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This article was co-authored by Asmi Sanghvi, DO. Dr. Asmi Sanghvi is a Board Certified Dermatologist based in New York, New York. She specializes in general and cosmetic dermatology and has a passion for educating others. Dr. Sanghvi has been published in several peer-reviewed journals, including the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology and Cutis. She holds a BS in Human Communication Sciences from Northwestern University and a DO from Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine.
There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.
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This article has been viewed 170,774 times.
If your skin is irritated from a plant like poison ivy or an illness like the chickenpox, calamine lotion is an over-the-counter remedy that can provide relief and speed up your recovery. Even if your skin isn’t irritated, calamine lotion can be used in your skincare routine as a primer or moisturizer. It may even help heal and fade acne scars and other skin damage. By applying calamine lotion to a cotton pad and dabbing your skin with it gently, you could experience great relief and skincare benefits!
Things You Should Know
- Calamine lotion is a gentle, over-the-counter topical remedy that soothes red, irritated skin. It can also be used as a moisturizer and makeup primer.
- The ingredients in calamine lotion tend to separate in the bottle, so be sure to shake the bottle well before applying the medication.
- Moisten a cotton pad with calamine lotion and gently swab the affected skin to apply a thin layer. Wait several minutes for the lotion to dry completely.
- It's safe to reapply calamine lotion as often as you'd like to relieve irritation.
Steps
Shake the bottle well. The different parts of calamine lotion tend to separate when they sit for a while. Shaking the bottle well before applying it ensures that all the ingredients combine, which will make it work most effectively.[1]
Apply the lotion to a cotton pad. Place a cotton pad over the opening of the bottle and tilt the bottle towards the pad so that the liquid pours onto the cotton. Repeat this process until the pad is moist with lotion but not sopping wet.[2]Advertisement
Dab the wet cotton pad gently over the affected skin. Make sure to cover the whole affected area at least once.[3]- Avoid picking or pulling at the affected skin while applying as this will only irritate it further, making it take longer to heal.[4]
- If you’re applying the lotion as a primer for makeup, you can use a stippling brush to spread a thin layer over your face before applying makeup.
Avoid getting the lotion in your eyes, mouth, or nose. Calamine lotion is for external use only. If you’re applying it to your face, stay away from the area around your eyes and lips. Do not apply it to any orifices or genitals. If you accidentally do so, wash out the affected area immediately with water.[5]
Allow the lotion to dry. Once you have covered the entire affected area of skin, let the lotion sit. Do not cover the skin you have applied the lotion to until it is completely dry, as fabric could absorb the lotion. It could take a few minutes for the lotion to dry completely. Check the area by lightly touching it with your fingertips. When it’s done setting, it should feel completely dry.[6]
Reapply as often as needed. Calamine lotion can be applied as often as you need relief.[7] If you’re concerned you’re using it too much, check the directions on the bottle or ask your doctor.[8]- If your skin irritation is bothering you a lot, you can even apply a second coat of lotion after the first one dries. To apply a second coat of lotion, simply repeat the same process.
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Store calamine lotion in a dry place at room temperature. The directions on the bottle will tell you how to store the lotion. Usually, you will want to keep it in a closed container and put it somewhere away from moisture and direct light. You will also want to keep it at room temperature and not let it freeze. In most cases, a medicine cabinet works well for storage.[9]
Keep lotion out of reach of children. Make sure kids will not be able to get to your calamine lotion without help or supervision. Children could accidentally use calamine lotion in a dangerous way, such as swallowing it or putting it in their eyes or nose. By keeping it where kids can’t get it, you should be able to avoid that problem.[10]
Discard the lotion after its expiration date. Your bottle of calamine lotion should have an expiration date printed on the label. Take note of it and safely discard the lotion when the date has passed. Calamine lotion does not become dangerous after the expiration date, but it will usually be less effective.[11]- When discarding your lotion, make sure you’re not temporarily putting it somewhere a child could reach it.
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Follow your doctor’s orders if you have a serious skin irritation. If you have a serious skin irritation, you should see your doctor before trying to treat the irritation yourself. Your doctor may give you specific directions about how to use calamine lotion. You should follow these instructions.[12]
Follow the directions on the bottle if you don’t have instructions from your doctor. Your bottle of calamine lotion will have directions on the side that will tell you how best to use it. Consult these and follow them as closely as possible. You can veer from these directions, though, if your doctor gives you different instructions.[13]
Stop using lotion immediately if you have a negative reaction. Occasionally, calamine lotion can cause further skin irritation. Do not continue to use it if it irritates your skin in any way. Contact your doctor if it causes painful or persistent irritation.[14]
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Expert Q&A
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- QuestionIs calamine lotion good for your skin?
Laura MartinLaura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist in Georgia. She has been a hair stylist since 2007 and a cosmetology teacher since 2013.
Licensed CosmetologistYes, calamine lotion is soothing and can reduce irritation, acne, and even works as a gentle moisturizer. It is one of the oldest skincare treatments. - QuestionHow do you apply calamine lotion for chicken pox?Laura MartinLaura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist in Georgia. She has been a hair stylist since 2007 and a cosmetology teacher since 2013.
Licensed CosmetologistApply it to a cotton ball and dab it onto individual pox. Apply liberally to provide significant relief from itching. - QuestionWhat is calamine lotion used for?Laura MartinLaura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist in Georgia. She has been a hair stylist since 2007 and a cosmetology teacher since 2013.
Licensed CosmetologistCalamine lotion is used for soothing irritated skin from eczema, to treat acne, and to relieve itch from a variety of skin conditions.
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References
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/23338-calamine-lotion
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/23338-calamine-lotion
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/23338-calamine-lotion
- ↑ https://www.aad.org/media/news-releases/dermatologists-share-tips-for-treating-shingles
- ↑ https://www.chop.edu/centers-programs/poison-control-center/calamine-lotion
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/23338-calamine-lotion
- ↑ Asmi Sanghvi, DO. Board Certified Dermatologist. Expert Interview. 16 August 2021.
- ↑ https://www.chop.edu/centers-programs/poison-control-center/calamine-lotion
- ↑ https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/fda/fdaDrugXsl.cfm?setid=6050b319-9902-333d-e053-2a91aa0ad1f3&type=display
- ↑ https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/fda/fdaDrugXsl.cfm?setid=6050b319-9902-333d-e053-2a91aa0ad1f3&type=display
- ↑ https://healthsciences.arizona.edu/connect/stories/nows-good-time-clean-out-your-medicine-cabinet
- ↑ https://www.chop.edu/centers-programs/poison-control-center/calamine-lotion
- ↑ https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Health/Pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=aa67251&lang=en-ca
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/23338-calamine-lotion
- ↑ Asmi Sanghvi, DO. Board Certified Dermatologist. Expert Interview. 16 August 2021.
- ↑ https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/fda/fdaDrugXsl.cfm?setid=6050b319-9902-333d-e053-2a91aa0ad1f3&type=display
About This Article
Board Certified Dermatologist
This article was co-authored by Asmi Sanghvi, DO. Dr. Asmi Sanghvi is a Board Certified Dermatologist based in New York, New York. She specializes in general and cosmetic dermatology and has a passion for educating others. Dr. Sanghvi has been published in several peer-reviewed journals, including the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology and Cutis. She holds a BS in Human Communication Sciences from Northwestern University and a DO from Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine. This article has been viewed 170,774 times.
Co-authors: 13
Updated: December 24, 2023
Views: 170,774
Categories: Itchy Skin (Pruritis)
Article SummaryX
To treat skin irritation with calamine lotion, first shake the bottle to make sure all the ingredients combine, which will make it work more effectively. Pour some lotion onto a cotton pad, and then gently dab the wet pad over the affected skin so the area is covered. Let the lotion dry completely, and reapply as often as you need relief. Don’t use calamine lotion near your eyes, mouth, nose, or genitals. For more tips from our co-author, like how to store calamine lotion, keep reading!
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Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 170,774 times.
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"In smaller bottles of calamine lotion, I add a few drops of clove and tea tree oil for acne, works like a charm, medicates, glows, but helps with pimples for sure. It also helped me with folliculitis (infection of hair follicles), with the above ingredients added."..." more
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