Does it itch? Does it bite insects? Let's find out exactly what Calamine; Pramoxine Lotion is!

Not only the little ones in our homes, but also the adults often get itchy and red skin after being bitten by a mosquito, an ant, a wasp, or some wild leaf. Sometimes it can form small blisters, and when you scratch it, it can even cause injury. So, in times like these, this pink liquid is a medicine that many of us buy from the pharmacy and keep in our medicine cabinet. Although we know it by brands like Caladryl Pink, today we are talking about the ingredients in it called Calamine and Pramoxine.

Simply put, what is this medicine?

This is actually a combination of two medications. Think of it like solving a problem from two sides. 1. Calamine: This is what it does to protect your skin. It creates a little protective film over the itchy, red area of ​​your skin. Then that area stops coming into contact with things in the environment and getting worse. It also helps to reduce the moisture caused by scratching by creating a little dryness. 2. Pramoxine: This is the workhorse. This acts as a local anesthetic. Now you might be wondering what it is. Simply put, before extracting a tooth, the doctor injects a little medicine into the gum, right? Then that area becomes numb and you don't feel the pain. That's how, when this pramoxine is applied to the skin, the nerves in that area temporarily become numb. Then the brain doesn't get the signal "It's itching here" or "It hurts here." So both the pain you feel and the unbearable itching disappear. So when these two come together, the discomfort that comes with being bitten by an insect, being bitten by a weed, or having a minor skin allergy can be quickly reduced.

Things to know before using this

Although you can buy this over-the-counter at the pharmacy, it's always wise to talk to your doctor before using it, especially if you have any of these conditions.

• If you have allergies : If you are allergic to Calamine, Pramoxine, or any other ingredients in this lotion (dyes, preservatives). Also, if you have a history of allergies to any other medications or foods, tell your doctor about it.
• If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant: We need to be very careful when using any medicine during pregnancy . Although this liquid is generally considered safe, your doctor is the best person to decide whether it is appropriate for your situation.
• If you are a breastfeeding mother:We need to think twice about using medication while breastfeeding . Although there is a low risk of this medication passing to the baby through breast milk when applied to the skin, it is safest to consult a doctor before using it.

How exactly do you use this?

To get the most out of this, it is very important to know how to use it correctly. 1. For external use only: This is a medicine that is only to be applied to the skin . Do not drink it or take it inside the body in any other way for any reason. 2. Wash your hands: Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly with soap before and after applying the medicine. 3. Be careful with your eyes: Do not let this get into sensitive areas such as the eyes, around the eyes, inside the nose, or inside the mouth. If you accidentally get it in your eyes, do not panic and immediately rinse your eyes thoroughly with clean water for several minutes. If your eyes are still red or irritated after washing, see a doctor. 4. Apply as a thin film: Shake the bottle well and apply a thin film to cover only the area you need. There is no need to apply it too thickly. 5. Follow the instructions: Use only the number of times a day as directed by your doctor or as indicated on the bottle. Do not apply too often, hoping to "reduce itching quickly." 6. Do not apply anything else: Do not apply any other cream, oil, or other ointment on the area where this liquid has been applied without consulting your doctor.

Is this good for young children?

Generally, children over 2 years old can use this. However, it is best to consult a pediatrician before using this on a young child. Because children's skin is very sensitive, the doctor will determine the appropriate dosage and how long to use it.

What to do if you overdose on medication?

If someone, especially a small child, accidentally drinks this, it can be very dangerous. If that happens, don't waste any time. Take them to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. On the way, if possible, call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice. They will advise you on what to do until you get to the ETU.

What side effects can be expected?

Like any medicine, this one can cause minor side effects in some people. But for the majority, it doesn't cause any problems. Let's take a look at what these side effects are.

Any time to see a doctor

Although this is a common remedy for itching, sometimes the underlying problem can be more serious. Therefore, it is important to seek medical advice in such cases.

• If your symptoms ( itching , redness) do not improve after 7 days of using this .
• If your symptoms are getting worse .
• If the area where the medicine was applied starts to ooze, become sore, or become very swollen (these may be signs of an infection).
• If you have symptoms like fever along with the itching.

How do you keep this safe and remove it?

It is also very important to keep the medicine bottle safe.

• Keep away from children and pets: Because of its pink color, young children may mistake it for a drink and drink it. So keep it locked away in a cupboard, out of their reach.
• Store at room temperature: Generally, it is best to store between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius (68 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit). Do not expose to extreme heat or extreme cold (in the refrigerator).
• Discard after expiration: If the expiration date on the bottle has passed, do not use it.

When disposing of expired medication, do not throw the bottle in the trash. A small child could pick it up. The best thing to do is to remove the medication from the bottle, mix it with something like used tea leaves or coffee grounds, put it in a small bag, seal it, and throw it in the trash. Alternatively, you can ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice on this. Calamine Pramoxine lotion Sinhala, medicine for itchy skin, insect bites, skin irritation Sinhala, Caladryl Pink, skin allergies, skin diseases