mother's Day for those celebrating.

Pat Bull, RN, IBCLC
The Breastfeeding Connection/Medela
Naperville, IL

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