Can I use calamine lotion for hives while breastfeeding?

Understanding Calamine Lotion and Its Use for Hives While Breastfeeding
Calamine lotion is a well-known over-the-counter remedy primarily used to alleviate mild itchiness and discomfort associated with various skin irritations, including hives. Hives, or urticaria, are characterized by raised, itchy welts on the skin, often triggered by allergic reactions or irritants. For breastfeeding mothers experiencing hives, the question arises: Is calamine lotion safe to use?
Safety Profile of Calamine Lotion During Breastfeeding
According to recent analyses, calamine lotion has been assigned a safety score of 1 out of 8 by DrLact, indicating that it is generally considered safe for use during lactation. This score suggests that the likelihood of adverse effects on breastfed infants is minimal. However, it is essential to note that while calamine lotion is mostly safe, there is still limited information regarding its absorption into breast milk and its potential effects on nursing babies.
Recommendations for Use
While calamine lotion can effectively soothe the itching associated with hives, it is advisable for breastfeeding mothers to consult with a healthcare provider before using it. This precaution is particularly important because individual circumstances can vary, and a healthcare professional can provide personalized advice based on the mother’s health and the severity of her symptoms.
In general, calamine lotion works by drying out oozing skin irritations and providing a protective barrier on the skin. Its soothing properties can help alleviate the discomfort caused by hives, making it a viable option for many. However, mothers should ensure that the lotion is applied only to the affected areas and avoid any contact with the breast to prevent potential ingestion by the infant.
Conclusion
In summary, calamine lotion can be a helpful remedy for hives in breastfeeding mothers, with a safety profile that suggests minimal risk to nursing infants. Nevertheless, consulting a healthcare provider is crucial to ensure safe and effective treatment tailored to individual needs. As always, monitoring for any adverse reactions in both the mother and the baby is essential when introducing any new topical treatment.

How do you stop hives asap?

If you’re experiencing mild hives or angioedema, these tips may help relieve your symptoms:

1. Avoid triggers.
2. Use an anti-itch drug available without a prescription.
3. Apply cold.
4. Take a comfortably cool bath.
5. Wear loose, smooth-textured cotton clothing.
6. Protect your skin from the sun.

How do you treat hives while breastfeeding?

According to medical studies, steroid creams like betamethasone valerate and allergy medications like the antihistamine pheniramine are safe for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Is calamine lotion safe to use when breastfeeding?

If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding (chestfeeding), talk to your healthcare provider before using calamine lotion. Researchers don’t yet know if you can pass this drug onto your baby through your placenta or breast milk (chest milk).

What can breastfeeding moms take instead of Benadryl?

Zyrtec (cetirizine) is the preferred antihistamine when breastfeeding. Other second-generation antihistamines are also considered safe, but do not have as much research to support their use.

What cream is good for postpartum hives?

To get relief from the postpartum rash, use medical creams such as steroid creams, anti-itch lotions, and so on. However, to ensure proper care for both you and your child, you should consult your doctor about the safety of these creams while breastfeeding.

Should you put calamine lotion on hives?

And they’re equally effective at reducing itching and redness. Cool compresses, calamine lotion, and oatmeal baths are medication-free ways to treat hives quickly. Hives usually go away on their own.

When should you not use calamine lotion?

Calamine is for external use only. Do not swallow it and do not use it on the eyes or mucous membranes such as the inside of the mouth, nose, genital (sex organs), or anal areas.

What anti itch is safe while breastfeeding?

Non-sedating antihistamines are the preferred choice for a breastfeeding mother:

1. Loratadine (Clarityn®) (Powell 2007, Hilbert 1997),
2. Cetirizine (Zirtek®, BecoAllergy®, Piriteze®, Benadryl®) reaches low levels in breastmilk and is recommended by the British Society for Allergy and Clinical Immunology (Powell 2007)

Can hives affect my unborn baby?

And while hives are hands-down the worst pregnancy side effect Graff experienced in her three pregnancies, she was relieved to learn that they wouldn’t affect her baby – and recalls that they disappeared after she gave birth. Curious about hives in pregnancy? Read on to learn the causes, as well as treatment options.

Can I use calamine lotion for hives during pregnancy?

Calamine lotion and menthol are considered to be safe in pregnancy (Mehta 2014). Topical anaesthetic agents are seldom used as they are associated with an increased risk of allergic sensitisation (Lynde 2008).