Eurax (Crotamiton) Guide: Uses, How to Apply, Side Effects, and Scabies Treatment

Sep, 15 2025

• Eurax (crotamiton) is a topical anti-itch medicine; in some countries it’s also labeled for scabies, but it’s not first-line for killing mites.
• For itch: rub a thin layer 2-3 times daily. For scabies (where labeled): apply head-to-toe (neck down in adults), repeat in 24 hours, wash off 48 hours after the last dose.
• It can sting on broken skin and around eyes/genitals. Avoid open wounds and inflamed skin. Patch test if you have sensitive skin.
• Permethrin 5% (and oral ivermectin) beat crotamiton for scabies cure rates per CDC and Cochrane data; Eurax helps the itch.
• Kids, pregnancy, and breastfeeding need special care; when unsure, talk to a clinician before using it on infants and during pregnancy.

What Eurax is, what it helps, and what to expect

If you’re dealing with relentless itch from bug bites, dry patches, or a rash that keeps you up at night, you want fast, simple relief. That’s exactly where Eurax steps in. Eurax is the brand name for crotamiton, a topical anti-itch agent that also has scabicidal activity (it can kill scabies mites) depending on the product labeling in your country.

What it is: Eurax cream (and sometimes lotion) contains crotamiton 10% as the active ingredient. There’s also a combo version in some markets called Eurax HC, which pairs crotamiton with 1% hydrocortisone for short-term inflammation and itch.

What it helps: itching from insect bites, allergic or irritant rashes, dry skin flares, and sometimes the itch that lingers after scabies treatment. In the U.S., the FDA label includes scabies treatment for crotamiton 10% cream/lotion. In the UK and some EU countries, crotamiton is used mainly for itch relief, while scabies is typically treated with permethrin as first line.

How well it works: for itch, many people feel relief within 30-60 minutes after application and can reapply 2-3 times a day as directed. For scabies, cure rates with permethrin 5% and oral ivermectin are higher than with crotamiton in comparative reviews. The CDC’s 2023 clinical guidance and a Cochrane Review on scabies have both pointed to stronger efficacy for permethrin and ivermectin compared with crotamiton. So think of Eurax as a useful itch reliever and a secondary option for scabies where permitted.

Availability: it’s sold over the counter in many countries (cream or lotion). In some regions it may be behind-the-counter or require pharmacist advice.

Realistic expectations: for pure itch, it’s about comfort and sleep. For scabies, even after successful treatment, itching can linger for 2-4 weeks due to your skin’s immune reaction. That doesn’t always mean treatment failure. Watch for new burrows or new lesions, not just itch.

How to use Eurax step-by-step (itch vs scabies)

Use changes based on your goal: calming itch or treating scabies. Follow the label where you live, and if you’re treating scabies, make sure close contacts are treated too to stop ping-pong reinfestation.

For itch relief (bites, rashes, dry skin)

1. Clean and dry the area. Pat-not rub-so you don’t provoke more itch.
2. Apply a thin layer. Use just enough to cover the itchy spots. Massage in gently until it disappears.
3. Repeat 2-3 times daily. Space applications through the day. If the skin is very dry, layer a bland moisturizer 10-15 minutes later.
4. Avoid eyes, lips, and genital mucosa. If it gets in eyes, rinse with cool water for several minutes.
5. How long to use: usually a few days. If itch persists beyond a week or worsens, check in with a clinician to rule out an infection, eczema flare, shingles, or scabies.

For scabies treatment (where labeled for this use)

Always read your package insert. The following matches the common FDA regimen for crotamiton 10% cream/lotion used in the U.S.

1. Night 1 prep: Shower, dry completely, trim nails, and remove jewelry. Cool skin is less reactive and absorbs more evenly.
2. Apply from neck down (adults). Include all skin folds, between fingers and toes, under nails, soles, under breasts, belly button, buttocks crease, and genitals (external only; avoid mucosa). For infants and elderly, apply to scalp and hairline too unless your healthcare professional instructs otherwise.
3. Hands rule: Reapply to hands after each wash, since washing removes product.
4. Repeat in 24 hours: Apply the second full-body coat the next night.
5. Wash off 48 hours after the last application: Shower and change into clean clothes and fresh bed linens.
6. Treat close contacts: Household members and sexual partners should be treated at the same time, even if they’re not itchy.
7. Decontaminate: Hot-wash and hot-dry clothing, towels, and bedding used in the prior 3 days. Items that can’t be washed can be sealed in a bag for 72 hours.
8. Expect lingering itch: It can last 2-4 weeks after mites are gone. That’s normal. Use moisturizers and anti-itch measures (cool compresses, Eurax for itch, or your doctor’s add-ons) during this period.

Pro tips that prevent treatment failure

• Don’t miss body areas. Common misses: between fingers, behind ears, around nails, soles, groin folds, and under bra straps.
• Clip nails short and scrub under them with a brush before the first application.
• Put the first application on at bedtime and wear clean, long-sleeve sleepwear to limit rubbing off on sheets.
• Consider a partner check. Have someone confirm you covered hard-to-see areas like your back.
• If you wake up and wash hands, reapply to hands and wrists.

Quick application checklist

• ✔ Skin clean and dry
• ✔ Full-body coverage (adults: neck down; infants/elderly: include scalp if advised)
• ✔ Between fingers/toes and under nails
• ✔ Reapply to hands after washing
• ✔ Second coat in 24 hours
• ✔ Shower 48 hours after the last coat
• ✔ Treat household/partners at the same time
• ✔ Hot-wash/dry bedding and clothes

Safety: side effects, who shouldn’t use it, and special groups

Most people tolerate crotamiton well. Still, patch-test if your skin is reactive. Apply a small dab to the inner forearm and wait 24 hours before wider use.

Common side effects

• Brief burning or stinging on application
• Redness or irritation, especially on freshly shaved or inflamed skin
• Dryness or mild dermatitis with repeated use

Uncommon but important: allergic contact dermatitis (itch worsens, rash spreads, or blisters). Stop and seek medical advice if that happens.

Who should avoid or use with caution

• Allergy to crotamiton or any product ingredient
• Broken, oozing, or infected skin (risk of more irritation)
• Very inflamed dermatitis or widespread eczema flares (talk to a clinician-barrier repair or steroids may be better first)
• Eye area, lips, mucous membranes, and inside genitals (avoid)

Special populations

Children: Safety data under age 3 are limited for crotamiton. Many guidelines prefer permethrin 5% for scabies in infants and young children because of stronger evidence. For simple itch in kids, ask a pediatric clinician before use, especially under age 2.

Pregnancy: Data on crotamiton exposure in pregnancy are limited, and absorption through intact skin is low. For scabies, permethrin 5% is generally preferred in pregnancy (recommended by CDC and many national guidelines). For itch in pregnancy, use the smallest amount for the shortest time and confirm with your prenatal care provider.

Breastfeeding: Likely low risk with small-area use on intact skin. Avoid applying to the nipple/areola; if needed, apply after feeding and wash off before next feed. For scabies, get clinician guidance on the best agent and how to protect the infant.

Older adults: Skin is thinner and drier; use sparingly and moisturize. If treating scabies, some clinicians include the scalp in elderly patients.

Drug and product interactions

• No major drug interactions are known with topical crotamiton.
• Avoid layering multiple strong topicals (like retinoids or harsh acids) on the same area; it can amplify irritation.
• If you’re prescribed topical steroids (e.g., hydrocortisone) for the itch, ask whether to alternate times of day rather than mixing on top of each other.

When to get medical help

• Itch is severe, spreading, or keeps you awake for more than a week
• New burrows, bumps, or pus-filled lesions after scabies treatment
• Signs of skin infection: increasing pain, warmth, swelling, crusting, or fever
• Rash involves eyes or widespread blistering

Sources that guide these safety notes include the FDA label for crotamiton 10% cream/lotion (Eurax), CDC scabies clinical care guidance (last reviewed 2023), UK Clinical Knowledge Summaries on scabies and pruritus (regularly updated), and the 2018 Cochrane Review comparing scabies treatments.

Alternatives, comparisons, FAQs, and next steps

If your main goal is itch relief, you’ve got options: moisturizers, cold compresses, oral antihistamines at night, short courses of low-strength steroids on inflamed areas, and crotamiton. If you’re fighting scabies, first-line choices are usually permethrin 5% or oral ivermectin (depending on age, pregnancy, and access), with crotamiton as a secondary option in some settings.

How Eurax stacks up

Best for / Not for

• Eurax best for: itchy rashes that aren’t broken or infected; post-scabies itch; people who want a non-steroid topical option.
• Eurax not for: eyes, lips, genital mucosa, open wounds; very inflamed eczema; solo treatment for scabies when you can access permethrin/ivermectin with stronger cure data.

Scenario playbook

• Itchy bug bites on arms: Clean, apply a thin layer 2-3x/day for up to a week. Add a cold compress for 10 minutes before applying.
• Confirmed household scabies: Use permethrin 5% for everyone at the same time if available; consider crotamiton where local labeling supports it and permethrin isn’t accessible or tolerated. Decontaminate bedding/clothes and plan a day 7-10 reassessment.
• Post-scabies itch won’t quit: Moisturize twice daily, cool showers, Eurax for itch, and a short course of low-potency steroid on inflamed patches if advised. Recheck if new burrows appear.
• Sensitive skin flares with anything: Patch-test Eurax on the forearm first. If stinging is strong or rash spreads, stop and ask about alternatives.

Mini‑FAQ

Does Eurax kill scabies? It can, but it’s not as reliable as permethrin or ivermectin in head-to-head evidence. Many guidelines use crotamiton mainly for itch relief or as an alternative when first‑line options aren’t suitable.

How fast does it work for itch? Many people feel relief within an hour. Reapply 2-3 times daily as directed.

Can I use it on my face? Avoid eyes and lips. For facial itch, ask a clinician, since the skin there is sensitive and often needs different care.

Is it safe in pregnancy? Data are limited. For scabies, permethrin 5% is usually preferred during pregnancy. For simple itch, use the smallest amount for the shortest time and check with your prenatal provider.

Can kids use it? Caution under age 3. For infant scabies, clinicians usually choose permethrin 5%. Always confirm pediatric dosing and products.

Why am I still itchy after scabies treatment? Post‑scabetic itch can last 2-4 weeks. It doesn’t always mean treatment failed. Look for new burrows or new lesions to judge activity, not just itch.

Can I layer it with moisturizers or steroids? Yes-usually apply Eurax to itchy spots, wait 10-15 minutes, then moisturize. If also using a steroid, ask whether to alternate times (e.g., steroid in the morning, Eurax at night) to limit irritation.

Any laundry rules? Hot-wash and hot-dry clothing, towels, and bedding used in the 3 days before treatment. Seal non‑washables for 72 hours.

Next steps and troubleshooting

• If itch is mild: Start with moisturizers, cool compresses, and spot applications of Eurax 2-3x/day for up to a week.
• If you think it’s scabies: Arrange a same‑week clinic or telehealth visit to confirm. If permethrin/ivermectin are available and suitable, use those first. If not, follow the labeled crotamiton regimen precisely and treat all close contacts.
• If skin burns or worsens: Wash off gently with lukewarm water, stop using, and switch to bland emollients. Seek medical advice if the reaction is strong.
• If symptoms persist: No clear improvement after 7-10 days for itch, or new lesions after scabies treatment, needs re‑evaluation. You may need a different diagnosis (eczema, folliculitis, impetigo, bedbugs, dermatitis herpetiformis) or a stronger scabies regimen.
• If you’re pregnant/breastfeeding or treating an infant: Get personalized advice before using Eurax for scabies. Safety choices are different in these groups.

Evidence and guidance referenced: FDA label for crotamiton 10% (Eurax), CDC scabies clinical care guidance (2023 review), UK Clinical Knowledge Summaries (pruritus/scabies), and the 2018 Cochrane Review on scabies treatments. These sources consistently place permethrin and ivermectin as more effective for scabies cure, with crotamiton serving a useful role for itch and, in some regions, as an alternative scabies option.