A TikTok trend using calamine lotion as makeup has been blamed for a nationwide shortage of the cooling balm usually used to treat itchy chickenpox sores.
“The supply issue has coincided with the increased social media posts,” said Ifti Khan, Superintendent Pharmacist at Well Pharmacy.
The largest independent pharmacy chain in the UK said it had never seen a shortage on this scale before and blamed it partly on a spike in chickenpox, “but also, a trend on social media advocating using calamine lotion for cosmetic purposes”.
Videos circulating on TikTok, Instagram and YouTube have recommended calamine lotion as a make-up primer, an under-eye blush, jaw contour and a white concealer.
However, Mr Khan warned against using the balm as a cosmetic product as it can cause skin irritation and worsen acne.
Calamine lotion is an over-the-counter (OTC) medication used to soothe itchy blisters from chickenpox which has been out of stock for months in UK pharmacies, i previously revealed.
GPs often prescribe or recommend it for children who are struggling with a particularly itchy chickenpox rash but parents are having problems getting hold of it because of shortages across the UK.
Mr Khan, from Well Pharmacy, said: “Calamine Lotion is used to relieve itching and irritation caused by chickenpox, insect bites, stings, measles and sunburn. Also, it helps with pain and discomfort from minor skin irritations. It contains Zinc Oxide, which has an anti-inflammatory capability and helps in the soothing process.
“Social media posts have been shared claiming the benefits of the glycerine content in calamine lotion as a make-up primer, blush under the eye and as a white concealer.
“However, widespread use can dry the skin and result in a worsening of skin conditions and irritation, particularly with those with conditions such as acne. Consumers are advised not to use Calamine Lotion as a cosmetic product.”
He added: “Pharmacy teams have also commented on customers requesting calamine lotion for other cosmetic purposes on the back of seeing these posts or being recommended by friends.”
Calamine lotion is expected to be back in stock in the next month. In the meantime, Well Pharmacy advised speaking to your local pharmacy to get advice on alternative products which can help soothe the itching associated with chickenpox.
And when it is back in stock Well Pharmacy plans to advise their staff to check why people are purchasing it before selling it over the counter.
“We are planning to raise awareness further amongst our pharmacy teams so that they can check with customers looking to purchase Calamine Lotion. However, we require increased awareness across all retailers selling this line,” said Mr Khan.
The Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee (PSNC) declined to comment on the impact of the social media craze but said shortages in the raw ingredients have coincided with an increased demand for the product.
A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: “We are aware suppliers of calamine lotion are currently experiencing intermittent supply issues. Alternative products remain available and we are working to resolve this issue, with resupply expected in September.
“We have well established procedures to deal with medicine shortages and discontinuations, and work with a range of stakeholders to ensure that the risks to patients are minimised when they do arise.”
