Calamine is usually colored pink by the addition of small quantities of iron(III) oxide.
Calamine is a mineral-based compound widely used in medical and cosmetic applications, particularly known for its soothing and anti-itch properties.
Calamine is typically a mixture of zinc oxide (ZnO) and a small amount of ferric oxide (Fe₂O₃), which gives it a characteristic pink color.
CAS Number: 8011-96-9
Molecular Formula: Fe2O4Zn
Molecular Weight: 241.0776
Synonyms: Calamine, 8011-96-9, Calamine lotion, Tenderwrap, Caladryl, Calamine [USP:JAN], Medipack, Reliamed, Primer, Repara, Calamine (pharmaceutical preparation), Dome Paste Bandage, zinc;iron(3+);oxygen(2-), MFCD00049621, DTXSID9051612, CPYIZQLXMGRKSW-UHFFFAOYSA-N, Zinc Iron Oxide Powder, 98.5% Nano, CALAMINE POWDER;zinc,iron(3+),oxygen(2-);CalamineIp;CalamineExtraPure;CalamineBp;CalamineUsp;CALAMINE, PHARMA;Calamine (pharmaceutical preparation)
Calamine a mineral consisting of hydrated zinc silicate (2ZnO. SiO2.H2O).
Calamine is also known as hemimorphite.
Calamine, which occurs naturally as a mineral also known as smithsonite.
The carbonate is used medicinally in suspension as a soothing lotion for sunburn and skin complaints.
Formerly, the natural mineral was used for this but now medicinal calamine is made by precipitating a basic zinc carbonate from a solution of a zinc salt.
A mineral form of zinccarbonate, ZnCO3 (smithsonite), althoughin the USA the same name isgiven to a hydrated zinc silicate(hemimorphite).
The calamine usedmedicinally in lotions for treatingsunburn and other skin conditions isbasic zinc carbonate coloured pinkwith a trace of iron(III) oxide.
Calamine, also known as calamine lotion, is a medication made from powdered calamine mineral that is used to treat mild itchiness.
Conditions treated include sunburn, insect bites, poison ivy, poison oak, and other mild skin conditions.
Calamine may also help dry out secretions resulting from skin irritation.
It is applied on the skin as a cream or lotion.
Calamine is commonly used to relieve itching, irritation, and minor skin conditions such as insect bites, sunburn, rashes, eczema, and poison ivy.
It provides a cooling sensation and helps soothe inflamed skin.
Calamine lotion is a popular over-the-counter product used to treat mild skin irritations.
It is usually applied directly to the skin to provide relief from itching and discomfort.
Calamine can help protect the skin by forming a barrier that prevents further irritation or infection.
Some people use calamine lotion as a primer to help control oily skin and prolong the wear of makeup.
The most common form, often mixed with other ingredients like phenol or glycerin for enhanced soothing effects.
Sometimes used in loose powder form for skin applications.
Incorporated into bandages or patches for localized skin treatment.
Calamine helps to reduce itching and discomfort.
Calamine has mild astringent properties that can help dry out weeping or oozing skin irritations.
Reduces minor swelling and inflammation.
Calamine should only be applied to the skin and not ingested.
Calamine should not be applied near the eyes or on mucous membranes.
If using calamine for the first time, it's advisable to perform a patch test to check for any allergic reaction.
Side effects may include skin irritation.
Calamine is considered to be safe in pregnancy.
Calamine is a combination of zinc oxide and 0.5% ferric oxide (Fe2O3).
The lotion is produced with additional ingredients such as phenol and calcium hydroxide.
The use of calamine lotion dates back as far as 1500 BC.
Calamine is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines.
Calamine is available over-the-counter as a generic medication.
Calamine lotion is a topical over-the-counter medication can use for mild itchiness.
This soothing pink lotion helps relieve itchiness, pain and discomfort caused by bug bites, chickenpox, poisonous plants and more.
Most people don’t develop any side effects, but should stop using calamine lotion if develop any kind of skin irritation.
Calamine is used to relieve the itching, pain, and discomfort of minor skin irritations, such as those caused by poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac.
This medicine also dries oozing and weeping caused by poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac.
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do.
This is a decision you and doctor will make.
For this medicine, the following should be considered:
Many medicines have not been studied specifically in older people.
Therefore, it may not be known whether they work exactly the same way they do in younger adults.
Although there is no specific information comparing use of calamine in the elderly with use in other age groups, this medicine is not expected to cause different side effects or problems in older people than it does in younger adults.
Calamine is a historic name for an ore of zinc.
The name calamine was derived from lapis calaminaris, a Latin corruption of Greek cadmia (καδμία), the old name for zinc ores in general.
The name of the Belgian town of Kelmis, La Calamine in French, which was home to a zinc mine, comes from this.
In the 18th and 19th centuries large ore mines could be found near the German village of Breinigerberg.
During the early 19th century it was discovered that what had been thought to be one ore was actually two distinct minerals:
Zinc carbonate ZnCO3 or smithsonite and Zinc silicate Zn4Si2O7(OH)2·H2O or hemimorphite.
Although chemically and crystallographically quite distinct, the two minerals exhibit similar massive or botryoidal external form and are not readily distinguished without detailed chemical or physical analysis.
The first person to separate the minerals was the British chemist and mineralogist James Smithson in 1803.
In the mining industry the term calamine has been historically used to refer to both minerals indiscriminately.
In mineralogy Calamine is no longer considered a valid term.
Calamine has been replaced by smithsonite and hemimorphite in order to distinguish it from the pinkish mixture of zinc oxide (ZnO) and iron(III) oxide (Fe2O3) known as calamine lotion.
In the 16th century demand for latten (brass) in England came from the needs of wool-carding, for which brass-wire combs were preferred, and battery pieces (brassware formed by hammering sheet brass in a battery mill).
The only known method for producing the alloy was by heating copper and calamine together in the cementation process and in 1568 a royal charter was granted to the Society of the Mineral and Battery Works to search for the mineral and produce brass, to reduce dependence on imported metal from Germany.
Factories to exploit the process were established at Isleworth and Rotherhithe.
By the late 17th century enough was known of metallic zinc to make brass solder directly by combining copper and spelter (zinc ingots).
In 1738 a patent was granted to William Champion, a Bristol brass founder, for the large-scale reduction of calamine to produce spelter.
There were many Calamine mines in Shipham, not far from William Champion's Brass works.
In 1684 a paper presented to the Royal Society described the medicinal and veterinary properties of the compound when in finely powdered form.
Since then no mechanism of action for the powder has been identified, and as of 1992 the only medical effect of the powdered mineral appears to be its ability to absorb moisture secreted from irritated and weeping skin.
Calamine lotion is supposed to be put on itchy skin, but even if a curious child drinks Calamine lotion, it can safely and easily be managed at home.
Calamine lotion is made up several ingredients to give it a lotion consistency.
These ingredients are not toxic, including its active ingredient, zinc oxide.
Calamine lotion can cause an upset stomach if eaten.
Follow our helpful treatment tips below to relieve any side effects.
Stability: Stable.
FDA 21 CFR: 310.545
Calamine is an over-the-counter medication that treats several skin conditions like bug bites, poison ivy, and heat rash.
Calamine is an over-the-counter (OTC) medication that’s used to treat mild itchiness, also called pruritus.
It can also help dry out oozing skin irritations.
Calamine is an anti-itch medicine that works by causing a cooling sensation as it evaporates on your skin.
Calamine also dries oozing or weeping from minor skin irritation.
Calamine is a mixture of zinc oxide and other components.
Calamine and zinc oxide are topical anti-itch lotions.
Although the exact mechanism of how calamine and zinc oxide work is not known, they have skin protecting and astringent properties that relieve itching.
They also seem to slow down bacterial growth, preventing infections from worsening.
The primary active ingredient, which has soothing and protective properties.
It works as an astringent and antiseptic.
Ferric Oxide (Fe₂O₃): Also known as iron(III) oxide, this gives calamine its distinctive pink color.
Calamine is included in small amounts for its additional skin-protective qualities.
Calamine is often used to relieve the discomfort of sunburn by providing a cooling effect and reducing redness.
Applied to chickenpox blisters to alleviate itching and prevent excessive scratching, which can lead to scarring or secondary infections.
Calamine’s drying and soothing properties can help reduce oiliness and calm inflamed skin, making it a potential spot treatment for acne.
Helps to reduce the itching and irritation associated with chronic skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis by forming a protective layer on the skin.
In some cases, calamine lotion can be used to soothe diaper rash in infants, helping to calm irritated skin.
Calamine is frequently used to treat the itching and discomfort caused by contact with poison ivy, oak, or sumac plants.
It helps dry out the blisters and soothe the skin.
Calamine is widely regarded as safe for most people when used as directed.
Possible Side Effects: While rare, some individuals may experience side effects such as:
Redness, rash, or swelling if allergic to the ingredients.
Overuse can lead to excessive drying of the skin.
Calamine should not be ingested or applied to open wounds.
In cases of severe skin irritation or open sores, consult a healthcare provider before using calamine.
Wash the area with mild soap and water, then pat dry.
If using calamine lotion, shake the bottle well to mix the ingredients.
Calamine use a cotton ball or clean fingers to apply a thin layer to the affected area.
Calamine can be reapplied several times a day as needed, but avoid excessive application to prevent drying out the skin too much.
Calamine for more severe itching or inflammation.
For cooling and soothing sunburn.
Calamine for allergic reactions or insect bites.
Calamine to soothe irritated skin in conditions like eczema or chickenpox.
Keep in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat.
Dispose of calamine products according to local regulations.
Uses:
Calamine has mildly astringent and cooling qualities, and is particularly useful for sunburned or irritated skin.
Calamine is a mineral solution composed primarily of zinc oxide with the addition of approximately 0.5 percent ferric oxide.
Calamine is used to treat itchiness.
This includes sunburn, insect bite, or other mild skin conditions.
The FDA recommends applying some topical over-the-counter skin products, such as calamine, to absorb the weeping of the skin caused by poisonous plants such as poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac.
For relieving the pain or itching caused by these plants, the FDA document recommends a cold water compress and topical corticosteroids.
Use this medication on the skin only.
Follow all directions on the product package, or use as directed by your doctor.
Shake the bottle well before using. Apply the medication with a cotton pad, and allow the medication to dry on the skin.
If have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Calamine has various uses.
These can include treating sunburn, acne, and insect bites.
Calamine can help relieve the itching, stinging, and burning sensations that occur with these and other minor skin conditions.
Calamine is used to temporarily relieve itching and pain caused by minor skin irritation such as minor burns/cuts/scrapes, sunburn, eczema, insect bites, cold sores, or rashes from poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac.
Some products containing pramoxine are also used to temporarily relieve the itching and discomfort from hemorrhoids and certain other problems of the genital/anal area (such as anal fissures, itching around the vagina/rectum).
Calamine belongs to a class of drugs known as local anesthetics.
Calamine works by numbing the skin to block the feelings of pain and itching.
Calamine may also contain other ingredients including skin protectants (such as calamine, zinc acetate, zinc oxide).
Read the product package for more information.
Do not use pramoxine for skin irritation in children younger than 2 years or use pramoxine for hemorrhoids or other genital/anal conditions in children younger than 12 years unless directed by the doctor.
Calamine is important to read the package instructions carefully before start using this product to be sure it is right.
Calamine helps to relieve the itching and discomfort caused by insect bites, such as those from mosquitoes or bees.
Used to soothe the itching and irritation caused by contact with these plants, helping to dry out blisters and reduce swelling.
Provides a cooling effect that alleviates the pain and discomfort associated with sunburn.
Calamine helps to relieve itching and irritation in people with eczema by forming a protective barrier on the skin.
Can be used to calm the itching and discomfort associated with psoriasis flare-ups.
Occasionally used to soothe diaper rash in infants due to its gentle, protective properties.
Applied to chickenpox blisters to reduce itching and prevent scratching, which can lead to scarring or secondary infections.
Calamine lotion can help alleviate the itching and discomfort of viral rashes.
Calamines drying properties make it useful as a spot treatment for acne, helping to reduce oiliness and calm inflamed skin.
Some people use calamine lotion as a primer for oily skin to control shine and prolong the wear of makeup.
Helps soothe minor burns and prevent further irritation.
Forms a protective barrier that can help prevent infection and soothe the skin.
In addition to its medical uses, calamine lotion is sometimes used as a makeup primer to help control oil production and mattify the skin.
Included in some medicated bandages and plasters to provide localized relief and protection for small wounds or irritated skin.
Provides a general cooling and soothing effect on the skin, which can help in a variety of minor skin irritations or discomforts.
Forms a barrier that can help protect the skin from further irritation by environmental factors.
Useful in treating generalized itchiness from various causes, including allergies or dry skin.
Calamine can soothe itching and inflammation caused by mild allergic reactions, such as hives or contact dermatitis.
It helps calm the skin and reduce redness.
Helps in drying and protecting blisters from friction, which can prevent them from bursting and getting infected.
Calamine’s protective properties help in covering minor wounds and abrasions, promoting healing by creating a barrier against dirt and bacteria.
Although not a strong antiseptic, calamine can help in mild disinfection of small cuts and abrasions, reducing the risk of infection.
Effective in soothing the discomfort associated with heat rash by cooling the skin and reducing irritation.
Calamine can provide temporary relief from the itching and discomfort caused by shingles (herpes zoster), though it does not treat the underlying viral infection.
Often used in children to help prevent scratching from conditions like chickenpox or bug bites, which can exacerbate the skin condition and lead to secondary infections.
Calamine lotion can be used on babies to soothe diaper rash, heat rash, and minor skin irritations, as it is gentle and effective.
Calamine can be used as part of the management of chronic itchy skin conditions, helping to reduce flare-ups and provide symptomatic relief.
Often used in hospital and clinical settings for managing mild to moderate dermatological conditions, especially where topical relief from itching and irritation is needed.
Sometimes used to soothe skin after minor surgical procedures or dermatological treatments.
Applied to first-degree burns to help soothe pain and reduce redness.
Apart from sunburn, calamine can also help with windburn by soothing and moisturizing the skin.
Helps in controlling sebum production on oily skin, reducing shine, and preventing the formation of new acne.
Temporary Relief from Irritation Post-Hair Removal: Used to soothe skin irritation after waxing, shaving, or other hair removal methods.
Calamine is sometimes used on pets for minor skin irritations, insect bites, or rashes, but it's important to consult a veterinarian before application.
Provides symptomatic relief during the course of these infections by alleviating itching and preventing excessive scratching.
Sometimes used as a base in compounded medications or combined with other active ingredients to treat specific skin conditions.
Safety Profile:
Some individuals may experience an allergic reaction to calamine, leading to redness, rash, itching, or swelling.
This is more likely if they have sensitive skin or allergies to the ingredients.
Prolonged use or excessive application may cause skin irritation, dryness, or peeling, particularly on sensitive or broken skin.
If calamine gets into the eyes, it can cause irritation, redness, and discomfort.
Immediate rinsing with water is recommended to alleviate symptoms.
Inhalation of calamine powder or aerosols can irritate the respiratory system, leading to coughing, throat irritation, or difficulty breathing.
This is more relevant in industrial or bulk handling scenarios.