An anti-itch cream
Crotamiton
A cream that relieves itching and is also used to settle the itch that lingers after scabies treatment.
What is Crotamiton?
Crotamiton is a cream used to relieve itching from many causes, and to settle the itch that can linger for a while after scabies has been treated. It soothes the skin and eases the urge to scratch. It is applied to the affected skin and can be reapplied, and is available over the counter and on prescription. Avoid broken skin and keep it away from the eyes. Wash your hands after applying it unless you are treating them.
Education and reference only. This is a plain-language guide to Crotamiton — it deliberately contains no doses. Doses depend on the person, the brand and the reason for treatment, and belong with your prescriber. Always check the BNF, the product labelling (SmPC) and follow medical advice.
What it is
Crotamiton is an anti-itch skin preparation, best known by the brand Eurax. It is used to relieve itching from many causes, such as dermatitis, dry skin and minor irritations. It is also commonly used to soothe the itch that can carry on for a while after scabies has been properly treated, because that itch can persist even once the mites are gone. It is applied to the skin and is available over the counter as well as on prescription.
How it works
Crotamiton works on the skin to relieve itching and ease the urge to scratch, soothing irritated skin. After scabies treatment, the itch can continue for some time even though the mites have been killed, and crotamiton helps settle this lingering itch while the skin recovers. It works locally on the skin rather than through the bloodstream, so its effects and any side effects are mainly at the spots where it is applied.
Company & origin
Originated / developed by: Generic (long-established).
A cream used in the UK to relieve itching, and after scabies treatment to settle lingering itch.
Practical use
How to take Crotamiton
General, dose-free guidance — always follow your prescriber's and the leaflet's specific instructions.
- Apply the cream to the itchy skin and rub it in gently.
- Reapply as needed for itch relief, as directed on the product or by your prescriber.
- For itch after scabies treatment, use it to soothe the lingering itch while the skin settles over the following weeks.
- Keep it away from broken, cracked or weeping skin and from your eyes, mouth and other delicate areas.
- Wash your hands after applying it, unless your hands are the area being treated.
- Get persistent, spreading or unexplained itch checked rather than relying on the cream alone.
Weighing it up
Advantages & disadvantages of Crotamiton
Advantages
- Soothes itching from many causes and eases the urge to scratch.
- Helpful for the lingering itch that often follows scabies treatment.
- Available over the counter as well as on prescription, and simple to use.
Disadvantages
- Eases the itch rather than treating an underlying skin disease.
- Can sting or irritate broken skin and stings if it gets in the eyes.
- May need reapplying for ongoing relief.
Practical use
Good to know
A useful thing to know is that itch after scabies treatment is common and does not always mean the treatment failed; crotamiton helps soothe this while the skin settles over the following weeks. Apply it to the itchy skin and rub it in gently, reapplying as needed for itch. Avoid broken, cracked or weeping skin and keep it away from the eyes, mouth and other delicate areas, where it can sting. Wash your hands after applying unless your hands are being treated. It eases itch rather than treating an underlying skin disease, so persistent, spreading or unexplained itch — or a rash that looks infected or comes with feeling unwell — should be checked rather than just covered with cream.
Who should not take it / use with caution
- It should not be applied to broken, cracked, weeping or badly inflamed skin without advice.
- It should be kept away from the eyes, mouth and other delicate areas.
- Anyone who has reacted to it before should avoid it.
Monitoring
- Checking whether the itch settles and whether the cause needs further assessment.
- Watching for skin irritation or a reaction where it is applied.
- Remembering that itch after scabies can persist for weeks even when treatment has worked.
Side effects
- Mild skin irritation, redness or a rash in some people.
- Stinging if applied to broken skin or if it gets in the eyes.
- Rarely, an allergic-type skin reaction.
Key interactions
- No significant medicine interactions, as it acts on the skin surface.
- Other irritating skin products on the same area may add to any stinging.
- Tell your pharmacist about other creams used on the same skin so they can be timed sensibly.
Available as: A cream applied to the skin, and sometimes a lotion.
Answers
Crotamiton: frequently asked questions
Why am I still itchy after scabies treatment?
Itch can carry on for a while after scabies has been properly treated, even once the mites are gone; crotamiton helps soothe this lingering itch while the skin settles.
Does crotamiton treat the cause of my itch?
It relieves itching and eases the urge to scratch, but it does not treat an underlying skin disease, so persistent or unexplained itch should be checked.
Can I use it on broken skin?
No, avoid broken, cracked or weeping skin and keep it away from your eyes, mouth and other delicate areas.
How often can I apply it?
Apply it to the itchy skin and reapply as needed for relief, following the directions on the product or from your prescriber.
Should I wash my hands after using it?
Yes, wash your hands after applying it, unless your hands are the area being treated.
Authoritative sources
- BNF
- NICE CKS
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