Eurax is a topical medicine containing crotamiton 10%. It is used for two primary indications: to treat scabies infestations and to relieve pruritus (itching) from various causes. Its dual mechanism makes it valuable during and after scabies therapy: it acts against Sarcoptes scabiei mites while providing symptomatic itch relief, which can persist even after mites are eradicated.
For scabies, Eurax is applied to the entire body from the neck down (sometimes including the scalp in certain cases as directed) to kill mites and their ova on the skin. For non-scabies itching, it can be applied to focal areas to calm irritation from insect bites, contact dermatitis, or other inflammatory skin conditions when a clinician deems it appropriate.
Eurax is often chosen when patients cannot tolerate first-line agents or need additional itch control. It can be used in adults and, under healthcare guidance, in older children. Because certain causes of itch require different treatments (for example, permethrin or oral ivermectin for scabies, antihistamines or topical steroids for allergic rashes), an accurate diagnosis is essential before initiating therapy.
Beyond medication, effective scabies management includes environmental decontamination (washing bedding and clothing in hot water, sealing non-washable items), notifying and treating close contacts, and managing post-scabetic itch with moisturizers, gentle cleansers, and lukewarm bathing. Eurax can fit into this comprehensive care plan when prescribed or recommended by a clinician.
Use Eurax exactly as directed by your healthcare professional or the product label. Do not exceed the recommended amount or frequency. The regimen differs for scabies treatment versus itch relief.
For scabies (adults and as directed in older children):
1) Bathe or shower, then thoroughly dry the skin. Trim fingernails to reduce harboring mites under the nails.
2) Apply a thin, uniform layer of Eurax cream or lotion to the entire body from the chin down, including between fingers and toes, under nails, wrists, armpits, groin/skin folds, buttocks, and soles of the feet. Avoid eyes, mouth, mucous membranes, and broken or very inflamed skin. In some patients (for example, the elderly or when scalp involvement is suspected), clinicians may direct scalp application.
3) Allow to dry, then leave on. Reapply after 24 hours without bathing in between, unless your clinician instructs otherwise. A common schedule is two total applications 24 hours apart, followed by a bath or shower 48 hours after the second application. Replace any product washed off the hands during the treatment period (reapply after handwashing).
4) Put on clean clothes after each application. Concurrently, launder recently used clothing, bedding, and towels in hot water and high heat. Seal non-washable items in a bag for at least 72 hours. Treat household and close physical contacts per clinical guidance to prevent reinfestation.
5) Itching can persist for 2–4 weeks after mites are eradicated due to residual inflammation. Your clinician may recommend moisturizers, oral antihistamines, or topical anti-inflammatories to control post-scabetic itch. Avoid over-scratching to prevent secondary infection.
For pruritus (non-scabies): Apply a thin layer to the affected area 2–3 times daily or as directed. Use the least amount needed to relieve symptoms. If significant irritation occurs, stop and seek medical advice.
Pediatric use: Do not use in infants unless a clinician specifically recommends and supervises therapy. In younger children, dosing and the areas to treat differ; always follow pediatric dermatology guidance.
- For external use only. Do not apply to eyes, lips, inside the nose, inside the mouth, or on mucous membranes. If accidental contact occurs, rinse thoroughly with water.
- Avoid applying to acutely inflamed, weeping, or broken skin unless your clinician instructs otherwise, as irritation and systemic absorption risk may increase.
- Do not use under occlusive dressings unless directed. Occlusion may increase penetration and irritation.
- Pregnancy and lactation: Human data are limited. Discuss risks and benefits with your obstetric or dermatology clinician. If breastfeeding, do not apply to the breast and ensure any treated skin that may contact the infant is fully washed off.
- Pediatric caution: Safety in very young children is limited. Use only under medical supervision in children; avoid hands/fingers in toddlers who may transfer product to eyes or mouth.
- Persistent symptoms or worsening irritation warrant reassessment. A lingering itch may be post-scabetic inflammation, reinfestation, treatment failure, or a different dermatosis—all of which require clinician input.
- Known hypersensitivity to crotamiton or any component of the formulation.
- Use on severely inflamed, ulcerated, or infected skin unless directed by a clinician.
- Relative contraindications include pregnancy and lactation without a risk–benefit discussion, and unsupervised use in infants and young children. In pregnancy, many clinicians prefer alternatives with more safety data for scabies (e.g., permethrin), reserving Eurax when appropriate.
If you have a history of contact dermatitis or multiple topical sensitivities, consider patch-testing a small area first and consult your dermatologist before widespread application.
Most people tolerate Eurax well. The most commonly reported adverse effects are localized and mild:
- Application-site burning, stinging, or warmth
- Dryness, redness, or peeling
- Itch or tingling shortly after application (usually transient)
- Contact dermatitis or allergic rash in sensitive individuals
Less common: hives, swelling, or intense irritation. Discontinue and seek medical care if severe irritation, swelling, or signs of infection (increasing redness, warmth, pus) occur. Accidental ingestion can cause gastrointestinal upset and other systemic symptoms; keep out of reach of children and contact Poison Control if swallowed.
Remember that ongoing itch after scabies treatment is not necessarily a side effect or treatment failure; post-scabetic pruritus is common and can be managed with supportive measures while your clinician monitors progress.
Topical crotamiton has minimal systemic absorption when used as directed, so clinically significant drug–drug interactions are uncommon. Practical considerations include:
- Avoid layering multiple potentially irritating topicals (strong acids, retinoids, alcohol-based products) on the same area to reduce additive irritation.
- If your clinician prescribes additional topicals (e.g., mild corticosteroids for post-scabetic itch), separate applications by several hours and apply to different times of day as instructed.
- Do not mix Eurax with other products before applying, and avoid occlusion unless your clinician advises it.
Always inform your healthcare professional about all medicines and skin products you use, including over-the-counter creams, herbal balms, and essential oils.
For scabies schedules, if you miss the second application (typically due 24 hours after the first), apply it as soon as you remember the same day. If it is close to the time you were told to wash off the treatment, contact your clinician for guidance. Do not apply excessive amounts to “make up” a missed application; instead, resume the plan your clinician recommends.
For itch relief, use as needed up to the recommended frequency. If you miss an application and symptoms return, apply when remembered. If you need increasingly frequent use to control itch, seek medical advice to reassess the underlying cause.
Topical overuse can cause significant skin irritation, burning, or dermatitis. If this occurs, stop use, gently wash the area with mild cleanser and lukewarm water, apply a bland moisturizer, and seek medical advice.
If someone swallows Eurax, call Poison Control (in the U.S., 1-800-222-1222) or seek emergency care. Accidental ingestion may cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, or central nervous system symptoms. Bring the product container to the healthcare facility to help guide management.
Store Eurax at room temperature, ideally 20–25°C (68–77°F), away from excessive heat, moisture, and open flame. Do not freeze. Keep the cap tightly closed when not in use. Keep out of reach of children and pets. Do not use after the expiration date, and discard if the product separates, changes color, or develops an unusual odor.
Reddit communities discussing scabies and skin care frequently compare Eurax (crotamiton) to other treatments like permethrin and ivermectin. Common themes include how to apply it correctly, what to expect with post-scabetic itch, how to manage laundry and environmental decontamination, and navigating access when pharmacies have limited stock. Many users report that Eurax helps with itching even when they also use other antiscabietic agents under medical direction.
To protect user privacy and avoid misattribution, the following are paraphrased, representative sentiments drawn from public discussions rather than verbatim quotes:
- Redditor (paraphrased): “Eurax took the edge off my itching at night. I still followed my doctor’s plan with thorough reapplication and washed all bedding. The itch didn’t vanish immediately, but sleep improved.”
- Redditor (paraphrased): “I used permethrin first and added Eurax to calm the lingering itch. It helped me not scratch so much while my skin healed.”
- Redditor (paraphrased): “Application tips matter: apply everywhere from neck down, under nails, in skin folds, and reapply after handwashing. Missing spots seemed to cause flare-ups.”
- Redditor (paraphrased): “I had mild burning the first few minutes, then relief. If it stings a lot, I rinse and ask my clinician before trying again.”
Overall, Reddit’s crowd wisdom emphasizes complete coverage, reapplication on schedule, and coordinated household measures. Users also suggest getting professional diagnosis to confirm scabies versus other causes of itch, since misdiagnosis can delay effective care.
Public review platforms like WebMD feature a mix of experiences with Eurax. Some reviewers highlight substantial itch relief and acceptable tolerability, while others mention variable effectiveness for scabies compared to first-line treatments. The perceived benefit often correlates with correct application technique and concurrent environmental measures.
Because WebMD reviews are user-generated, we avoid verbatim quoting without direct source verification. The following are anonymized, paraphrased impressions that reflect common themes from patient reviews:
- WebMD reviewer (paraphrased): “Helped my itch within an hour. It didn’t cure my scabies by itself, but using it alongside my doctor’s plan made it bearable.”
- WebMD reviewer (paraphrased): “Mild burning for a few minutes, then calming. I had to reapply after washing hands, which improved results.”
- WebMD reviewer (paraphrased): “I needed a second treatment round as directed. Post-scabies itch lingered a couple of weeks; moisturizer and antihistamines helped.”
Takeaways from these reviews: manage expectations, follow the full protocol, and contact a clinician if symptoms persist or worsen.
Access to Eurax (crotamiton 10%) in the United States can vary by manufacturer availability, state regulations, and pharmacy stocking. Traditionally, crotamiton products have been dispensed under clinician direction, and many patients obtain them via a prescription after evaluation for suspected scabies or troublesome pruritus. Policies may evolve, and local regulations still apply.
Northeast Ohio Applied Health offers a legal and structured solution for acquiring Eurax without a formal prescription by providing clinician-guided screening and oversight within applicable regulations. This means you are not “self-prescribing”; instead, your need is assessed, safety is reviewed, and appropriate therapy is facilitated through compliant channels. Availability, eligibility, and cost can differ by state and patient factors.
Important: Always follow medical guidance for suspected scabies, since accurate diagnosis and contact management are crucial to avoid reinfestation. Confirm that any telehealth or pharmacy service you use operates within your state’s laws and adheres to standard-of-care practices. If you have severe symptoms, widespread rash, signs of infection, pregnancy, or pediatric considerations, seek direct medical evaluation promptly.
Eurax is a topical antipruritic and scabicide containing crotamiton, usually 10% cream or lotion. It is used to relieve itching from conditions like insect bites, dermatitis, and chickenpox, and in some countries it is also used to treat scabies infestations.
Crotamiton appears to have a dual action: it soothes nerve endings in the skin to reduce the itch sensation and, in scabies, it has activity against the mites. The exact antipruritic mechanism is not fully defined, but many people experience meaningful itch relief after application.
Eurax can be used for scabies in some regions, but it is generally considered less effective than first-line options like permethrin 5% cream. It may be considered when first-line treatments are not suitable or not tolerated, with careful attention to application instructions.
Follow your local product directions or a clinician’s plan. Common regimens involve applying a thin layer to the entire body from the neck down after bathing, allowing it to remain on the skin, and repeating after 24 hours, then washing off after the final application; bedding and clothing should be decontaminated and close contacts evaluated.
Apply a thin layer of Eurax cream or lotion to the itchy area and gently rub in 2 to 3 times daily as needed, avoiding broken skin and mucous membranes. If dryness is an issue, a bland moisturizer can be used in between applications.
For itch relief, many people feel improvement within minutes to an hour after application. Scabies-related itching can persist for 2 to 4 weeks even after successful treatment due to residual inflammation.
Avoid eyes, mouth, genitals, and mucous membranes, and do not apply to open wounds or severely inflamed skin. If a clinician instructs use on sensitive areas for specific conditions, follow their guidance closely and monitor for irritation.
Human data are limited. Use in pregnancy or while breastfeeding should be based on a clinician’s assessment of benefits and risks; if used during breastfeeding, avoid application on or near the nipples and infant’s skin contact areas.
Many labels advise against use in children under 3 years old. For older children, a clinician can advise on suitability and the correct regimen, especially for scabies.
The most common effects are localized burning, stinging, redness, or contact dermatitis. Stop using it and seek medical advice if you develop a widespread rash, swelling, or signs of allergy.
Avoid other irritating topicals (such as strong acids, alcohol-based products, or harsh exfoliants) on the same areas. Do not use occlusive dressings unless directed, and keep it away from heat sources and open flames.
You can often layer a bland moisturizer at different times of day. Combining with topical steroids like hydrocortisone should be guided by a clinician to avoid masking infections and to ensure safe use.
If itch does not improve within a few days for simple rashes, or if scabies itch continues to worsen after treatment, consult a healthcare professional. Persistent itch may reflect undertreatment, reinfestation, secondary eczema, or another diagnosis.
If you miss a dose for scabies, apply as soon as you remember and resume the schedule; do not overapply to “catch up.” If you apply too much and develop irritation, wash the area with mild soap and water and seek advice if symptoms persist.
Store at room temperature, tightly closed, away from excessive heat and direct sunlight. Keep out of reach of children and do not freeze unless the label instructs otherwise.
Permethrin 5% cream is generally first-line, with higher cure rates after a single properly applied treatment. Eurax can relieve itch and has scabicidal activity but typically shows lower efficacy, making it a second-line option.
Benzyl benzoate can be more irritating, especially at higher strengths, but is often more reliably scabicidal when used correctly. Eurax is usually gentler on the skin but tends to be less effective for eradicating mites.
Sulfur 5–10% ointment is an old, messy, but reliable choice considered safe for pregnancy and infants, including very young children. Eurax has less robust safety data in these groups and is often avoided in children under 3 years.
Oral ivermectin is useful for outbreaks, crusted scabies, or when topical therapy is impractical, and it generally outperforms crotamiton for mite clearance. Eurax is topical, helpful for itch, and may be used when systemic therapy is not suitable.
Hydrocortisone treats the underlying inflammation of eczema and is preferred for eczema flares. Eurax can soothe itch but does not address inflammation and is not a substitute for appropriate topical steroids or emollients.
Calamine is an inexpensive, soothing option that dries weepy lesions, while Eurax provides targeted antipruritic relief and may feel more actively itch-relieving for some. Either can help; choose based on skin tolerance and personal response.
Pramoxine is a topical anesthetic that can numb itch quickly, often within minutes. Eurax also relieves itch, and some people find it longer-lasting, but head-to-head data are limited; both are reasonable choices for localized itch.
Lindane is effective against scabies but carries neurotoxicity risks and is rarely used due to safety concerns. Eurax is safer but less effective; modern guidelines favor permethrin or ivermectin over lindane or crotamiton.
Malathion is primarily for head lice; some regions have used aqueous malathion for scabies with variable success and significant odor/irritation. Eurax is gentler but generally less effective than standard scabies treatments.
Topical diphenhydramine can cause sensitization and is often discouraged for routine itch. Eurax is usually preferred over topical antihistamines for localized pruritus.
For crusted scabies and institutional outbreaks, guidelines typically recommend permethrin with or without oral ivermectin, often in combination and repeated. Eurax is not recommended as monotherapy in these severe scenarios.
Tea tree oil and other natural remedies have inconsistent purity and limited clinical evidence, with potential for irritation or allergy. Eurax has regulated formulations and clinical use history, though standard first-line therapies still outperform it for scabies.