Quick Scoop

Calamine lotion is used to relieve itching, irritation, and mild skin inflammation , and it can also help dry out oozing rashes. It’s commonly used for poison ivy/oak/sumac, insect bites, chickenpox, heat rash, shingles, and mild sunburn or other minor skin irritations.

Common uses

  • Bug bites and stings.
  • Poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac rashes.
  • Heat rash and swimmer’s itch.
  • Chickenpox and shingles symptom relief.
  • Drying out weeping or oozing skin.

What it does

Calamine lotion does not cure the underlying cause of the rash or bite, but it can make the skin feel less itchy and uncomfortable while it heals. If the rash looks infected, is severe, or keeps getting worse, it’s a good idea to get medical advice.

If you want, I can also give you a very short “how to use calamine lotion safely” version.