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A first-aid kit is a must-have for every home. (1) It does not have to be very big or extensive. A simple small box containing essential medical items for emergencies is enough. Reputed medical journals state that a first-aid kit should contain gauze, bandages, antibiotic ointments, paracetamol, etc. (2)
Calamine lotion, though not usually included in this list, is an important thing to have on hand. It is a cheap and effective remedy for various skin issues such as itching, inflammation, and fungal infections. (3) It also contains mild antiseptic properties.
Uses of Calamine Lotion for First Aid
Calamine is an over-the-counter skin medication containing zinc oxide and ferric oxide. (4) It is available in the form of a powder, lotion, or ointment.
Some of the uses of calamine lotion include:
1. Provides relief from sunburns
Excessive exposure to sunlight may cause an inflammatory response in the skin due to UV radiation. Calamine lotion is anti-inflammatory and can soothe sunburned skin. (5)
It provides a cooling sensation and relieves itching and peeling of skin associated with sunburns. (6)
How to use:
- Dip a clean cloth in cool water and use it to gently wipe the affected skin.
- Use clean fingers to apply calamine lotion to the area.
2. Soothes acne and acne pain
Calamine lotion has drying properties and can help get rid of acne caused by oily skin. It has also been known to help get rid of acne scars.
Since zinc oxide has anti-inflammatory properties, calamine lotion can help cure red or inflamed acne. (7)
How to use:
- Wash your face with a mild cleanser and then pat it dry.
- Use a cotton swab to apply calamine lotion to your pimples.
- Leave it to dry for 1–2 hours.
- Wash it off with water.
3. Reduces rash itch
Rashes are red, inflamed bumps that appear on your skin, usually as a reaction to a skin irritant. They may cause itching or burning.
Calamine lotion, with its anti-inflammatory properties, is a well-known remedy for rashes. In fact, it helps provide relief from eczema flare-ups. (8)
How to use:
- Wash the affected area with a mild soap.
- Apply an ice pack to it for at least 10–15 minutes.
- Dry the area using a towel.
- Apply calamine lotion to the rash using a cotton ball.
Note: Don’t apply ice directly to the affected skin.
4. Soothes prickly heat
Calamine lotion is also effective in providing relief to miliaria. Miliaria is a type of rash caused by excess sweating due to heat. It is an itchy red rash (9) that commonly affects people living in hot and humid climates.
Calamine lotion helps dry out the skin and keep heat rash at bay. (10)
How to use:
- Bathe in cold water and dry your skin.
- Apply calamine lotion to the affected area and let it rest overnight.
- Take a bath the next day.
5. Reduces symptoms of insect bites
Calamine lotion helps relieve the inflammation, pain, and itching caused by insect bites. It can also treat rashes caused by insect bites. (11)
How to use:
- Wash the affected area with a mild soap.
- Apply calamine lotion to the irritated skin and leave it to dry.
- Repeat this process multiple times a day for best results.
Other Uses of Calamine Lotion
Various other uses of calamine lotion include:
1. Keeps oily skin in control
Calamine lotion is a good remedy for oily skin. It helps absorb oil and contains glycerin, which moisturizes the skin and prevents it from becoming too dry.
2. Soothe chickenpox-induced itching
Calamine lotion helps provide temporary relief from the itching and irritation caused by chickenpox rashes.
3. Soothe poison ivy-induced itching
Calamine lotion is a good way to treat skin irritation and inflammation caused by exposure to plant irritants such as poison ivy and poison oak. It also helps dry out pus and water in rashes.
Final Word
Calamine lotion is a must-have addition to your first-aid kit. Remember to keep it away from the reach of children. Always perform a simple patch test to ensure you are not allergic to calamine lotion before using it on a larger area. Contact your doctor if the itching or irritation doesn’t subside after using calamine lotion.
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