Calamine Lotion to Reduce Skin Irritation in Children with Cast Immobilisation

Abstract

PURPOSE. To evaluate the effect of calamine lotion in reducing skin irritation in children with cast immobilisation and to identify factors correlating with skin irritation. METHODS. 250 children aged 6 to 15 years who underwent cast immobilisation for limb fractures were assigned into calamine (n=122) and non-calamine (n=128) groups. Data were collected at the time the cast was applied and removed. Potential confounders (gender, age, race, medical history, drug allergy, cast type, duration of casting, and extent of itch prior to casting) were identified. Each patient graded his levels of itch, sweat, and heat using a 5-point scale (with 5 indicating most severe). The on-duty plaster technician recorded the presence and type of skin lesions (blisters, wounds, or others) during cast removal. RESULTS. Children in the calamine group were less likely to develop skin lesions (1 vs. 9, odds ratio [OR]=0.115, p=0.009), had less itch during casting (mean difference=0.74, p<0.0001), had a greater decrease in the itch level (mean difference=0.84, p<0.0001), and had lower sweat levels (p=0.048). After adjusting for confounders, the chance of developing skin lesions remained lower in the calamine group (OR=0.063, p=0.003). Being an older child and having shorter duration of casting were associated with presence of skin lesions. The odds for having skin lesions increased by 39.2% per year increase in age (OR=1.392, p=0.04) and decreased by 9.4% per day increase in casting duration (OR=0.906, p=0.03). The decrease in itch level remained significantly greater in the calamine group after adjusting for confounders (p<0.0001). CONCLUSION. Calamine lotion may reduce skin irritation in children with full casts.

Cast immobilisation for the treatment of paediatric distal radius fracture: fibreglass versus polyolefin

“…(8)(9)(10) Assessed for eligibility Itchiness is a significant contributor to overall patient satisfaction. Calamine lotion can be applied to reduce skin irritation, (11) but this involves a one-time application that does not solve the root cause of the problem. The addition of polyolefin for skin protection and breathing holes for greater ventilation may contribute to less itchiness.…”

The Prescribing of Calamine Lotion in Alkharj

“…All of the prescribers who write calamine prescriptions were residents and this result is also rational because calamine in OTC medications and is generally safe. Mak et al stated that calamine lotion is a safe topical agent for the relief of itch and minor skin irritation [11].…”

Open-label, randomised, multicentre crossover trial assessing two-layer compression bandaging for chronic venous insufficiency: results of the APRICOT trial

“…Although the difference in pruritus levels between the two bandage brands was less obvious according to the outcomes measured with validated scales for itchiness, the anti-pruritic effect of Unna's boot has been demonstrated before in patients with sulphur mustard exposure. 16 Zinc oxide, the main ingredient of calamine, is a recognised antipruritic agent and like calamine itself is applied for a multitude of disorders (Gupta et al, 2014;Mak et al, 2013).…”