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][5] It benefits sunburn, insect bites, allergenic irritation, and other mild skin conditions,[6][7] and may also help dry out secretions resulting from skin irritation.[1] Calamine has also been used as a treatment for acne and acne scars, although it may damage the barrier of sensitive skin.[8][9] Its name comes from calamine, a historic name for the zinc ores smithsonite and hemimorphite.[10]
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 |
| License data | |
| 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[11] and is now produced with additional ingredients such as phenol and calcium hydroxide.[2][12]
Calamine is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines.[13] It is sold over the counter as a generic medication.[7] Side effects may include skin irritation.[6] It is considered to be safe in pregnancy.[6]
Medical uses
Calamine is used to treat itch,[3] as from sunburn, insect bite, poison ivy, poison oak, and other skin irritants.[6][7] 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.[14]
