Different Uses of Calamine Lotion

Calamine lotion is an over-the-counter medication that treats several skin conditions like bug bites, poison ivy, and heat rash.

The primary ingredients of calamine lotion are zinc oxide and ferric oxide. It is the ferric oxide that gives the lotion its characteristic pink color. 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.

This article explores six common uses of calamine lotion and when not to use it.
Calamine Lotion Soothes Heat Rash
Heat rash is an itchy, prickly rash that is caused by excessive sweating. The rash looks like a group of small, red, raised bumps. Heat rash can happen anywhere on the body but is commonly seen on the neck, upper chest, groin, elbow creases, and under the breasts. It is more common in the humid summer months.

Calamine lotion can be used to soothe the itchiness and warmth associated with heat rash. When the water from the lotion evaporates from the skin, it causes a cooling sensation.This is one of the reasons why calamine lotion is useful for heat rashes.
Calamine Lotion Relieves Bug Bite Itch
One common use of calamine lotion is to relieve bug bite itch. When applied over the bug bite, calamine lotion provides anti-itch and cooling properties.

Apply calamine lotion several times a day over the bug bite. If it does not improve within seven days, contact a healthcare provider.

Calamine Lotion Soothes Poisonous Plant Rash
A rash caused by exposure to poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac can leave an incredibly itchy and painful rash. 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.

Calamine Lotion Relieves Chickenpox and Shingles Symptoms
A viral infection of the varicella-zoster virus 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 causes shingles (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.

Calamine Lotion as a Sunscreen
One of the primary ingredients in calamine lotion is zinc oxide, an effective physical, or mineral, sunscreen.Calamine lotion may not be many people’s first choice as a sunscreen due to the pink color, but it can be used to protect the skin against the sun’s damaging rays.

Calamine Lotion for Hives
Hives are red, itchy rashes that form in groups. There are many causes for hives, and it’s best to contact a healthcare provider if you cannot determine the cause of their hives.

Calamine lotion is a useful treatment for hives as it soothes itching and redness and provides a cooling effect.

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. However, with any medication, there are times when it needs to be avoided, such as if you are allergic to its ingredients.

Do not use calamine lotion on an open wound or broken skin. It is only to 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. Here are the steps to apply calamine lotion:

Clean the skin with soap and water; allow time for the skin to dry.
Shake the calamine lotion bottle.
Apply the lotion using a cotton ball or soft cloth.
Calamine lotion can be applied several times a day and used as needed. The lotion can be left on the skin overnight.

Store calamine lotion at room temperature, do not refrigerate.

Summary
Calamine lotion is an over-the-counter medication used to treat skin conditions. It relieves itchiness and provides a cooling sensation to the skin. There are several skin conditions that calamine lotion treats, these include poison ivy, bug bites, and heat rash. Do not use calamine lotion on open skin or apply it inside of the body.