Calamine lotion is used to reduce minor skin rashes, but should it be used during pregnancy? Read on to know if using calamine lotion during pregnancy is safe or not.
Pregnancy leads to many changes in the body of a woman but not every change is beneficial. These changes can vary from predicted changes, such as mood swings and breast tenderness, to less known changes such as itching. Hormonal changes during pregnancy decrease skin elasticity, causing skin moisture to become depleted while holding your belly rising. This can make the skin flake, itch, and dry around the stomach uncomfortably. Dry skin also occurs during pregnancy around the thighs, breasts, and arms. Some mothers start using calamine lotion to appease the itchy and dry skin.
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What Is Calamine Lotion?
Calamine lotion is a medication composed primarily of zinc oxide combined with a ferric oxide content of 0.5%. It is formulated by adding other components such as hydroxide calcium and phenol. It is used for treating minor skin disorders and mild rashes. There are also drying properties of this lotion, i.e. it is used to dry rashes out. It is often used to treat acne; certain individuals may be able to treat acne, but it does not eliminate breakouts. As it has to dry properties, it can cause irritation in excess of quantity. It can, therefore, be used sparingly or with a moisturizer.
Why Use Calamine Lotion During Pregnancy
To relieve moderate discomfort, mosquito bites, and dry skin, Calamine lotion is used topically. It won’t fix the underlying skin condition but it will offer relief from the itching encountered during pregnancy. Some pregnant women feel that itchy skin may be further irritated by-products with a heavy fragrance, too. But on such occasions, calamine lotion is slightly fragrant and is not considered to be an irritant. Hence, when pregnant, you can use it. The use of calamine lotion during pregnancy may not have known side effects.
Because of two of its properties, it is a natural fix for mild itching during pregnancy:
1. Antiseptic
Calamine lotion can avoid scratch-related infections and pregnancy rashes. Antiseptic properties help prevent contamination by the presence of the active ingredient zinc oxide.
2. Astringent Effect
The calamine lotion is useful to alleviate it during pregnancy, as calamine evaporates after applying on the skin, leaving the skin cool and relieving. It works in the way astringents work on the skin. This effect is also the reason why it is used for sunburn.
Can Itchiness Harm My Baby?
Your baby won’t be harmed by your itchy skin. However, extreme scratching will occasionally be a symptom of a liver condition called obstetric cholestasis in your third trimester (OC). You’ll feel really itchy in the major parts of the body if you have OC. Any of the signs make it distinct from daily itching:
- Itching also affects the palms of your hands and the soles of your thighs.
- Often at night, itching is worse.
- There is no rash here.
- Dark urine and pale-colored stools can also move through.
How to Apply Calamine Lotion During Pregnancy
Calamine lotion is supposed to be used on the external surface alone. Make sure you’re not swallowing the medicine. In addition, the mucous membrane tissues, i.e. the eyes, mouth, anal and genital regions, should not come into contact. Before using a calamine lotion:
- Always shake it well before you use it.
- Apply the lotion to a cotton wool ball.
- The moisturized cotton ball is then used to adhere to the infected skin surface.
- Let your skin dry with the medication.
- If you are using calamine ointment, you should add a lot of it to cover the infected skin and gently rub it on the skin.
What to Consider Before Applying Calamine Lotion During Pregnancy
Although calamine lotion is considered safe for expectant mothers, it is advisable, before deciding to use it, to consider the known risks.
1. Food and other substances interaction
Talking to your doctor to check whether applying calamine lotion will interfere with the foods you consume is considered judicious. To prevent any adverse reactions, calamine lotion should be applied well before or after meals. The adverse relationship between smoking and alcohol is considered to be with calamine. Smoking and alcohol intake is not recommended during pregnancy but can have harmful health effects if you smoke or drink alcohol. And the use of calamine lotion may interact with them.
2. Allergic reactions
Before adding any cream or lotion to your skin, take a patch test to check for adverse reactions. When a patch test is finished, you can safely apply the lotion if your skin has not responded for some time after the application. It is advisable to contact your doctor if you believe that you might be allergic to some particular ingredient used in the product. Reading the instructions for use and the list of ingredients will help to gain a clearer understanding of whether it includes any possible irritants.
3. Interaction with other medicines
Both prescribed or non-prescription medications you take should be made clear to your doctor before preparing to use calamine lotion. Certain medications should not be used with the calamine lotion. Other medications with approved interactions, however, are available. Your doctor will be able to adjust the dosage of these medicines as needed.
Calamine lotion may help to alleviate itchy skin while in the pregnancy, but since its use has not been well studied during pregnancy, it is advisable to consult a physician before using it. Itching is a common symptom that can lead to discomfort, especially in the stomach. If the doctor takes a step forward and if you are not allergic to it, you can use calamine lotion. However, if you have concerns about how to use it, see for some treatments, consult a doctor even better. And don’t forget about drinking water – your skin will be hydrated!
Also Read: 18 Most Embarrassing Pregnancy Problems
