Calamine is a pink, chalky lotion that soothes itchy, irritated skin. If you've ever had poison ivy, chicken pox, or bug bites that drive you crazy with itching, someone probably dabbed calamine lotion on the spots to help them feel better. The lotion dries into a pale pink powder on your skin, which might look a little funny, but it really does calm the itch.

Calamine contains zinc oxide and zinc carbonate, ingredients that can also be found in some thick white sunscreens. When you smooth it on an itchy rash, it creates a cooling sensation and forms a protective layer over the irritated area. It won't cure the rash, but it makes the itching far more bearable while your body heals itself.

People have been using calamine to treat skin problems for a long time. You'll find bottles of calamine lotion in most medicine cabinets and first-aid kits, ready to rescue anyone suffering from that maddening urge to scratch.