Calamine lotion is an anti-itching agent commonly applied over chickenpox, eczema, sunburn, poison ivy rash or insect bites. In addition, calamine lotion will prevent mild infections if applied over blisters and acne. Calamine lotion is pink in color and dries on your skin like clay and, after days of application, removing the substance from your skin can prove difficult.
Fill your bathtub with warm water and soak for at least 30 minutes to loosen the calamine lotion from your skin. Wet a washcloth with the bathwater and lay it over your face to remove calamine lotion.
Get out of the bathtub and use a wet, soft cotton washcloth to wipe the lotion from your skin. Do not scrub the area. Apply light pressure and wipe in a downward motion over built-up calamine lotion. If the lotion does not come off completely after 15 passes with the washcloth, stop attempting to wipe it away.
Apply a drop of mild hand soap to the wet washcloth and attempt to wipe away the calamine lotion once more. Rub lightly in small, circular motions to build up suds from the soap. If the lotion does not come off after about 15 seconds, stop and set the washcloth to the side.
Soak a cotton ball in witch hazel and place it over the calamine lotion. Hold it over the calamine lotion for one minute before attempting to wipe it away.
Tip
Repeat the entire process the following day if not all of the calamine lotion came off your skin with the first attempt.
Never scrub your skin over a scabbed area as you risk removing the scab and causing a scar.
References
- "Home Remedies: A Practical Guide to Common Ailments You Can Safely Treat At Home Using Conventional and Complementary Medicines"; Michael Van Straten; 1998
- "Home Doctor"; DK Publishing and Michael Peters; 2009
- "Spots, Birthmarks and Rashes: The Complete Guide to Caring for Your Child's Skin"; June Thompson; 2003
Writer Bio
Serena Styles is a Colorado-based writer who specializes in health, fitness and food. Speaking three languages and working on a fourth, Styles is pursuing a Bachelor's in Linguistics and preparing to travel the world. When Styles isn't writing, she can be found hiking, cooking or working as a certified nutritionist.