Calamine is used to relieve the itching, pain, and discomfort of minor skin irritations, such as those caused by poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac. This medicine also dries oozing and weeping caused by poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac. Calamine is available without prescription.
Applying topical OTC skin protectants, such as zinc acetate, zinc carbonate, zinc oxide, and calamine dry the oozing and weeping of poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac. Protectants such as baking soda or colloidal oatmeal relieve minor irritation and itching. Aluminum acetate is an astringent that relieves rash.
In addition, the medication can help dry up any weeping and oozing that occurs due to reactions from poisonous plants such as poison ivy. While calamine lotion doesn't cure any conditions, it can help relieve any symptoms that develop because of them.
Calamine lotion has few side effects when people use it as directed. However, it can sometimes cause dry skin and irritation. If you experience irritation or excessively dry skin from calamine lotion, you should stop using it. Calamine lotion is only made to be used externally.
The primary ingredients of calamine lotion are zinc oxide and ferric oxide. It is the ferric oxide that gives the lotion its characteristic pink color. Avoid using calamine lotion if you are allergic to any of its ingredients, have open sores on the skin, or if your condition is worsening.
Calamine side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Calamine may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have: redness, rash, pus, or other signs of infection.
Take a bath: Oatmeal baths and Domeboro® soaks are good home remedies for poison ivy itch, as they can relieve skin irritation. “They're very soothing and can help dry up the rash,” Dr. Ng says.
Avoid dry skin, which makes the itching caused by the rash worse. Apply a moisturizer or calamine lotion to the skin while it is damp. Watch closely for excessive drying, which may occur when calamine lotion is used for an extended period.
Rubbing alcohol can remove the urushiol oil from the skin and other surfaces. It is a good idea to carry alcohol wipes when hiking or camping for prompt application to the affected area after poison ivy exposure.
Calamine lotion is particularly helpful at relieving the itching caused by poison ivy. And if you have a very mild rash, then hydrocortisone cream is another excellent option to consider.
Calamine lotion is helpful for contact dermatitis, such as poison ivy or oak rashes. For severe itching, apply hydrocortisone cream (1%) 3 times a day until the itch is gone. Do not use the cream on children younger than age 2 unless your doctor tells you to.
Applying a slurry of baking soda and water to the affected area. This can help dry out the rash and reduce itchiness. Rubbing the affected area with a raw potato. This home remedy can help draw out the oil and toxins from the skin and promote healing.
Use a natural spray.
Dissolve one cup salt in a gallon of water and add a tablespoon of dish soap to create a solution that can be sprayed on poison ivy. While this method of killing poison ivy is effective in the short run, it will probably require future treatments to keep the ivy at bay.
Vinegar Works, Too
Wondering about a poison ivy treatment using common household items? A vinegar compress is good for drying the poison ivy rash and soothing the itching, says Robert Sommer, M.D., a dermatologist in Portland, Maine. “Use half a cup of white vinegar.
When it comes to skin irritation from poison oak or ivy exposure, keeping the affected area uncovered is the best option. The air helps with recovery, allowing your skin to breathe.
Previous rash from poison ivy, oak, or sumac: The rash tends to last 1 to 14 days before it clears on its own.
Most cases of poison ivy go away on their own in 1 to 3 weeks. After about a week, the blisters should start to dry up and the rash will begin to fade. Severe cases may last longer, have worse symptoms, and cover more of your body.
This medication is used to relieve pain, itching, and discomfort from minor skin irritations such as poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac. It also helps to dry the oozing and weeping caused by irritation due to these plants.
For skin irritation, apply to the affected area usually up to 3 to 4 times a day or as directed by your doctor. For hemorrhoids or other anal conditions, apply the medication to the affected area usually after each bowel movement or up to 4 to 5 times a day, or as directed by your doctor.
A person with acne can apply calamine lotion before going to bed so that it works during sleep to shrink spots. However, people with sensitive skin may wish to avoid doing this, as it may be too drying.