Try calamine lotion for a rash caused by contact dermatitis, such as poison ivy or poison oak rashes. For severe itching from contact dermatitis, apply hydrocortisone cream 4 times a day until the itch is gone. But don't use this cream on a fungal rash, because it can make the rash worse.
Calamine: Old-fashioned calamine lotion, found in products such as Caladryl Skin Protectant Lotion and generics, is less ubiquitous than hydrocortisone. But this mixture of zinc oxide and ferric oxide is very effective for relieving itch and drying out blistery rashes such as poison ivy, oak, and sumac, Lerner says.
Calamine lotion is an over-the-counter (OTC) medicine you can use to treat mild itchiness (pruritus). The topical pink lotion can help relieve itchiness, pain and discomfort caused by conditions such as bug bites, chickenpox and poison ivy.
Hydrocortisone is a popular choice for any type of chronic or sudden skin itch. It helps by treating inflammation while reducing redness and itching, says Dr. Shirazi. Hydrocortisone topicals are typically used 1-4 times per day for two weeks.
Hives are best treated with an over-the-counter antihistamine or topical creams like hydrocortisone or calamine lotion. Antihistamine medications suppress the histamine that is released from the body, causing your itchy reaction. Topical treatments work on your skin's cells to stop the histamine from being released.
Try calamine lotion for a rash caused by contact dermatitis, such as poison ivy or poison oak rashes. For severe itching from contact dermatitis, apply hydrocortisone cream 4 times a day until the itch is gone. But don't use this cream on a fungal rash, because it can make the rash worse.
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 lotion is a combination of zinc oxide and iron (ferric) oxide. Zinc oxide works as a skin protectant and soothing agent, and ferric oxide gives calamine lotion its famous pink color. Calamine products may also contain different non-active ingredients depending on what calamine product you're using.
Some lotions, creams and medications can help reduce itchiness. These are available over the counter from pharmacies or on a prescription from your GP. Common treatments recommended include: an oily moisturiser or emollient if your skin is dry or flaky.
A nonprescription oral antihistamine, such as loratadine (Alavert, Claritin, others), cetirizine (Zyrtec Allergy, others) or diphenhydramine (Benadryl Allergy, others), may help relieve itching. Consider whether you might prefer a type that doesn't cause drowsiness. Ask your pharmacist about options.
Betamethasone is generally recommended when other prescription drugs or over-the-counter topicals, including hydrocortisone cream, do not relieve symptoms effectively. Some types of betamethasone are up to 600 times as potent as hydrocortisone. Both medications are available in various forms, including: Ointments.
Zinc oxide ointment is soothing to irritated skin. 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.
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.
Shake the lotion well before using. Moisten a pledget of cotton with the lotion. Use the moistened pledget to apply the lotion to the affected skin area(s). Allow the medicine to dry on the skin.
If your condition gets worse or if it does not improve within 7 days, or if rash or irritation develops, stop using calamine and check with your doctor.
An overdose of calamine is not expected to be dangerous. Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medication.
Calamine lotion (zinc oxide, ferric oxide) can be put in the refrigerator and helps relieve itch quickly. Your doctor might also prescribe other topical medicines to treat eczema flares, such as crisaborole (Eucrisa), pimecrolimus (Elidel), or tacrolimus (Protopic).
No interactions were found between Caladryl and Cortizone-10.
For at least temporary relief from the itching that results from those insect bites, Calamine lotion seems to do the trick. Looking for a stronger lotion, try some hydrocortisone cream on the area. In addition to easing the itch, this cream will also decrease the local inflammation associated with the bite.
If non-drowsy antihistamines fail to provide relief, your doctor may prescribe Vistaril (hydroxyzine pamoate) to be taken at bedtime. Vistaril is a stronger antihistamine used to treat a wide range of skin reactions, including chronic urticaria and contact dermatitis.