Crotamiton
Is It Right for You?
A complete guide to Crotamiton — what it treats, how it works, dosages, side effects, and when a clinician may prescribe it following an online consultation.
What Is Crotamiton?
Crotamiton is a topical medicine used to relieve itching and to treat scabies. Applied to the skin as a cream or lotion, it soothes irritation and helps deal with the mites that cause scabies.
It is sometimes combined with a mild steroid such as hydrocortisone to add an anti-inflammatory effect for itchy, inflamed skin. It is available under the brand name Eurax, with some preparations available from pharmacies and others on prescription.
Some crotamiton preparations are available over the counter, while combination products are prescription-only in the UK. A licensed clinician can review your skin condition through a telehealth consultation and prescribe where appropriate.
What Conditions Is Crotamiton Used For?
Crotamiton is used for:
relieving itch from a range of causes, including dry skin and dermatitis.
helping to treat the mite infestation, often after a dedicated scabies treatment.
the combination with hydrocortisone soothes itch while calming inflammation.
Do not apply crotamiton to badly broken, raw, or weeping skin, or near the eyes and mouth, as this can cause irritation. Seek advice if your skin is very inflamed or infected.
How Does Crotamiton Work?
Crotamiton relieves itching, although exactly how it does so is not fully understood. It is thought to have a soothing, anti-itch effect on the skin and nerve endings.
It also has activity against the scabies mite, helping to reduce the infestation when applied over the body as directed, usually alongside or after a specific scabicidal treatment.
When combined with hydrocortisone, the steroid reduces inflammation - redness and swelling - while crotamiton tackles the itch, giving relief in inflamed, itchy conditions.
Dosages & Administration
The correct dose depends on the type and severity of infection, age, weight, and kidney function. Always follow your clinician's instructions. The table below is for general reference only.
Administration Tips
Apply to clean, dry skin and rub in gently. For scabies, follow the specific instructions on how widely and how often to apply.
Avoid the eyes, mouth, and broken skin, and wash your hands after applying unless you are treating them.
Side Effects of Crotamiton
Crotamiton is usually well tolerated. Side effects are local and uncommon.
- Mild skin irritation or stinging
- Redness at the application site
- Itching or rash (allergic reaction in some people)
- Dryness
- Severe allergic skin reaction (allergic contact dermatitis)
- Widespread rash or blistering
- Marked irritation or swelling
- Skin thinning (with the steroid combination, prolonged use)
Some people develop an allergic reaction to crotamiton, with worsening rash, redness, or itching. If your skin reacts badly after applying it, stop using it and seek advice.
Drug Interactions
Always disclose all prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and supplements to your clinician or pharmacist before starting crotamiton.
Other creams on the same area can alter the effect or cause irritation. Leave time between products as advised.
Crotamiton is often used alongside or after a dedicated scabicide; follow the order and timing your clinician recommends.
Airtight dressings increase absorption of any steroid component, so only use them if instructed.
Important Warnings
Keep crotamiton away from the eyes, mouth, and genitals unless told otherwise, and avoid heavily broken skin where it can sting and irritate.
Treating scabies also means washing clothing and bedding and often treating close contacts at the same time. Follow the full advice given to clear the infestation.
Crotamiton can be used in children for itching and scabies but with care and according to age-specific instructions. Check with your clinician before use in young children.
Use only if needed, and avoid applying to the breast area before feeding. Tell your clinician if you are pregnant or breastfeeding so suitable advice can be given.
Speak to a Clinician About Treatment
Getting advice no longer means sitting in a waiting room. Through The GP Service, you can consult with a licensed clinician in minutes — from home, on your lunch break, or wherever works for you. If treatment is clinically appropriate, your clinician can issue a prescription during the consultation. A consultation does not guarantee a prescription.
The treatment you need, when you need it.
Crotamiton FAQs
Some crotamiton products are available from pharmacies, while combination products are prescription-only. A licensed clinician can review your skin and prescribe where appropriate via a telehealth consultation.
It has a soothing anti-itch effect on the skin, although the exact way it works is not fully understood. It also has activity against the scabies mite.
For scabies it is applied more widely over the body and repeated over several days, usually alongside a dedicated scabies treatment. Follow the specific instructions you are given.
Avoid the eyes and mouth. Only apply to the face if advised, and take care, as the skin there is more sensitive.
For itching it is typically applied two to three times a day to the affected area. Follow the directions on your specific product or from your clinician.
Some people are allergic to crotamiton. If your rash or itching worsens after using it, stop and seek advice, as you may need a different treatment.