The purpose of the present study was to compare the frequency of
lanolin allergy during two periods and to assess the adequacy of testing with one standard
allergen. Among 1230 consecutive patients with
eczema who were standard patch tested, 33 (2.7%), 21 females and 12 males, gave a positive reaction to wool
alcohols. Among 899 consecutive patients with
eczema standard patch testd and also tested with the
lanolin derivatives hydrogenated
lanolin 30% in soft yellow
paraffin, Amerchol L 101, and a mixture of
lanolin derivatives, 60 patients (6.6%), 48 females and 12 males, gave a positive reaction to
lanolin and/or its derivatives. The results show that testing with one standard
lanolin allergen is inadequate for detecting
lanolin allergy.