by R. Renee Bembry

Created on: May 01, 2010

The intended use of calamine lotion is to soothe irritated skin caused by contact with poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac. Calamine lotion also helps dry out the liquid formed in bumps produced by poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac. These are reasons why skin irritated poisonous plant victims instantly head for calamine lotion relief once their skin begins itching and bumping over. Despite calamine lotion’s wondrous abilities to sooth and heal, however, users should consider facts about calamine lotion prior to applying it to their skin.

Calamine lotion is for topical use only and should never be ingested. Call 911, poison control, or emergency room personnel immediately if calamine lotion is swallowed. The number for poison control in the United States ( at date of this writing) is 1-800-222-1222.

Calamine lotion may look and feel harmless, however, it is a medicinal product, and it can cause side effects. For this reason, just as with any other medication, whether n a doctor prescribes calamine lotion or users obtain it over the counter, only patients needing the lotion to relieve applicable skin irritations should use the lotion.

Prior to using calamine lotion, patients should notify their prescribers or pharmacists of any known allergies they have. This includes if they have had reactions from calamine products before.

Calamine lotion may interact with other medicinal products. Patients should notify doctors and or pharmacists of other medications they are using before using calamine lotion. This includes other skin medications.

Pregnant women and breastfeeding women should consult with health care providers before using calamine products. Breast feeding women should bear in mind that no studies have shown one way or the other whether calamine may pass through skin and enter breast milk.

When using calamine lotion, patients should read and follow labeled instructions unless their medical professionals tell them to follow different procedures.

In general, use instructions call for briskly shaking the bottle making sure all the solution mixes well, and then using cotton balls or similar products to smooth the mixture over affected areas of the skin.

Once calamine lotion is on the skin patients must allow it to dry and refrain from touching it. Those applying the lotion should wash their hands before and after application. Apply additional lotion to skin according to label, doctor, or pharmacist instructions.

Calamine lotion should provide noticeable relief when applied to irritated skin within seven days. If bumps and or ooze does not improve in this time users should contact their providers.

Calamine lotion may cause irritation to eyes, noses, mouths, and to anal and genital areas, thus, it is imperative to avoid contact with these body parts. Should contact occur, however, rinse the lotion away as quickly as possible, and watch for irritation. If irritation occurs, consult a health care professional immediately.

On rare occasions, persons using calamine lotion develop serious side effects such as skin irritation in addition to the skin irritation for which calamine lotion was prescribed. Additional skin irritations may include, but not necessarily be limited to, rashes, swelling, and itching. These irritations may occur in the throat, on the tongue, or on the face. Calamine users sometimes become severely dizzy and or undergo breathing difficulties. These side effects and any other side effects patients notice after using calamine lotion should be reported to health care providers or pharmacists immediately.

A few more facts about calamine lotion are that it smells pleasant and should be stored in a cool dark place where children cannot reach it.

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