Calamine lotion is an over-the-counter medication that is used to treat mild itchiness, also called pruritus. It can also help dry out oozing skin irritations and protect the skin. The active ingredients in calamine lotion are zinc oxide and 0.5% iron oxide, which give it its distinctive pink color. Zinc oxide has anti-inflammatory properties that help to reduce skin irritation, while iron oxide has a calming effect on the skin and antiseptic properties that prevent infection from scratching.

Some of the benefits and uses of calamine lotion include:

• Relieving itchiness caused by conditions such as bug bites, chickenpox, poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac.
• Drying out oozing or weeping skin irritations.
• Protecting the skin.
• Taming acne flare-ups.
• Soothing irritated post-gym skin.
• Relieving the itching, pain, and discomfort of minor skin irritations.

Calamine lotion is generally safe to use, and there are very few adverse effects associated with it. However, if you experience skin irritation, stop using it and talk with your doctor about an alternative medication. Before using calamine lotion, shake the bottle well and follow all of the directions found on the package or the directions given by your healthcare provider.