Tiny Mosquito
Calamine Lotion to Treat Mosquito Bites
Calamine lotion has long been used as a simple, inexpensive, and effective remedy for a variety of different skin conditions and irritations including poison ivy, poison sumac, and poison oak as well as rashes, sunburn and insect bites such as those from mosquitoes. Its active ingredient is zinc oxide, a member of a class of drugs called anti-pruritics intended to reduce itching.
The soothing lotion is applied to the skin topically, has a pleasant smell
and color, and does not typically cause pain or stinging upon application.
It is readily available over the counter without a prescription and can
be obtained from virtually any drug store or super store, and even some
grocery stores will carry it on their shelves. Calamine lotion is one
of the less expensive anti-itch remedies; you can usually pick up a bottle
for less than a few dollars.
Precautions
As with any other drug or remedy, there are some precautions to take before
using calamine lotion. For example, prior to applying this product on
mosquito bites or any other skin condition, be sure to read the instructions
and the entire list of ingredients. If you know that you are allergic
to any of the lotion’s ingredients, do not use it. Instead, choose
one of the many other anti-itch ointments on the market today. After its
use, report any signs of an allergic reaction such as swelling or difficulty
breathing. Be especially aware if it is a first-time application.
Ask your Doctor
It is advisable to consult your doctor before using calamine lotion, especially
if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking other types of medication.
This remedy is usually safe for children, but should not be used on an
infant younger than six months of age. In general, the lotion is a harmless
product for most people and associated with very few side effects. Still,
it is better to be safe than sorry.
Application Guidelines
There are certain guidelines you should adhere to when using calamine
lotion. For instance, the solution indicates for topical use only - that
means it should be used on the skin’s surface only, never ingested
or applied to the mouth, eyes, or any other cavity. Prior to application,
shake the bottle well and wash your hands thoroughly. Dab a generous amount
onto the affected area using a cotton ball or Q-tip, and allow it to dry
completely. When the lotion has dried, you will notice a chalky spot on
your skin. For better results, you should avoid getting the area wet for
a few hours. Use warm water and mild soap to wash it off. If the area
continues to itch, you can reapply the lotion as often as necessary.
If the lotion fails to reduce the itching and irritation after a few applications, you can mix it with a bit of diphenhydramine in liquid or powder form in order to increase the anti-itching effect; the mixed solution is referred to as Caladryl.
Calamine lotion is a great addition to your medicine cabinet. It is safe, inexpensive, versatile, virtually pain-free, and comes in handy in a pinch—or a sting as it were!
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