How to Apply Calamine Lotion

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Co-authored by Asmi Sanghvi, DO

Last Updated: November 4, 2024 Fact Checked

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Applying Calamine Lotion

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Storing Calamine Lotion

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Taking Precautions

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Video

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Expert Q&A

If your skin is irritated from a plant like poison ivy or an illness like the chickenpox, calamine lotion is an over-the-counter remedy that can provide relief and speed up your recovery. Even if your skin isn’t irritated, calamine lotion can be used in your skincare routine as a primer or moisturizer. It may even help heal and fade acne scars and other skin damage. By applying calamine lotion to a cotton pad and dabbing your skin with it gently, you could experience great relief and skincare benefits!

Things You Should Know

Calamine lotion is a gentle, over-the-counter topical remedy that soothes red, irritated skin. It can also be used as a moisturizer and makeup primer.
The ingredients in calamine lotion tend to separate in the bottle, so be sure to shake the bottle well before applying the medication.
Moisten a cotton pad with calamine lotion and gently swab the affected skin to apply a thin layer. Wait several minutes for the lotion to dry completely.
It's safe to reapply calamine lotion as often as you'd like to relieve irritation.

Part 1

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Applying Calamine Lotion

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The different parts of calamine lotion tend to separate when they sit for a while. Shaking the bottle well before applying it ensures that all the ingredients combine, which will make it work most effectively.^{[1]
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Place a cotton pad over the opening of the bottle and tilt the bottle towards the pad so that the liquid pours onto the cotton. Repeat this process until the pad is moist with lotion but not sopping wet.^{[2]
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Dab the wet cotton pad gently over the affected skin. Make sure to cover the whole affected area at least once.^{[3]
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- Avoid picking or pulling at the affected skin while applying as this will only irritate it further, making it take longer to heal.^{[4]
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- If you’re applying the lotion as a primer for makeup, you can use a stippling brush to spread a thin layer over your face before applying makeup.
Calamine lotion is for external use only. If you’re applying it to your face, stay away from the area around your eyes and lips. Do not apply it to any orifices or genitals. If you accidentally do so, wash out the affected area immediately with water.^{[5]
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Once you have covered the entire affected area of skin, let the lotion sit. Do not cover the skin you have applied the lotion to until it is completely dry, as fabric could absorb the lotion. It could take a few minutes for the lotion to dry completely. Check the area by lightly touching it with your fingertips. When it’s done setting, it should feel completely dry.^{[6]
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Reapply as often as needed. Calamine lotion can be applied as often as you need relief.^{[7]
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Asmi Sanghvi, DO
Board Certified Dermatologist

Expert Interview. 16 August 2021.} If you’re concerned you’re using it too much, check the directions on the bottle or ask your doctor.^{[8]
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- If your skin irritation is bothering you a lot, you can even apply a second coat of lotion after the first one dries. To apply a second coat of lotion, simply repeat the same process.

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Storing Calamine Lotion

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The directions on the bottle will tell you how to store the lotion. Usually, you will want to keep it in a closed container and put it somewhere away from moisture and direct light. You will also want to keep it at room temperature and not let it freeze. In most cases, a medicine cabinet works well for storage.^{[9]
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Make sure kids will not be able to get to your calamine lotion without help or supervision. Children could accidentally use calamine lotion in a dangerous way, such as swallowing it or putting it in their eyes or nose. By keeping it where kids can’t get it, you should be able to avoid that problem.^{[10]
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Discard the lotion after its expiration date. Your bottle of calamine lotion should have an expiration date printed on the label. Take note of it and safely discard the lotion when the date has passed. Calamine lotion does not become dangerous after the expiration date, but it will usually be less effective.^{[11]
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- When discarding your lotion, make sure you’re not temporarily putting it somewhere a child could reach it.

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Taking Precautions

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If you have a serious skin irritation, you should see your doctor before trying to treat the irritation yourself. Your doctor may give you specific directions about how to use calamine lotion. You should follow these instructions.^{[12]
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Your bottle of calamine lotion will have directions on the side that will tell you how best to use it. Consult these and follow them as closely as possible. You can veer from these directions, though, if your doctor gives you different instructions.^{[13]
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Occasionally, calamine lotion can cause further skin irritation. Do not continue to use it if it irritates your skin in any way. Contact your doctor if it causes painful or persistent irritation.^{[14]
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Calamine lotion will not always completely relieve skin irritations.^{[15]
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Asmi Sanghvi, DO
Board Certified Dermatologist

Expert Interview. 16 August 2021.} If it has not helped improve your condition after a week, consult a doctor to learn about different treatment options.^{[16]
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Expert Q&A

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Question

Is calamine lotion good for your skin?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

Yes, calamine lotion is soothing and can reduce irritation, acne, and even works as a gentle moisturizer. It is one of the oldest skincare treatments.

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Question

How do you apply calamine lotion for chicken pox?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

Apply it to a cotton ball and dab it onto individual pox. Apply liberally to provide significant relief from itching.

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Question

What is calamine lotion used for?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

Calamine lotion is used for soothing irritated skin from eczema, to treat acne, and to relieve itch from a variety of skin conditions.

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