The myth of lanolin allergy.
Lanolin has the reputation of being an important contact sensitizer. The market place abounds with products that are labeled "lanolin free". In fact, lanolin is at most a weak contact allergen. The supposed hazards of sensitization to lanolin products are a resultant of faulty science and failure to appreciate the limitations of patch testing. Lanolin allergy is a myth created mainly by overzealous professional patch testers. No one has succeeded in sensitizing animals or humans to lanolin or wool wax alcohols. Most of the case reports are false positives, in association with the angry back syndrome.
University of Pennsylvania, School of Medicine, Department of Dermatology, Philadelphia 19104, USA.
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Kligman
D017449:Dermatitis, Allergic Contact / Q000209:etiology*; D005189:False Positive Reactions; D006801:Humans; D007809:Lanolin / Q000009:adverse effects*; D009823:Ointment Bases / Q000009:adverse effects*; D010328:Patch Tests
D009823:Ointment Bases; D007809:Lanolin