What is the use of liquid phenol in calamine lotion?

Phenol is also known as carbolic acid, and is used as a disinfecting agent and topical anesthetic. It may be used to cauterize small wounds and is used in conjunction with calamine (zinc oxide and ferric oxide) as an antipruritic, or anti-itch agent. The phenol most likely is present for its anesthetic effects to calm the itching sensation.