What is Calamine and its Uses?

Properties of Calamine?

Calamine is a odourless powder, pink in colour and fine. Calamine is an ore and it contains zinc oxide and small amount of ferric oxide.

Chemical constituents of Calamine:

Calamine contains 99% zinc oxide and 0.5 % ferric oxide.

Calamine Lotion

The colour of the calamine is due to the presence of ferric oxide only. Calcium should not be present when it is used for pharmaceutical purposes.

Uses of Calamine:

• Calamine is used as a Topical Astringent
• Calamine acts as a Skin protectant
• Calamine is used as an Antiseptic
• Calamine is used as an Antipruritic
• Calamine is used as an ingredient in preparation of creams and lotions
• Calamine is used as an ingredient in cosmetics