Calamine lotion has been used for many years to relieve the itch associated with poison ivy, poison oak and chicken pox. This medication is applied topically to the affected area of skin. Often there are no side effects when calamine lotion is used properly. You should be aware, however, that some people may develop a reaction to this product.
Side Effects Can Include:
Allergic Reaction
If you have any severe itching or other allergy-like symptoms while using calamine lotion, it is important to stop use immediately and seek emergency medical treatment. An allergic reaction can cause serious complications and even death. Symptoms of a reaction include itching, hives, swelling of the face or lips, dizziness and difficulty breathing. If you experience any of these symptoms while using calamine lotion, it is important to get immediate medical attention.
Other Side Effects
Some people may also experience mild side effects such as skin dryness or peeling when using calamine lotion. If you find that your skin becomes irritated after using this product, it is best to discontinue use immediately and contact your dermatologist for alternative treatments.
Calamine lotion is a topical lotion that contains zinc oxide. This type of lotion is used to treat a variety of skin conditions, including sunburn, rashes and insect bites. Calamine lotion is also used to treat poison ivy, chicken pox and measles. Calamine lotion may be purchased over-the-counter at most drugstores and grocery stores, but this type of treatment should only be used when recommended by your doctor.
The active ingredient in calamine lotion is zinc oxide, but the inactive ingredients may vary from brand to brand. The inactive ingredients may include starch or flour, talc, mineral oil or vegetable oil. Calamine lotion comes in both a liquid formula and a cream formula.
Calamine lotion typically does not cause serious side effects but some users may experience mild side effects after using this product. According to the Mayo Clinic, you may notice skin dryness or itching at the site where you applied the calamine lotion. Some individuals also notice mild redness at this site. If you experience any of these complications for longer than two days after using calamine lotion, contact your doctor right away for additional recommendations.
You should also contact your doctor right away if you experience other side effects after
As if poison ivy, chicken pox and mosquito bites weren’t irritating enough, now you have to worry about what goes on your skin. A new study by the Environmental Working Group found traces of zinc in calamine lotion and other products advertised as “natural” can be absorbed through the skin and build up in the body. Consumers are concerned, but is there cause for alarm?
The study showed that zinc levels in healthy adults doubled within three days of applying calamine lotion to their arms twice a day. Prolonged use can lead to anemia and nerve damage, according to the study’s authors.
But is it really something to worry about? We talked with Dr. Steve Xu of Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine to find out what this means for you.
What do we already know about zinc?
Zinc is an essential nutrient for health; it helps our immune system work properly, which is why when we’re sick it’s important to eat foods that have high levels of zinc like meat or shellfish. But eating too much zinc can actually be harmful, and prolonged exposure can lead to toxicity. The symptoms — nausea, vomiting and stomach cramps — will usually resolve themselves once you stop taking it in excess, but if they
Calamine lotion can be used to treat a wide array of skin issues, including poison ivy, chicken pox, insect bites and sunburns. It may also help alleviate the itching associated with severe dry skin. While calamine lotion is generally considered safe for most people, it does carry certain risks.
Skin Irritation
If you have sensitive or irritated skin, calamine lotion may trigger further irritation. It contains zinc oxide, which can cause itching and redness in some individuals. If you notice irritation developing after using calamine lotion, discontinue use and consult your doctor.
Increased Itching
In rare cases, calamine lotion may actually increase itching if it is rubbed into the affected area instead of being left on top of the skin. This is more commonly an issue if you are trying to use this product to relieve the itchiness associated with dry skin or eczema. If this occurs when applying calamine lotion to your child’s skin, ask your doctor about different products that may be safer for children.
Preexisting Health Conditions
People who have preexisting health conditions should not use this product without consulting their doctor first. One such condition is asthma. Calamine lotion contains
Calamine Lotion is a topical medication used to relieve itching and discomfort associated with chicken pox, insect bites, minor burns, sunburns, poison ivy, poison oak and other minor skin conditions.
Calamine lotion is made by mixing one part zinc oxide with four parts of an emollient base. The ingredients are mixed together until a smooth mixture is formed. Calamine lotion usually also contains iron oxides to give it the pink color that we associate with calamine.
Topical calamine lotion can be used to relieve itching from a variety of minor skin irritations such as bug bites and insect stings, poison ivy or oak rash, mild sunburns and even for chicken pox in children. The zinc oxide component has been shown to be effective at reducing itching when it comes in contact with the nerve endings in the skin. In fact, there is some evidence that taking oral zinc may help reduce symptoms of the common cold due to its antiviral properties.
Calamine lotion can also be used as a drying agent since it acts as an astringent (it causes body tissues to contract) and causes any oozing blisters to dry up faster.
Calamine lotion is a topical medication that can treat several skin conditions. These include:
1. Allergic reactions such as poison ivy and oak
2. Itching caused by chicken pox or insect bites
3. Sunburn
4. Rashes
5. Minor cuts & scrapes
6. Some blisters or boils (though calamine lotion is not intended to treat these)
Calamine topical (for the skin) is a combination of zinc oxide and iron oxide. Calamine is used to treat itching, pain, and discomfort caused by minor skin irritations.
Calamine topical may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
You should not use calamine topical if you are allergic to it.
Before using calamine topical, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:
– asthma or other breathing disorder; or
– kidney disease.