Calamine Lotion for Babies: Uses, Safety And Side Effects

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Calamine lotion is a popular skin ointment used across all age groups. The topical lotion has been available as an over-the-counter medicine for decades. The anti-itch and cooling properties make it a widely used skincare product (1). But is it safe to use calamine lotion for babies? In this MomJunction post, we tell you about the benefits, side effects, and precautions to take when using calamine lotion for babies.

Is Calamine Lotion Safe For Babies?

Calamine lotion can be safely used for relief from skin irritation and other skin problems in babies. The lotion also has astringent properties, which constrict skin tissue to help provide the baby relief from skin inflammation.

Although calamine lotion is considered suitable for use among babies, it is important to consult the pediatrician before use.

Uses Of Calamine Lotion For Infants

The following are the possible conditions where calamine lotion might be useful. However, do not use them without consulting the doctor.

1. Oily skin

Calamine lotion helps manage excessively oily skin owing to its mild drying action on the skin (2).

2. Pruritis

Pruritis is skin itchiness, which might be localized or generalized. It might happen due to skin reactions or due to systemic disorders. Calamine lotion helps in reducing itchiness owing to its cooling effect (2).

3. Heat rash

Heat rash is characterized by fine, pink-colored skin rashes caused due to overheating. Calamine lotion has a cooling effect on the skin and helps relieve the prickly feeling (3).

4. Sunburn

It helps heal the skin irritated by sunburns (4).

5. Poison ivy, poison oak, and sumac

All these plants release an oily sap containing a compound called urushiol, which on contact with skin causes severe itchy rashes and blisters. Calamine lotion could help soothe skin affected by urushiol (5).

6. Miliaria

Miliaria is a severe form of heat rash and is often seen on skin folds and parts of the head, neck, and upper chest. It is caused due to blocked sweat glands. Calamine lotion can help provide relief from miliaria (6).

7. Insect bite

Calamine lotion helps in soothing and coating the skin that is irritated due to insect bite (7).

8. Chickenpox

Chickenpox can cause blisters leading to severe skin itchiness. The topical application of calamine lotion provides relief (8).

9. Scabies

Scabies causes intense itchiness and skin irritation due to rashes. Calamine lotion can be used to reduce itchiness (9).

10. Eczema

Zinc is a component of calamine lotion and could help relieve eczema, which is also known as atopic dermatitis (10).

11. Hives

Hives cause severe skin irritation, which can be soothed through calamine lotion (11).

12. Psoriasis

US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends calamine lotion to treat itchiness caused by psoriasis (12).

13. Shingles

The blisters caused by shingles burn and are painful. They might also crack open and bleed. Calamine lotion acts as an itch medication for the irritated skin (13).

14. Hand, foot, and mouth disease

Babies affected by hand, foot, and mouth disease develop itchy blisters all over their bodies. Calamine lotion can help in imparting coolness to the skin and reduce itchiness (14).

15. General skin irritation

Calamine lotion can be useful for relief from general skin irritation (15).

Some people use calamine lotion for the treatment and management of cradle cap and  diaper rash in babies. However, there is not enough medical evidence to substantiate its use. Seek medical help if you see a skin rash worsening or increasing in number.

How To Use Calamine Lotion For Babies?

Consider the following points while using calamine lotion for your baby (16).

• Read all the drug information on the label carefully.
• Shake the bottle of calamine lotion well before use.
• Wash and dry the affected area before applying the lotion each time.
• Use a cotton ball, face cloth, or pad to apply a thin film of the lotion evenly.
• Allow the medicine to dry up. You may put mittens on the baby’s hands to avoid them from rubbing the lotion off.
• Apply a generous amount of lotion on the affected skin two to three times daily.
•  If you miss a dose, apply as soon as you remember or apply the next scheduled dose.

The doctor will tell you about the quantity of calamine lotion that you need to apply to your baby. Follow all the instructions stated by the doctor, including the time to apply the lotion.

Possible Side Effects Of Calamine Lotion For Babies

Calamine lotion is a commonly used agent and is usually well-tolerated by babies. However, you should discontinue its use and contact a doctor if the baby displays the following skin signs after the use of calamine lotion (1).

• Redness
• Rash
• Pus discharge
• Hives
• Difficulty in breathing
• Swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Always keep the bottle of lotion out of the baby’s reach. Do not panic if your baby accidentally ingests calamine lotion. Wipe the baby’s mouth gently and offer them some water to drink if they have accidentally licked a bit of the lotion. Ingestion of calamine might cause minor symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea (17). However, if the baby has consumed a large quantity or symptoms persist, then promptly take your baby to the doctor.

Precautions To Take While Using Calamine

Calamine is usually safe to use. However, take the following precautions to avoid any side effects of calamine lotion (16).

• Do not use calamine without consulting the doctor
•  It is for external use only
• Keep it away from eyes, nose, mouth, genitals, and mucus membranes
• Do not apply on severely injured skin, open wounds, or oozing wounds
• Always check for the product expiry date before use
• Do a small skin patch test before applying the lotion generously to the entire body
• Discontinue the use of lotion if the rash appears
• Always keep it away from the child’s reach
• Follow the instructions on the label

Calamine lotion is present in almost every household. While it is safe to use in most cases, it is best to use after doctor consultation since babies have sensitive skin. Regular use, as per doctor’s instructions, can help the baby get relief from skin problems.

Do you have any experiences to share regarding calamine lotion use in babies? Let us know in the comment section below.

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