Derived either from a mixture of zinc oxide or zinc carbonate compound, calamine is the main ingredient used in anti-pruritic lotions which acts as an anti-itching agent in treating sunburn, rashes, chickenpox, insect bites and stings. It is used as a mild antiseptic that prevents infections caused by skin scratching and as an astringent to dry oozing blisters and acne abscesses. In general, calamine lotion is a skin protectant that works by soothing and protecting the skin.
Allergic Check
Before you use calamine lotion, be sure to read the product label especially the ingredients. Be sure that you are not allergic to it or other ingredients that is found in the lotion. Some medical conditions may interact with the application of it especially if you are taking oral medicines, herbal or dietary supplements. You should also consult with your doctor if you are pregnant, breast-feeding or planning to become pregnant. So, do not use it without a doctor’s advice.
It’s A GO
If you are sure you are not allergic to calamine or your doctor gives you the go signal, then you are ready to be benefited from the soothing effects of this anti-itching lotion. The first thing that you should do is to wash your skin with mild/gentle soap and water particular in the infected area and allow it to dry. Before applying it into your skin, make sure to shake the contents.
Applying
Apply it only to the infected area and do not apply to a large portion of your skin . You need to rub the lotion to facilitate the soothing effect and allow it to dry in your skin. Instead of your hands, you may use cotton balls to apply the calamine to your skin to spread it smoothly over the infected part. Make sure to wash your hands with soap after every application. You may notice that the lotion may stain your clothes as it leaves a thin layer of film once it dries on your skin.
Follow Your Schedule
Since the application of it is only used when needed, a dosing schedule may not be necessary. But when the treatment involves certain conditions that may require a period of time, then a dosing schedule is highly important.
Most doctors will advise you to apply it once a day especially after you take a shower. In cases where you missed a dose, apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. But if the next schedule dose is fast approaching, it is highly recommended to skip the dose and wait for the next application.
Side Effects and other Risk
An important thing to remember: Calamine should only be applied topically and should not be taken orally. Also, you should not apply this to your eyes, nose, mouth, lips, rectum and the reproductive organs. Although it is not expected to be dangerous, there is still a risk-potential. If you suspect that you have an overdose due to excess application, call your emergency hotline and seek immediate emergency medical attention.
Side effects may also occur like rashes, difficulty in breathing, swelling of the face, lips, or throat. Also, if you have been using the lotion over the prescribed period and you see no improvement, it is recommended to consult back with your doctor.
Other Recommendation
On the side note, one of my favorite cleansers I would highly recommend trying out is Lush’s Aqua Marina. One of its key ingredients is calamine along with soothing seaweed which has a similar calming soothing effect as its lotion counterpart.
As recalled from my earlier review on this product, it is targeted for those of us with irritated sensitive skin. It is super gentle with a creamy consistency, however it may not wipe out waterproof mascara completely (this is where I use coconut oil to wipe it out beforehand).
I would also like to give you all an update that Lush no longer cut out of the bulk how much you want it. It is already packed in black or clear containers at a fixed price so I was a bit disappointed of this change. If you are unsure how well it will work on your skin, the skin care sales associates would happily offer you a small sample.
