Crotamiton is a topical medicine used to relieve itching and sometimes to treat scabies. You’ll find it as a cream or lotion. People choose crotamiton for mild itch or when other options aren’t suitable. If you’re treating scabies, keep in mind stronger or better-studied options exist, like permethrin cream or oral ivermectin, so talk with a clinician before assuming crotamiton is the best choice for you.
Read the product label or follow your doctor’s instructions. In general, apply to clean, dry skin and spread gently over the affected area. Adults usually apply from the neck down for body-wide scabies, while use on the face or broken skin isn’t recommended unless advised by a doctor. Most people use crotamiton once a day for a few days, but exact timing can vary—stick to the instructions you were given.
After applying, wash your hands unless you’re treating your hands for itching. Wash any clothes, towels, and bedding used in the 2–3 days before treatment in hot water, or seal items in a plastic bag for a few days to reduce the chance of reinfestation. Treat close household contacts if your healthcare provider recommends it—scabies spreads easily in households.
Common side effects are local: mild redness, burning, or irritation where you applied the cream. Stop use and call your doctor if you get a rash that spreads, swelling, trouble breathing, or signs of a skin infection (increasing pain, warmth, pus). If itching continues after treatment, that may be an allergic reaction to dead mites and not a treatment failure—check with your provider before repeating therapy.
Special groups: if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, very young, or elderly, ask a clinician before using crotamiton. The drug is topical, so systemic interactions are rare, but straightforward medical advice based on your health history is safer than guessing.
Quick practical tips: apply at night when skin is clean, avoid getting the product in the eyes or mouth, and don’t use on large broken wounds. Keep the container closed and store it at room temperature away from children. If symptoms don’t improve within about two weeks, or if symptoms get worse, see your doctor—scabies and some skin conditions need different or stronger treatments.
Want help picking the right option? A short visit or a telehealth consult can clarify whether crotamiton is a smart choice for your situation or whether a different treatment would work better and faster.
As someone who's dealt with scabies before, I can't stress enough the importance of prevention and proper treatment. To avoid infection, make sure to maintain good personal hygiene, wash clothes and bedding regularly, and avoid sharing personal items with others. If you suspect an infestation, consult a doctor immediately for diagnosis and treatment. One effective medication for treating scabies is Crotamiton, which helps alleviate itching and kills the mites causing the infection. Remember to follow your doctor's instructions and complete the treatment to prevent reinfection.