crotamiton at a glance
Medicine class
Topical antipruritic and scabicide
Form
Cream for external use on the skin
Important precaution
Keep away from eyes, mouth, broken or weeping skin
Fire safety
Keep treated skin, clothing and bedding away from flames and cigarettes
What is crotamiton used for?
The selected UK product is licensed for:
Relieving itching and irritation associated with dry eczema, itchy dermatitis, allergic or nettle-type rashes, chickenpox, insect bites or stings, heat rash and sunburn
Treating scabies
How does crotamiton work?
Crotamiton has a local itch-relieving action, although its precise mechanism is not specified. Against scabies, it disrupts the mites’ motor system and irreversibly stops their spontaneous movement.
How to take crotamiton
For skin use only. Apply gently with clean hands and wash them afterwards unless they are being treated. Keep it away from the eyes, ears and mouth. For scabies, apply to well-dried skin over the body except the face and scalp, paying attention to skin folds and commonly affected sites. Follow the pack or clinician’s application instructions.
Do not apply to broken, weeping or acutely inflamed skin.
After accidental eye or mouth contact, rinse thoroughly with running water.
Do not smoke or approach naked flames while the product is on skin or fabrics.
crotamiton side effects
Common or expected effects
- Itching or increased itching has been reported but is classified as uncommon.
Get urgent medical advice
- Stop using it and seek urgent help for difficulty breathing or swelling of the face, tongue or throat.
- Stop using it and obtain medical advice if severe irritation, contact dermatitis, a marked rash or worsening eczema develops.
crotamiton in pregnancy
Controlled human pregnancy studies are unavailable. The selected UK product is not recommended during pregnancy, particularly during the first trimester, and should only be considered under medical supervision.
crotamiton while breastfeeding
It is unknown whether topically applied crotamiton enters breast milk. The selected product should only be used during breastfeeding if directed by a doctor and must not be applied to the nipple area.
crotamiton interactions
No formal interaction studies have been performed.
Other products applied to the same skin area
The cream’s sodium lauryl sulphate may increase local reactions caused by another product. Check concurrent topical treatment with a pharmacist or prescriber.
Common questions about crotamiton
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
What is crotamiton cream used for?
It is licensed to relieve itching and skin irritation from several skin conditions and to treat scabies.
Is crotamiton a steroid cream?
No. Crotamiton is an antipruritic and scabicide, not a corticosteroid.
Does crotamiton kill scabies mites?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.