The Bottom Line on Using Calamine for Skin Concerns It's true that people with oily skin types may see some benefit, but it can still damage the skin barrier. It's not recommended for those with sensitive or dry skin, or for those with chronic skin conditions like rosacea, eczema, or psoriasis.
Avoid using calamine lotion if you are allergic to any of its ingredients, have open sores on the skin, or if your condition is worsening.
An overdose of calamine is not expected to be dangerous. Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medication.
The bottom line
Calamine lotion is an OTC treatment option that can help relieve your skin of mild itching, inflammation, or redness. It can be used to relieve a variety of skin conditions, like poison ivy rashes, insect bites, and swimmer's itch.
Chickenpox treatment
But, you can get remedies from your pharmacy that can help symptoms. These include: paracetamol to help bring down a fever. calamine lotion and cooling gels to ease itching.
Try calamine lotion for a rash caused by contact dermatitis, such as poison ivy or poison oak rashes. For severe itching from contact dermatitis, apply hydrocortisone cream 4 times a day until the itch is gone. But don't use this cream on a fungal rash, because it can make the rash worse.
Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: skin irritation. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration classifies calamine lotion as a skin protectant and, to date, it has not been approved for any other purposes. The National Library of Medicine recommends limiting usage of it to seven days, after which point it's advised that you visit a doctor for any ongoing skin conditions.
Again, it is important to avoid mucous membranes and areas of skin that are fragile, such as the mouth and genitals. A person with acne can apply calamine lotion before going to bed so that it works during sleep to shrink spots. However, people with sensitive skin may wish to avoid doing this, as it may be too drying.
Do not swallow it and do not use it on the eyes or mucous membranes such as the inside of the mouth, nose, genital (sex organs), or anal areas. To use calamine lotion: Shake the lotion well before using. Moisten a pledget of cotton with the lotion.
Calamine lotion is supposed to be put on itchy skin, but even if a curious child drinks Calamine lotion, it can safely and easily be managed at home. Calamine lotion is made up several ingredients to give it a lotion consistency. These ingredients are not toxic, including its active ingredient, zinc oxide.
For skin irritation, apply to the affected area usually up to 3 to 4 times a day or as directed by your doctor. For hemorrhoids or other anal conditions, apply the medication to the affected area usually after each bowel movement or up to 4 to 5 times a day, or as directed by your doctor.
Calamine lotion (zinc oxide, ferric oxide) can be put in the refrigerator and helps relieve itch quickly. Your doctor might also prescribe other topical medicines to treat eczema flares, such as crisaborole (Eucrisa), pimecrolimus (Elidel), or tacrolimus (Protopic).
Calamine lotion is found useful in many conditions due to its soothing and antipruritic actions. The addition of specific ingredients can render it antiparasitic, antifungal, and keratolytic effects [Table 2].
The inactive ingredients in the medication can cause allergic reactions or other issues. Tell your provider if you're using any other skin products before you use this medication. If you're pregnant or breastfeeding (chestfeeding), talk to your healthcare provider before using calamine lotion.
Calamine lotion helps treat mild itchiness, pain, and skin discomfort. Do not apply calamine lotion to active blisters. Only use calamine lotion after your skin scabs over any blisters, Lauren Ploch, MD, a dermatologist based in Augusta, Ga., told Health.
What Is Pramoxine/Calamine Topical and How Does It Work? Pramoxine/calamine topical is an over-the-counter (OTC) product used for the relief of itching, pain, and discomfort of ivy, oak, and sumac poisoning. Pramoxine/calamine topical is available under the following different brand names: Aveeno Anti-Itch Cream.
A nonprescription oral antihistamine, such as loratadine (Alavert, Claritin, others), cetirizine (Zyrtec Allergy, others) or diphenhydramine (Benadryl Allergy, others), may help relieve itching. Consider whether you might prefer a type that doesn't cause drowsiness. Ask your pharmacist about options.
creams containing menthol to cool your skin or anti-itch ingredients such as crotamiton. mild steroid cream (usually for only a few days) for small, inflamed areas – hydrocortisone cream is available from pharmacies over the counter, or your GP can prescribe a steroid cream for you.
Apply calamine lotion; petroleum jelly; or a fragrance-free, anti-itch lotion. Because chickenpox is caused by a virus, don't use an antibiotic cream or ointment on your child's skin unless your doctor tells you to use it. An antibiotic cream or ointment could cause an allergic reaction. Relieve fever.
Use soothing lotions that can help dry chickenpox blisters, such as those that contain: Phenol, menthol, and camphor, such as calamine lotion. Oatmeal, such as Aveeno Lotion.
Preventing the spread of chickenpox
Keep your child away from school or nursery and do not travel by air until five days from the onset of the rash. Avoid contact with people who have weak immune systems (such as people having chemotherapy or taking steroid tablets), and infants aged less than four weeks.