Calamina lotion is a popular over-the-counter (OTC) cream that relieves itching and oozing. It’s most often used to help treat skin irritations caused by poisonous plants such as poison ivy, oak, and sumac.
It can also reduce itching from chickenpox and shingles. It can also provide relief from itching and swelling from insect bites, such as mosquito bites.
Itching
Calamina lotion has long been hailed for its soothing, anti-itch properties, and it’s not hard to see why. It’s a great choice for soothing bug bites and other itchy skin conditions, as well as for helping relieve sunburn.
The main ingredient in Calamina lotion is zinc oxide, which has a calming effect and antiseptic properties that help prevent infection from scratching. The lotion also contains iron oxide, which has a drying effect and helps reduce oozing and weeping from minor skin irritations like chickenpox spots or insect bites and stings.
While Calamina lotion is usually safe to use around children, it should be stored out of their reach. Getting it in the eyes, mouth, or nose can lead to serious side effects including swelling and suffocation. If you think you have ingested the medication, call your healthcare provider right away for treatment.
Symptoms of calamine lotion ingestion may include stomach pain, upset stomach, nausea, vomiting, and a feeling of fullness. These symptoms are generally mild and self-limited, so once the Calamina lotion is gone from your body, they will disappear as well.
Itching from scabies
To help get rid of itching from scabies, a skin condition caused by a small mite, try applying Calamina lotion to the area. However, the lotion won’t kill the mites, so you’ll need to go to the doctor if you have severe itching or an outbreak.
If you get a Calamina lotion rash or itch that doesn’t improve after several days, it could be an allergic reaction to the medicine. In this case, your healthcare provider might prescribe an oral antihistamine or a prescription-strength calamine lotion.
You can also apply a cool compress to the itchy spot to help ease itching and relieve the rash or itch. To make a cool compress, wet a clean washcloth with cold water and wring it out. Place it over the itchy area for about 30 minutes.
You can also try using Calamina lotion on itchy skin that is not from a rash or itch. It can also be used to relieve itching and itching from hives, which is a common allergic reaction that happens when the immune system overreacts.
Heat rash
Calamina lotion is an anti-itch cream that is great for treating many skin conditions, including a heat rash. It’s also a popular choice for bug bites, which can be painful and uncomfortable.
If you’re experiencing itchy, prickly spots in the groin, armpit, or neck area, this could be a sign of heat rash. The condition is most common in people living in hot, humid climates and is usually associated with sweating.
The best way to prevent heat rash is to keep your body cool. This means spending time in air conditioning or near a fan, wearing light, breathable clothing, and getting plenty of water.
Another great option is to use ice packs or cold clothes on the affected areas of your body. This can help to decrease the inflammation of your rash and reduce pain, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Prescription-strength
If the itchiness and redness of your rash do not improve after several days, you should consult your doctor about treating it with prescription-strength Calamina lotion. If you develop a fever or chills, contact your doctor right away, as well.
Some of the quickest-acting home remedies for a heat rash include keeping your skin cool, using ointments such as steroid cream and Calamina lotion, and taking frequent showers or baths. You should also avoid scratching the rash, which can make it worse and infect you with a more serious infection.
Medications such as hydrocortisone cream, which is an antihistamine that can help control itching and redness, can be helpful in treating the symptoms of a heat rash. However, it’s important to check with a doctor before using any over-the-counter medications if you have any health concerns, such as a history of heart disease or kidney failure.
Other effective home remedies for a heat rash include dusting bland types of powder on the skin’s creases, using an antiperspirant, and taking frequent cool baths or showers. You should also wash your hands frequently to remove any dirt or oils from your skin that can cause itching.
Pityriasis rosea
Pityriasis rosea is a type of rash that often starts with a single scaly red spot on your chest, back, or stomach. It’s usually seen in children and young adults and can last for up to 3 months before it goes away on its own.
The rash may feel like you have a cold, but it’s not contagious. You may also have a sore throat, fever, and aches and pains to go with it.
In most cases, a scaly red patch will appear on your chest or back and is called the “herald patch.” It’s oval and about 2 to 10 centimeters (about an inch to almost 4 inches) in diameter. It has a raised border and a hollow center.
A week or two later, you’ll get more patches called “daughter patches.” These are smaller scaly red spots that may form in groups near the herald patch. These can be circular, oval, or shaped like Christmas tree branches. They can be itchy and sting, especially when you’re hot or sweaty.
If the rash is itchy, you might want to use creams or lotions to help soothe it. Steroid creams may also be helpful. Oral antihistamines can also be helpful if you’re itching too much.
Symptoms
You can reduce your symptoms at home by avoiding high temperatures and taking lukewarm showers. You can also try mild moisturizing creams. You should also avoid soap and other irritants to your skin.
In some cases, your doctor might recommend a potassium hydroxide test to check for a fungal infection. A skin sample may be taken for laboratory analysis.
This rash can be confused with tinea (a fungal skin infection) or psoriasis, so a careful diagnosis is important. A biopsy may also be needed to confirm the diagnosis.
The rash is not a serious health condition, but you should see your GP if it looks unusual and isn’t going away on its own. Your GP may refer you to a dermatologist, who can give you a proper diagnosis and prescribe the right treatment for your needs.
In some people, pityriasis rosea is linked to increased oxidative stress, which is believed to cause the itchiness and inflammation that is associated with it. Because of this, some people suggest that eating a diet with a lot of antioxidants might help to ease itching and decrease inflammation in your body. However, research isn’t clear on this topic.
Acne
Acne is a chronic inflammatory skin condition involving the oil glands at the base of hair follicles. It is most common in adolescents but can affect anyone at any age. The condition can be mild (a few, occasional pimples) or severe and can cause scarring.
Acne starts when hair follicles become clogged with sebum, a substance that normally helps protect your skin from infection and keeps your pores open. The clogged pores cause pimples.
Pore blockages can occur at any age but are most common in teens as they go through hormonal changes. They can be mild (a few, occasional pimples), moderate (inflammatory papules), or severe (nodules and cysts).
Most acne breakouts start on the face, neck, chest, and back. They are often red and swollen, sometimes with whiteheads or blackheads.
Comedones, or pimples, develop when the hair follicles are blocked by sebum and dead skin cells. These pores become inflamed and infected with bacteria. They can enlarge and rupture, resulting in pus-filled pimples.
Read more: How To Moisturize Your Skin With Nivea Body Lotion
Range in size
These pimples range in size and form from tiny, red, flesh-colored bumps called papules to deep, swollen pus-filled nodules. They are often painful and can result in scarring.
Some people have acne that responds to over-the-counter medications such as benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. These can be used on a regular basis, as needed. Other treatments that have proven effective include oral antibiotics, which help keep your pores clear, and topical medications, such as creams or ointments, which treat the inflammation of a pimple.
To avoid flare-ups of acne, wash your face twice a day with an oil-free and non-comedogenic facial cleanser. Don’t scrub your skin or use harsh soaps as this can aggravate the breakout.
Your diet can also have an effect on your skin, especially if you’re a heavy milk drinker or consume large amounts of sugary foods. A low-glycemic index diet with lots of fresh fruit and vegetables, fish, olive oil, and garlic can help.
Stress: Certain types of stress, such as anxiety and anger, can irritate your skin and make acne worse. These conditions can cause a rise in the hormones cortisol and adrenaline. These hormones stimulate the production of testosterone, which increases the amount of oil your skin makes.
