Calamine Lotion Benefits for Face, Skin and Side Effects

The zinc oxide component of calamine lotion is known to possess anti-bacterial properties. This is effective in the treatment of acne. Also, the anti-inflammatory nature of zinc oxide can help in reducing the skin protrusions in acne. The iron oxide of calamine lotion is known to assist in the removal of scars in acne.

To use calamine lotion for acne treatment, pour two to three drops of the lotion on a cotton swab and apply over the infected areas. Leave it to dry for up to three hours and then rinse with warm water.

Calamine lotion is also very effective in restoring the moisture of the dry skin. Symptoms such as itching and inflammation are primarily observed in dry skin conditions. Calamine lotion is very helpful in relieving the symptoms of contact dermatitis like itching and inflammation. The zinc oxide component is believed to provide a soothing feeling and also helps in reducing inflammation. Studies are, however, required to establish the mechanism of the action of zinc oxide.

The use of calamine lotion for treatment of eczema and psoriasis is also well-known. Zinc oxides have antiseptic properties and help in preventing further infections. The iron oxide component, on the other hand, is known to improve skin tone.

Dermatologists often recommend the application of calamine lotion over the infected areas in case of such infections. The lotion should, however, be applied with a clean cotton swab and not directly by hand as our fingertips are known to carry bacteria that can make the infection worse. 

Insect bites often cause and pain and inflammation of the skin. These bites often cause much irritation, especially in the case of children. Calamine lotion has a cooling effect on the skin and this help in reducing the inflammation caused by insect bites. To achieve the effect, the lotion should be applied upon the affected area with a slight massage for best results.

Shingles is a type of viral infection that is often accompanied by a painful rash on the skin. The rash is also very itchy in nature. Scabies is an infestation on the skin caused by mites and leads to an extremely itchy rash. Calamine lotion when applied upon the rashes caused in such conditions provides a feeling of relief and also helps in reducing the rash.

Also, the antiseptic nature of calamine lotion does not allow the growth of any further bacteria that could aggravate the rash conditions. Applying the lotion to the infected areas, especially after a shower can help reduce the rash to a great extent.

Calamine is also very effective when applied to wounded areas on the skin. This property of the calamine lotion can be attributed to the zinc oxide component. The mineral zinc is essential for treating wounds and it also helps in the regeneration of the skin around the wounded area. The lotion also inhibits the growth of microbes, thus, preventing any further infection and accelerating the process of wound healing at the same time.

Diapers are known to cause rashes in babies due to continuous exposure to moisture. Also, bacteria tend to grow upon the skin under such moist conditions. Calamine lotion can help to keep the skin moisture free and prevent the rash from recurring. It also soothes skin irritation and is thus, a wonderful remedy to treat diaper rash.

Poison ivy rash is caused due to an allergic reaction of the skin to a resin present in the plant called poison ivy. The rash is extremely itchy, irritating, and painful. Calamine lotion can be used to treat this rash.

To achieve the best result in case of rash, it is better to wash the infected area with a disinfecting soap, clean the area and apply the lotion while the skin is slightly damp.