The primary ingredients of calamine lotion arezinc oxideand ferric oxide.
It is the ferric oxide that gives the lotion its characteristic pink color.
It is more common in the humid summer months.
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Do not apply it anywhere inside the body.
This includes the inside of the mouth, eyes, ears, vagina, and anus.
Avoid getting calamine lotion close to the eyes and mouth when using it on the face.
Bug Bite Itch
One common use of calamine lotion is to relievebug biteitch.
When applied over the bug bite, calamine lotion provides anti-itch and cooling properties.
Apply calamine lotion several times a day over thebug bite.
If it does not improve within seven days, contact a healthcare provider.
Calamine lotion is a useful treatment due to its anti-itch, cooling, and drying properties.
It will relieve the itch, pain, and oozing associated with the rash.
Chickenpox and Shingles Symptoms
An infection of thevaricella-zostervirus causes chickenpox (varicella).
The virus will remain dormant in the body and can reemerge later in life.
If the virus reactivates later in life, it causesshingles(herpes zoster).
Shingles causes a painful rash, while the chickenpox rash is an uncomfortable itch.
A healthcare provider can prescribe treatments to lessen the symptoms of the conditions.
Over-the-counter medicine with calamine lotion will soothe the itchiness and calm the irritation.
Hives
Hivesare discolored, itchy rashes that form in groups.
Calamine lotion is a usefultreatment for hivesas it soothes itching and redness and provides a cooling effect.
Symptoms can include tingling, burning, or itching of the skin which calamine lotion can help to relieve.
When to Avoid Calamine Lotion
Calamine lotion is considered to be a very safe over-the-counter medication.
It is approved for use in infants and children.
Do not use calamine lotion on anopen woundor broken skin.
It should only be used on the skin.
If your condition worsens or does not improve in seven days, contact a healthcare provider for further guidance.
How to Apply Calamine Lotion
Calamine lotion is not as straightforward to apply as other lotions.
Calamine lotion is a shake lotion, meaning it needs to be shaken before use.
This ensures the contents are well mixed before applying.
The lotion can be left on the skin overnight.
Store calamine lotion at room temperature; do not refrigerate.
It can also be used as sunscreen.
Do not use calamine lotion on open skin or apply it inside the body.
If your skin condition worsens or does not improve within seven days, contact your healthcare provider.
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National Library of Medicine.Calamine - calamine and zinc oxide lotion.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Shingles (herpes zoster).
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Hives: overview.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About scabies.
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.Acne.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About swimmer’s itch.
