Applying ointment on Shabbat
Question
Topic: Medicine on Shabbat
Question: Is it permitted to put ointment on the lips or hands?
Answer
Shalom u-vracha
It is forbidden to spread an ointment on Shabbat in the ordinary manner, because of the prohibition of “memareach” (smoothing). This prohibition applies only to an ointment that can be smeared and spread, and not to a liquid substance such as oil.
This prohibition does not apply when placing ointment without spreading and evening it out over the surface.
In addition, it is forbidden to use medicinal ointment on Shabbat, unless a person is defined as a “sick person” (one who suffers in his whole body, or is confined to bed due to his weakness).
Therefore, regarding an ointment used to prevent dryness on the hands or lips: a) If the skin is already wounded, the ointment serves for healing, and it is forbidden to apply it in any manner. b) If the skin is not wounded, it is permitted to apply oil, or to place ointment in an uneven way on the dry area, without smoothing it out.
