Calamine lotion is widely used to soothe and relieve minor skin irritations and itching. Its formula typically contains zinc oxide and zinc carbonate, along with calamine, which has a cooling and soothing effect. Calamine lotion is used to treat many skin conditions, such as itching from insect bites, rashes, sunburn, chickenpox, and minor skin infections. Calamine also helps relieve skin irritation caused by contact with irritating plants, such as poison ivy. It works by cooling the skin and relieving itching and inflammation. Its astringent effect also helps dry wet rashes, which speeds up skin healing. The lotion is typically applied to clean, dry skin using a cotton ball or clean hands several times daily as needed and allowed to dry on the skin.