Crotamiton

Pronounced

"crow-TAM-it-un"

Common brand names:

Eurax

Uses

This medication is used to treat scabies. Scabies is a skin infection caused by mites that burrow into the skin. Irritation from the mites leads to severe itching and small bumps/blisters filled with fluid/pus. Crotamiton works by killing the mites that cause scabies. It also helps relieve itching related to scabies and other skin conditions. Crotamiton belongs to two classes of drugs: scabicides and antipruritics.

How to Use This Medication

This medication is for use on the skin only. Do not take this medication by mouth. Avoid applying crotamiton on the face, eyes, mouth, vagina, and any skin that is inflamed, raw, or oozing fluid.

If you are using the lotion, shake the bottle thoroughly before use.

To treat scabies, take a bath or shower before using this medication. Remove scaly or crusted skin by rubbing gently. Then dry with a towel. Massage a thin layer of the cream or lotion into all skin from the chin down to the toes, including skin folds/creases, between the fingers and toes, and on the soles of the feet. Trim fingernails short and apply the medication under the nails since the mites often live there. You may use a toothbrush to apply the medication under the fingernails. Immediately after use, wrap the toothbrush in paper and throw it away. Do not use the same toothbrush in the mouth because it may lead to poisoning.

Apply the medication again after 24 hours. Change clothing, towels, and bed sheets the next morning after each application. Wash all clothing, towels, and bedding that have been used in the 3 days before treatment and after each application in hot water and dry in a hot dryer (or dry-clean) to kill all the mites and prevent them from returning. Items that cannot be washed or dry-cleaned should be removed from contact with the body for at least 72 hours.

Take a bath 48 hours after the last application to remove the medication from your skin.

To treat other itching skin conditions besides scabies, massage a thin layer gently into the affected areas until the medication is completely absorbed. Repeat as needed, as directed by your doctor, usually 2 to 3 times a day.

After treating scabies, you may still have itching for several weeks. Ask your doctor about other medications that may help to soothe the itching. Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse.

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Information expires December 2025.