White Soft Paraffin + Light Liquid Paraffin + Lanolin Anhydrous

Allopathic
Indications

Approved Indications:

  • Dry skin conditions:
    • Xerosis, ichthyosis
    • Atopic dermatitis (as adjunctive therapy)
    • Psoriasis (for dry or scaling areas)
  • Protective ointment in irritant or contact dermatitis
  • First-line emollient in eczema management:
    • Mild–moderate eczema flares
    • Maintenance to prevent flare‑ups

Clinically Accepted Off‑Label Uses:

  • Lichen simplex chronicus
  • Diabetic dry skin prevention
  • Cracked heels and chapped lips
  • Post‑procedural skin protection (e.g., after dermatologic treatments)
Dosage & Administration

Route: Topical application to skin

Adults & Elderly:

  • Apply a thin film 2–4 times daily to affected areas
  • Can be used more frequently or repeatedly after washing, especially in dry climates

Pediatrics (including infants):

  • Apply a pea‑sized amount to affected area 2–3 times daily
  • Use after bathing to lock in moisture

Special Groups:

  • Renal or hepatic impairment: No dose adjustment needed
  • Premature infants/newborns: Apply sparingly; monitor for potential lanolin sensitivity

Administration Notes:

  • Apply to clean, dry skin
  • Gently rub in using circular motions
  • No occlusive dressing is required but may be used if skin is severely dry or cracked
  • Wash hands before and after application unless hands are being treated
  • Avoid contact with eyes; if contact occurs, rinse thoroughly
Mechanism of Action (MOA)

This emollient ointment forms an occlusive lipid barrier on the stratum corneum, reducing transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and increasing skin hydration. White soft paraffin and light liquid paraffin soften and smooth the skin by filling gaps between desquamating corneocytes, while lanolin anhydrous enhances water attraction and retention in the epidermis. These combined effects restore skin barrier integrity and relieve dryness, scaling, itching, and fissuring. Over time, improved epidermal hydration enhances desquamation regulation and reduces inflammation.

Pharmacokinetics
  • Absorption: Negligible systemic absorption due to large molecular size and hydrophobic properties
  • Distribution: Remains within stratum corneum; does not reach dermal circulation
  • Metabolism: Not metabolized systemically; lanolin may biodegrade on skin surface
  • Excretion: Removed with normal skin shedding and through washing
  • Onset of Action: Immediate – provides occlusion and hydration upon application
  • Duration of Effect: Up to 24 hours, depending on frequency and amount applied
Pregnancy Category & Lactation
  • Pregnancy: Category Not Applicable (topical excipient, minimal systemic exposure); considered safe during pregnancy
  • Lactation: Safe to use while breastfeeding; no reported risk to infants when used on skin
  • Caution: Perform a patch test in patients with known sensitivity to wool or lanolin
Therapeutic Class
  • Primary Class: Emollient / Moisturizer
  • Subclass: Occlusive emollient with humectant (lanolin)
  • Generation: Traditional topical barrier repair emollient
Contraindications
  • Known hypersensitivity to lanolin, wool‑derived products, or paraffins
  • Presence of open, infected wounds (use with caution; sterile alternatives preferred)
  • Use on mucosal surfaces (eyes, mouth), due to risk of irritation
Warnings & Precautions
  • High‑risk patients:
    • Those with lanolin allergy or wool sensitivity
    • Infants or individuals with compromised skin barriers
  • Monitoring: Observe for signs of allergic contact dermatitis (redness, rash)
  • Early severe adverse signs: Swelling, eczema flare‑up, purulent discharge
  • Contamination risk: Keep cap closed; discard if texture or smell changes
  • Combustibility: External paraffin-based products can pose slight flammability risk; advise avoidance of naked flames immediately after application
Side Effects

Common (mild):

  • Transient greasiness or slight residue
  • Mild occlusion-related folliculitis

Rare:

  • Contact or allergic dermatitis, especially in lanolin-sensitive individuals
  • Acneiform eruptions in acne-prone skin
  • Erythema or pruritus at application site
  • Folliculitis exacerbation

Severity & Onset:

  • Most occur within days of initial use
  • Reactions generally mild and reversible upon discontinuation
Drug Interactions
  • No systemic drug interactions—topical application and lack of systemic absorption eliminate CYP involvement
  • Possible topical interactions: May reduce penetration of concomitant skin medications (e.g., actives like retinoids or topical steroids) if applied concurrently. Seal emollient after active treatment rather than before.
  • Food/Alcohol: Not relevant to topical product
Recent Updates or Guidelines
  • Dermatology guidelines (2023): Continue to recommend occlusive emollients such as this combination as first‑line in xerosis and mild eczema management
  • Allergy alerts (2024): Lanolin labeled a potential allergen; patch testing advised in patients with suspected contact dermatitis
  • Regulatory recommendations: Emphasize patient education on full emulsification with bath oils and caution about flammability risk post-application
Storage Conditions
  • Temperature: Store at 20 °C to 25 °C (68 °F to 77 °F); permissible range 15 °C – 30 °C
  • Light & Humidity: Keep in original, tightly closed container; protect from moisture and direct sunlight
  • Handling: Use clean hands or spatula to avoid contamination
  • Flammability Precaution: Do not allow smoldering materials near treated areas until product thoroughly absorbed
  • No Refrigeration or Reconstitution Required