Pick The Right Product
Here, the active ingredients you’re likely to see on labels and how to choose wisely.
Hydrocortisone: The 1 percent strength of this steroid cream, which eases itch by reducing inflammation, is in a slew of OTC itch products, such as Aveeno 1% Hydrocortisone Anti-Itch Cream, Cortizone 10 Maximum Strength Ointment, and generics.
If clearing up dry skin doesnt reduce the need to scratch in a few days, hydrocortisone is a good choice,” says Ethan Lerner, MD, PhD, and associate professor of dermatology at Harvard Medical School, whose lab at Massachusetts General Hospital studies skin itching. “Its also good for itchy rashessuch as skin reactions due to nickel in jewelry, buckles and snaps on clothing, and to irritants in laundry products. Drugstore hydrocortisone can help to soothe anal itching and discomfort from psoriasis and eczema as well.
Skip hydrocortisone for itching around your toes or in your vaginal area or groin, which might be caused by a fungal infection. Corticosteroids can actually make these infections worse by reducing immunity, so the fungus can thrive, Lerner says. Choose an antifungal product designed for your itching problem instead.
Diphenhydramine: Itch creams, gels, and sprays containing this antihistamine, such as Benadryl Extra Strength Itch Stopping Cream and generics, work by blocking the itchy effects of histamine, a compound produced in the skin during an allergic reaction.
Psoriasis And Vitamin D Deficiency
A topical supplement may help your treatment.
Fighting psoriasis, a condition characterized by patches of irritated, flaky skin that usually appear on the elbows and knees and across the trunk, is difficult throughout the year, especially in winter. New research may help explain why. Scientists in Italy found that people with psoriasis also suffer from vitamin D deficiency.
We speculated that vitamin D might be low in psoriasis patients, but this is the first good study that substantiates it, says Dr. Suzanne Olbricht, an associate professor of dermatology at Harvard Medical School.
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What Is Calamine Lotion Exactly
Calamine lotion is a topical ointment thats designed to help relieve itchy skin. The lotion is usually geared toward treating rashes caused by poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac, but it has more uses than that.
Calamine lotion has been around for hundreds of years and is known for its thick, soothing consistency and pink color, says board-certified dermatologist Ife J. Rodney, M.D., founding director of Eternal Dermatology and Aesthetics in Maryland.
Calamine lotion contains a mixture of predominantly zinc and iron salts, says Joshua Zeichner, M.D., director of cosmetic and clinical research at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City. The main ingredients are zinc oxide and iron oxide, but every brand of calamine lotion is a little differentsome can also contain ingredients like calcium hydroxide, carrageenan, glycerin, and water.
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Heal Flaky Red Skin With These Topical Treatments
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Psoriasis is a skin condition that most commonly causes red, scaly patches in areas along the body like the knees, scalp, and elbows. The long-term chronic condition has no cure, with people typically experiencing flare-ups for a few weeks to a few months before it dies down.
Although there is no cure to the condition, products on the market help to relieve dryness, itchiness, irritation, and discomfort. Not all lotions are created equal, with some using fragrances, dyes, and chemicals that can further irritate your psoriasis instead of relieving symptoms.
Mark Lebwohl, M.D., a New York board-certified dermatologist and member of the American Academy of Dermatology, told Verywell Health that people should seek an expert opinion if over-the-counter topicals dont relieve their psoriasis symptoms, as a prescription topical could provide better results.
How To Use Calamine Medicated Lotion
This medication is for use only on the skin as directed by your doctor. Do not apply on severely broken skin areas such as open wounds, deep cuts, or serious burns. If you are self-treating, follow all directions on the product package. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Gently clean and dry the affected area. If you are using a lotion or foam product, shake the container well before using as directed on the label. For skin irritation, apply to the affected area usually up to 3 to 4 times a day or as directed by your doctor. For hemorrhoids or other anal conditions, apply the medication to the affected area usually after each bowel movement or up to 4 to 5 times a day, or as directed by your doctor. Do not use this medication inside the rectum. Spray the foam onto a clean tissue and apply to the affected area. If you are using the hemorrhoidal cream, you may use the applicator that comes with it. Clean the applicator after each use.
Wash your hands immediately after use, unless the area being treated includes the hands.
Do not use this product on large areas of the body or use it more often than directed. Do not cover the area with waterproof bandages or plastic, or apply heat unless told to do so by your doctor. Your condition will not improve any faster, and your risk of side effects will increase.
Do not get the product in your eyes, nose, ears, or mouth. If the medication gets in these areas, wipe it off and rinse right away with water.
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Can Sudocrem Be Used On Newborns
Sudocrem can be used on newborns but if youre concerned about their sensitive skin, go for Sudocrem Care & Protect. Its a slightly softer version of the cream that comes in a grey tub and is a light and gentle ointment that protects the skin from the causes of nappy rash by caring for and protecting your babys extra delicate skin.
They also say, Sudocrem Care & Protect is certified as hypoallergenic, however if your baby has sensitive skin its always sensible to ask your pharmacist or GP for advice before you use a new product. You should also take a look at the full list of ingredients in case you recognise something you think your babys skin might react to.
So while classic Sudocrem is fine to use on newborns, Sudocrem Care & Protect might be a safer option for anyone particularly worried about their babys sensitive skin.
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How Long Do You Need To Give It
If you try a gluten-free diet, it can take several months for the inflammation to subside. It is recommended that you remain completely gluten-free for at least three months, being sure to remove all sources of gluten from your diet. After three months, if you are unsure if youâve seen a benefit from eliminating gluten, try adding it back into your diet. Over the next three to four days be sure to make note of increased itching, joint pain, headaches etc. If you donât notice any benefit, you may choose to add gluten back into your diet permanently.
Talk to your doctor or a nutritionist before your try a gluten-free diet.
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Genital Psoriasis: A Systematic Literature Review On This Hidden Skin Disease
Kim A. P. Meeuwis1,2, Joanne A. de Hullu2, Leon F. A. G. Massuger2, Peter C. M. van de Kerkhof1 and Michelle M. van Rossum1
Departments of 1Dermatology and 2Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
It is well known that the genital skin may be affected by psoriasis. However, little is known about the prevalence and clinical appearance of genital psoriasis, and genital skin is often neglected in the treatment of psoriatic patients. We performed an extensive systematic literature search for evidence-based data on genital psoriasis with respect to epidemiology, aetiology, clinical and histopathological presentation, diagnosis and treatment. Three bibliographical databases were used as data sources. Fifty-nine articles on genital psoriasis were included. The results show that psoriasis frequently affects the genital skin, but that evidence-based data with respect to the efficacy and safety of treatments for genital psoriasis are extremely limited. An advised treatment paradigm for genital psoriasis, based on the levels of evidence, is: first-line: topical corticosteroids second-line: vitamin D preparations or tar-based treatments. Key words: psoriasis inverse psoriasis flexural psoriasis male/female genital diseases genital treatment.
Acta Derm Venereol 2011 91: 511.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Key words and selection criteria
Study selection: inclusion and exclusion criteria
RESULTS
N/A: not applicable.
How To Apply Calamine Lotion Safely
Note: Calamine lotion is for external use only. Do not swallow it. Do not use it on the eyes or on inside the mouth, nose, genital, or anal areas. Please proceed with medical consent only. Do not self-medicate.
Note: Wash your hands before and after using calamine. Put on hand gloves and a nose mask if you are working on large, infected, and oozing areas.
Is calamine entirely safe for topical use? Can it be used on adults as well as children? Check out the next section for answers.
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Side Effects And Precautions
There are several considerations you should make before committing to any dietary or nutritional changes.
Talk to a doctor before you use or take any vitamins, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or looking to become pregnant.
While taking vitamin supplements is beneficial to your overall health and psoriasis symptoms, it is not a replacement for the treatment you are receiving from your doctor.
Topical Treatments For Psoriasis
These are drugs you rub directly on your skin. Along with a good moisturizer, theyâre usually the first thing your doctor will suggest, especially for mild to moderate psoriasis. There are over-the-counter and prescription options.
Topical treatments for psoriasis come as ointments, creams, or foam and include:
Steroid creams. These slow down immune cells in your skin. They can ease swelling and redness. Mild steroid creams are available over the counter. Youâll need a prescription from your doctor for something stronger. Steroids come with side effects and shouldnât be used on sensitive areas like your face or genitals. They can burn or thin the skin. Use them exactly the way your doctor tells you.
Salicylic acid. This can soften and thin scaly skin. But it can also irritate your skin if you leave it on too long. It might weaken your hair follicles and cause temporary hair loss, too. The body can absorb salicylic acid if you put it on large patches of skin.
Calcipotriol . This is a strong form of synthetic vitamin D. Itâs known to control overactive skin cells. Your doctor might pair it with a steroid cream.
Tazorac is available gel or cream and applied one and twice daily. it is ot recommended for those who are pregnant or breast-feeding or intending to become pregnant.
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Use Calamine Lotion To Soothe Your Sunburn
If space in your suitcase is limited then you need to be smart when it comes to whittling down your wash bag products.
Calamine lotion certainly earns its place thanks to two vital holiday uses.
Firstly, it works as a handy product for soothing insect bites, which seem to be an inevitable part of the holiday experience, however much you submerge yourself in insect repellent.
Secondly, its great for sunburn, explains Boots pharmacist Scot Taylor. ‘Calamine cream or lotion is really good for sunburnt skin, as after it is applied the calamine evaporates, which has a cooling effect, he reveals.
Obviously, we recommend prevention rather than cure when it comes to sunburn , but if you do get burnt, calamine is your calming friend.
And, if you find yourself parted from your broad spectrum suncream, calamine lotion can be used as an emergency sunscreen. ‘The product contains both iron and zinc which are able to block UV rays from the sun,’ says Dr Mahto.
Use Calamine Lotion To Tame Acne Flare
Whether its the morning after a heavy night or that time of the month, occasionally you wake up to find your face has turned into a disaster zone.
From giant lurking spots, to rough, red patches, calamine lotion is your go-to for an instant beauty boost, says hair and makeup artist Carly Hobbs.
‘When a model arrives on set with a spot or inflamed skin, I pop on a light dab of calamine lotion it calms the redness and reduces any kind of pesky swelling,’ she explains.
The reason this works is because of that clever zinc oxide. ‘In topical formations this may act as an anti-inflammatory, and temporarily reduce the redness of mild acne,’ says Dr Anjali Mahto, consultant dermatologist and author of The Skincare Bible: Your No-Nonsense Guide to Great Skin.
There are many skincare products now that use calamine lotion at the helm to target acne inflammation. Mario Badescu’s cult Drying Lotion is one of these however it’s also blended with salicylic acid for a double dose of blemish busting.
Essentially, what a cup of tea and a biscuit is for your soul, calamine lotion is for your skin.
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How Fast Does Calamine Lotion Work
Calamine lotion starts its work instantly, and initially, you may feel itching after applying, but it disappears in a few minutes, and its effects can stay for 4-5 hours a day and apply again as required.
If you wish the leave it for the entire night, dont cover the whole face or apply where needed.
Special note: calamine lotion is only used for external parts. Never swallow it never use it in the eyes, anal area, nostrils, or ears.
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May Accelerate Wound And Ulcer Healing
The mineral zinc is vital for wound healing. It is critical for skin regeneration. Studies show that topical supplementation of zinc oxide is more effective than the oral regimen. Zinc oxide formulations can heal diabetic foot ulcers, burns, wounds, and blisters , .
They also have antimicrobial properties and, thus, prevent microbial infection of open wounds. Therefore, calamine and insoluble zinc oxide have been listed as mild antiseptics, astringents, and protective agents in superficial wound care.
With all these benefits, calamine lotion can be considered as a first-aid staple. Heres how you use it.
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Powerful Benefits Of Calamine Lotion You Must Know
Elimination of dark spots from skin, treats acne, armpit rashes, yeast infections, psoriasis, eczema, genital warts, hives, insect bites, jock itch, shingles, scabies, soothing dry skin and other skin issues, reduction of oiliness, remedy for irritated skin and diaper rash in babies, curing pregnancy itches, poison ivy rash, itchy vulva, blisters of chicken pox, aids the healing of wounds, itchy urethra and opening of skin pores are some of the health benefits of calamine lotion you must know.
Calamine lotion is a solution that has the most extensive uses in the realm of skin problems. If you are prone to skin issues, knowing what calamine lotion is and how to use it can be of extreme help. Here are a few points associated with calamine lotion uses that can help you deal with skin issues in your day-to-day life:
Moisturize Frequently And Generously
Keeping the skin hydrated and moisturized is one of the most effective things you can do to stave off troublesome itchiness. Moisturizing reduces redness, softens scaly skin, and fosters optimal healing, all of which can help alleviate your itch.
Our dermatologists top tip? Put your lotions and moisturizers in the fridge for a game-changing cooling effect. You can thank us later!
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Prevention Of Photodamage And Skin Cancers
Zinc oxide is widely used as a broad spectrum physical sunscreen. Its advantage lies in its low cost and an excellent safety profile. It has been used alone and in combination with other physical or chemical sunscreen agents. Recently microfine and nano-sized zinc oxide has become available which provides better cosmetic appeal and photoprotection than traditional zinc oxide preparations. Zinc oxide provides protection against UV-A1 superior to titanium oxide providing better spectrum protection .
Eucerin Skin Calming Itch Relief Treatment
This fragrance-free lotion contains cooling menthol and soothing oatmeal to help relieve and calm itch. Although it wasnât created for people with psoriasis, its ability to âhelp relieve night-time itching,â according to the manufacturer, might appeal to people with psoriasis who know this problem all too well.
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How Can I Identify My Skin Type
If after 30 minutes your skin appears shiny throughout, you likely have oily skin if it feels tight and is flaky or scaly, you likely have dry skin if the shine is only in your T-Zone, you probably have combination skin and if your skin feels hydrated and comfortable, but not oily, you likely have normal skin.
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