Can calamine powder be applied to ulcerated skin?
Disease description:
While bathing, I suddenly noticed many blister-like bumps appearing on my body—especially on my neck and thighs—and they are itchy. I suspect they are heat rash (miliaria). I would like to ask: Can baby powder (heat-rash powder) be applied to broken or ulcerated skin?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Wang Xiaoyan
Calamine powder must not be applied to broken or ulcerated skin, as doing so may worsen the condition. When prickly heat blisters rupture, exudate (fluid) appears on the surface. Applying calamine powder at this stage causes it to mix with the exudate, forming a viscous layer that impairs local skin透气性 (breathability). Moreover, if the prickly heat lesions are broken or eroded, the local skin barrier is compromised, diminishing its resistance to external pathogens; bacteria present on the calamine powder may then invade the skin.
