Calamine is a medication used to treat mild itchiness, skin irritation, and other mild skin conditions. It is a preparation consisting primarily of zinc oxide with the addition of approximately 0.5% ferric oxide. Calamine lotion is produced with additional ingredients such as phenol, calcium hydroxide, purified water, glycerin, and bentonite magma. Calamine powder is a mix of two ingredients: zinc oxide and iron oxide.
Positive aspects of calamine include its ability to relieve itchiness, soothe skin, and dry out oozing skin irritations. It is also known for its skin nourishing, calming, and soothing properties. Calamine is considered to be safe in pregnancy.
Negative aspects of calamine include the possibility of skin irritation as a side effect. Calamine lotion may leave a thin film on the skin as it dries and can stain fabrics it comes in contact with.
Ingredients or materials in calamine include:
- Zinc oxide
- Ferric oxide
- Phenol
- Calcium hydroxide
- Purified water
- Glycerin
- Bentonite magma
- Iron oxide
