What Is Calamine Lotion?
We use calamine lotion to treat topical wounds like rashes, sunburn, insect bites & stings, skin irritaion from contact with poisonous plants etc...But what IS calamine? A discussion with Kai inspired me to find out more about this medication & the facts surrounding it :)
General facts:
- Composition: Zinc oxide (ZnO) + 0.5% iron (III) oxide (Fe2O3)
- Appearance: pink in color; thick creamy texture; also available in powder form.
- Generic medication, available over the counter.
- It only treats the symptoms, not the problem.
Typical calamine lotion bottle
Uses:
- ZnO has antiseptic properties & helps to prevent infection due to scratching the itch.
- Calamine lotion has soothing properties to reduce the itchiness: counter-irritation effect.
- Used for irritation due to insect bites/stings, poison ivy infection, chicken pox, sunburn, eczema, lice/worms, allergies, nettle rash.
- It is sometimes used to reduce the effects of acne; it helps to blend the blemishes with the skin.
Calamine lotion can be used to treat bee stings
Treatment Do's & Dont's
- Oil-based calamine lotion contains both peanut oil & lanolin (wool fat); avoid this if you're allergic to either substance. Use water-based calamine lotion/powder instead.
- Avoid contact with eyes & mucuous membranes.
- Some medical conditions may react with calamine lotion; contact your doctor if:
- You're pregnant/breastfeeding.
- You're taking any prescription/non-prescription medicine, herbal medicine or dietary supplements.
- You're allergic to certain medicine, food, or other substances.
Yay for calamine!
If you have an allergic reaction after using the lotion (ie rashes), stop immediately & seek a doctor. The calamine lotion acts as a anti-irritation drug & should not be taken in dosages more than what is recommended :)
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