Crotamiton Cream: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions and Alternates

Quick overview

Crotamiton Cream (generic name: crotamiton) is a scabicide and antipruritic (anti-itch) agent applied to the skin. It is used to treat scabies, a skin infection caused by tiny mites, and to relieve itching from scabies and other itchy skin conditions such as dermatitis. It works by killing the mites that cause scabies and by helping to relieve itching, although the exact way it reduces itching is not fully understood. It comes as a cream or a lotion for use on the skin only.

What is Crotamiton Cream

Crotamiton is a medicine applied to the skin. It is used to treat scabies, a skin infection caused by tiny mites, and to relieve itching from scabies and other itchy skin conditions.

Crotamiton Cream uses

• Treating scabies infection
• Relieving itching from scabies
• Relieving itching and irritation from other itchy skin conditions such as dermatitis

Benefits of Crotamiton Cream

• Kills the mites that cause scabies
• Relieves itching and irritation of the skin
• Can provide relief from itching for several hours after each application

How Crotamiton Cream works

Crotamiton kills the mites that cause scabies and also helps relieve itching, although exactly how it reduces itching is not fully understood.

Crotamiton Cream dosage

Apply this cream only to the skin. Do not swallow it. For scabies, apply a thin layer over the whole body from the chin or neck down to the toes, including skin folds, creases, between fingers and toes, and under the soles of the feet. Trim fingernails short and work the cream under the nails, since mites can live there; if you use a toothbrush to do this, wrap it in paper and throw it away afterward instead of reusing it.

Do not wash off the first application; apply a second coat about 24 hours after the first. Change into freshly washed clothing and bedding the morning after treatment. Take a bath to remove the medicine about 48 hours after the last application.

For itching not related to scabies, gently massage a thin layer into the affected areas until it is absorbed, and repeat as needed or as directed by your doctor, usually a few times a day. If using a lotion form, shake well before use.

Dry your skin thoroughly after bathing or showering before applying the cream, and wash your hands before and after applying it. Avoid showering for several hours after application, as this may reduce how well the medicine works. Avoid using tight bandages or dressings over treated skin unless your doctor tells you to. Do not apply near the eyes, mouth, nose, or other mucous membranes, or on skin that is broken, raw, oozing, or very inflamed.

If you miss a dose, apply it as soon as you remember, unless it is nearly time for the next dose — in that case skip the missed one. Do not use double the amount to make up for it.

Available forms and strengths

• Cream
• Lotion

Side effects of Crotamiton Cream

Common

• Redness, itching, or irritation at the site where the cream is applied
• Skin rash

Serious

• Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Severe allergic reaction (breathing difficulty, severe dizziness, hives)
• Worsening skin irritation or new rash not present before use

Warnings and precautions

Use crotamiton only on the skin. Do not swallow it, and avoid getting it in your eyes, mouth, nose, or other mucous membranes, as this can cause irritation; rinse thoroughly with water if this happens by accident. For external use only; do not use internally.

Do not apply this cream to open wounds, oozing sores, or skin that is irritated, broken, swollen, weeping, affected by acute eczema, or severely inflamed, since this can increase the chance of side effects.

There isn't enough safety information to recommend crotamiton for children younger than 3 years old; it should only be used in this age group if a doctor prescribes it.

Do not use if you are allergic to crotamiton or any ingredient in the cream. Stop treatment if severe irritation, rash, or allergic reaction develops.

Crotamiton should only be used during pregnancy if your doctor decides it is necessary, because there isn't enough safety information about its effects in pregnancy. Talk to your doctor before using crotamiton while breastfeeding, since there isn't enough information to know if it's safe for your baby; avoid applying to the nipple area while breastfeeding.

It isn't known whether crotamiton interacts with alcohol, so check with your doctor before drinking alcohol while using this medicine.

Genital itching should be treated with medical supervision. Some ingredients may cause contact dermatitis, burning, stinging, or delayed allergic reactions.

Avoid smoking and naked flames while using the product. Clothing, bedding, or dressings contaminated with the cream can present a fire hazard.

Tell your doctor about any other creams or topical medicines you are using, as crotamiton may interact with them. Do not use more cream, or use it more often, than your doctor recommends.

Keep out of reach of children.

Storage

• Store in a closed container at room temperature (about 20 to 25°C / 68 to 77°F), away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
• Keep from freezing.
• Keep out of reach of children and pets.
• Do not keep outdated or unwanted medicine; take it to a pharmacy for safe disposal.

When to see a doctor

• Get emergency medical help right away if you notice signs of an allergic reaction, such as skin rash, itching or swelling of the face, tongue, or throat, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing.
• If you accidentally swallow this medicine, get emergency medical help immediately.
• Stop using the cream and speak with a doctor or pharmacist if your skin condition gets worse or you develop a new allergic-type rash.

Alternatives

• Permethrin 5% cream
• Sulfur 5–10% ointment
• Crotamiton 10% lotion