Calamine
Cream or lotion for treating skin conditions
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Calamine, also known as calamine lotion, is a medication made from a combination of powdered zinc oxide and 0.5% ferric oxide (Fe2O3)[2] that is used to treat mild itching.[3][4] It benefits sunburn, insect bites, allergenic irritation, and other mild skin conditions,[5][6] and may also help dry out secretions resulting from skin irritation.[1] Its name comes from calamine, a historic name for the zinc ores smithsonite and hemimorphite.
A puddle of calamine lotion next to a pink plastic bottle | |
| Combination of | |
|---|---|
| zinc oxide | astringent |
| ferric oxide | antipruritic |
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| Pronunciation | KAL-ə-mine[1] |
| Other names | Calamine lotion |
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| Routes of administration | Topical |
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Calamine is applied to the skin as a cream or lotion.[3] The lotion has been in use since 1500 BC[7] and is now produced with additional ingredients such as phenol and calcium hydroxide.[2][8]
Calamine is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines.[9] It is sold over the counter as a generic medication.[6] Side effects may include skin irritation.[5] It is considered to be safe in pregnancy.[5]
Medical uses
Calamine is used to treat itch,[3] as from sunburn, insect bite, poison ivy, poison oak, and other skin irritants.[5][6] The FDA recommends applying topical over-the-counter skin products such as calamine to absorb skin weeping caused by poisonous plants such as poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac, although the FDA advises a cold water compress and topical corticosteroids to treat pain and itch they cause.[10]
