Can calamine lotion treat chronic eczema?

Nov 29, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Liu Wenmin

Introduction

In general, calamine lotion can be used as an adjunctive treatment for chronic eczema. During use, keep the affected area clean and dry, wear loose, breathable cotton clothing to minimize friction and irritation. Avoid high water temperatures when bathing and refrain from using strongly alkaline cleansers. Also, reduce intake of spicy and irritating foods.

Generally, calamine lotion can be used as an adjunctive treatment for chronic eczema. The detailed analysis is as follows:

Calamine lotion contains ingredients such as calamine and zinc oxide, which have astringent and anti-itch properties. It helps relieve persistent itching caused by chronic eczema. Chronic eczema is often accompanied by impaired skin barrier function, leading to recurrent symptoms such as erythema, papules, and itching. Calamine lotion forms a protective film on the skin surface, reducing external irritants' impact on affected areas. Additionally, its astringent action helps reduce inflammatory exudation, preventing skin damage and secondary infection due to scratching, thereby creating favorable conditions for skin repair.

During use, it is important to keep the affected area clean and dry, wear loose, breathable cotton clothing to minimize friction and irritation. Avoid high water temperatures when bathing, and refrain from using strongly alkaline cleansers. In terms of diet, reduce intake of spicy and irritating foods, and increase consumption of vitamin-rich fruits and vegetables. If itching does not improve after application, or if redness, swelling, or stinging occurs, discontinue use immediately and consult a healthcare professional promptly to avoid delaying recovery.

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What causes a patch of skin on the finger to become extremely itchy, and what should be done about it?

In general, intense itching on a specific area of skin on the finger may be caused by contact with irritants, dry and dehydrated skin, dyshidrotic eczema, tinea manuum (fungal infection), or chronic eczema. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and then improve the condition under a doctor's guidance through general management, medication, or other treatments. In daily life, maintain cleanliness of the fingers and avoid frequent contact with allergenic substances such as metals and dyes.

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Why does hemangioma turn red after applying timolol hydrochloride?

Drug allergy reaction: Allergic to the ingredient carteolol hydrochloride, which upon contact triggers localized allergic inflammation, manifesting as redness, itching, and rash; in severe cases, blisters may develop. Discontinue the medication immediately. After physician evaluation, topical calamine lotion or hydrocortisone butyrate cream may be applied, and oral loratadine tablets taken to relieve the allergic symptoms. A revised treatment plan should be adopted thereafter.