Calamine lotion is an over-the-counter product that can help relieve mild itching, inflammation, or redness of the skin. It is a combination of zinc oxide and iron (ferric) oxide, with zinc oxide working as a skin protectant and soothing agent, and ferric oxide giving calamine lotion its famous pink color. Calamine lotion can be used to relieve a variety of skin conditions, such as poison ivy rashes, insect bites, and swimmer’s itch.
Here are some details about Caladryl Clear Skin Lotion and Equate Calamine Clear Lotion, two popular brands of calamine lotion:
Caladryl Clear Skin Lotion
- Provides drying action and itch relief
- Temporarily relieves pain and itching associated with rashes due to poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac; insect bites; minor skin irritation; minor cuts
- Active ingredients: Pramoxine Hcl (1%), Zinc Acetate (0.1%)
- Inactive ingredients: Sd Alcohol 38-B, Camphor, Citric Acid, Diazolidinyl Urea, Fragrance, Glycerin, Hypromellose, Methylparaben
Equate Calamine Clear Lotion
- External analgesic and skin protectant
- Drying action plus itch relief
- Active ingredients: Calamine, Zinc Oxide
- Inactive ingredients: SD Alcohol 38B 2.5%, Camphor, Diazolidinyl Urea, Fragrances, Glycerin, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Methylparaben
It is important to note that calamine products may also contain different non-active ingredients depending on the brand and product. Calamine is generally safe when used correctly, but it may cause skin irritation or dryness in some people. If this happens, stop using the product and talk to a healthcare provider.
