“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. The lotion is usually geared toward treating rashes caused by poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac, but it has more uses than that. What is calamine lotion, exactly?Ĭalamine lotion is a topical ointment that’s designed to help relieve itchy skin. prime calamine lotion season thanks to irritating bug bites-learn exactly how the anti-itch cream works and the skin issues it helps soothe. Your grandparents used it, your parents reach for it, and you probably have a bottle of it tucked away somewhere.īut for all of its fame, most people still get confused about how calamine lotion works or when to use it. Calamine lotion has been the go-to solution for inflamed and itchy skin for decades.