Aqueous calamine cream: do not use before X-ray examination
Don't apply aqueous calamine cream onto the skin before an X-ray examination because it may affect the outcome of the radiograph.
Article date: October 2011
Aqueous calamine cream is used for the relief of symptoms of mild sunburn and other minor skin conditions. It contains zinc oxide 3.0% w/w. If used on the skin before an X-ray examination, the zinc oxide in this product may mimic intramammary calcifications, which can be an important indicator of early breast cancer.
After a review of the available safety information, information has been added to the product label and leaflet advising not to apply aqueous calamine cream onto the skin before an X-ray examination because it may affect the outcome of the radiograph.
Further information
BNF section 13.3 Topical local anaesthetics and antipruritics
Article citation: Drug Safety Update Oct 2011, vol 5 issue 3: S2.