Eurax Lotion (Crotamiton) vs. Top Alternatives for Itch and Scabies Relief

Itching that won’t quit-especially at night-can make sleep impossible and daily life a struggle. If you’ve been prescribed Eurax Lotion (Crotamiton) for scabies or persistent itching, you’re not alone. But you might be wondering: is this the best option? Are there cheaper, faster, or more effective alternatives? The truth is, Eurax isn’t the only tool in the box. Some people find relief with over-the-counter creams. Others need prescription-grade treatments. And a few find that what worked for their friend didn’t work for them at all.

What Eurax Lotion (Crotamiton) Actually Does

Eurax Lotion contains crotamiton, a topical medication approved for treating scabies and relieving itching from skin conditions like eczema or insect bites. It works in two ways: it kills the scabies mite (Sarcoptes scabiei) and blocks nerve signals that cause itching. The mite burrows under the skin, lays eggs, and triggers an allergic reaction. That’s what makes the itch so intense and persistent.

When used correctly, Eurax is applied to the entire body from the neck down, left on for 24 hours, then washed off. A second application is often needed after a week. It’s not a cure-all. Studies show about 60-70% of users see full clearance after two applications. But it doesn’t work for everyone. Some report mild stinging, redness, or even worsening itch at first. That’s not uncommon with scabies treatments-your skin is reacting to dead mites and their waste.

Why People Look for Alternatives

There are three big reasons people switch from Eurax:

• It doesn’t work-after two full applications, the itch returns.
• It’s expensive-in the UK, a 100ml bottle can cost £25-£35 without a prescription.
• It’s messy-applying it all over your body, then waiting 24 hours without showering, is inconvenient.

People also worry about side effects, especially with children or pregnant women. Eurax isn’t recommended for kids under 3, and there’s limited safety data for pregnancy. That pushes many toward alternatives that are better studied or more widely available.

Permethrin Cream (5%) - The Gold Standard

If you’re looking for the most effective treatment for scabies, permethrin cream (5%) is what doctors recommend first. It’s a synthetic pyrethroid that paralyzes and kills scabies mites. Unlike crotamiton, permethrin has been studied in over 100 clinical trials. Success rates? Around 90% after one application.

Here’s how it stacks up:

Permethrin is available on NHS prescription and is often the first-line treatment in UK clinics. It’s also used in nursing homes and schools during outbreaks because it’s more reliable. If you’ve tried Eurax and it didn’t work, permethrin is your next logical step.

Ivermectin - The Oral Option

For people who can’t apply creams-like those with severe eczema, burns, or limited mobility-or for cases that don’t respond to topical treatments, oral ivermectin is a game-changer. It’s an antiparasitic drug originally used for river blindness and intestinal worms. But it’s now commonly prescribed off-label for scabies.

A single 200mcg/kg dose (based on body weight) taken orally is often enough. Some doctors repeat it after 7-14 days if needed. Studies show it clears scabies in over 90% of cases, even in outbreaks where others fail.

It’s not available over the counter. You need a prescription. But it’s cheaper than Eurax in the long run-around £10-£15 per dose. Side effects are rare but can include dizziness, nausea, or mild rash. It’s not recommended for children under 15kg or pregnant women.

What makes ivermectin stand out? It treats the whole body from the inside. No messy application. No need to avoid showers. If you’ve struggled with topical treatments, this might be your best bet.

Over-the-Counter Options - Do They Work?

Many people try OTC creams first: tea tree oil, neem oil, sulfur ointments, or calamine lotion. Some swear by them. But here’s the reality:

• Tea tree oil has some antiparasitic properties, but no large studies prove it kills scabies mites reliably. It can irritate skin.
• Sulfur ointment (5-10%) is one of the oldest scabies treatments. It’s safe for babies and pregnant women. But it smells bad, stains clothes, and takes weeks to work. It’s a fallback option.
• Calamine lotion only soothes itch-it doesn’t kill mites.

These aren’t replacements for medical treatments. They’re comfort aids. If you’re using them because you can’t get a prescription, you’re risking the infestation spreading. Scabies doesn’t go away on its own. Left untreated, it can last for months and infect everyone in your household.

When Eurax Might Still Be the Right Choice

That said, Eurax isn’t useless. There are times it makes sense:

• If you’ve had a bad reaction to permethrin (skin burning, swelling).
• If you’re allergic to pyrethroids (found in permethrin and some insect sprays).
• If you’re treating mild itching from eczema or insect bites-not full-blown scabies.

Some dermatologists use Eurax as a second-line option for resistant cases. It’s also sometimes prescribed for elderly patients who can’t tolerate stronger drugs. But don’t assume it’s gentler-itch relief is often slower, and failure rates are higher.

What to Do If Eurax Didn’t Work

If you’ve used Eurax twice and still itch:

1. Don’t reapply more often. That won’t help-and can irritate your skin.
2. Check if everyone in your household was treated. Scabies spreads fast. One untreated person can reinfect the whole house.
3. Wash all bedding, towels, and clothes in hot water (60°C) and dry on high heat. Items you can’t wash? Seal them in plastic bags for 72 hours. Mites die without human contact.
4. See your GP or a dermatologist. Ask for permethrin or ivermectin.

Many people think the itch means the mites are still alive. But after treatment, your body can keep reacting for weeks as it clears dead mites and waste. That’s normal. If the itching gets worse after 2 weeks, or if you see new burrows or rashes, you need another treatment.

Bottom Line: What Works Best?

For most people with scabies, permethrin cream is the fastest, most reliable, and most cost-effective choice. If you can’t use topical treatments, ivermectin is the next best thing. Eurax has its place-but it’s not the first choice anymore. It’s more of a backup.

For simple itching from eczema or bug bites, Eurax can help. But for scabies? Don’t waste time. Go for the treatments with the strongest evidence. Your skin-and your sleep-will thank you.

If you’re still unsure, talk to your pharmacist or GP. Bring your Eurax bottle with you. They can tell you if you’re on the right track-or if it’s time to switch.