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.

Calamine Lotion 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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