Scabies Treatment Selector
Select your situation to find the best scabies treatment option based on symptoms, pregnancy status, and preferences.
Your Situation
Recommended Treatment
TL;DR
- Crotamiton alternatives like permethrin and benzyl benzoate work faster than Eurax.
- Eurax is gentle on skin and also relieves itching, but may need a longer treatment course.
- For pregnant or breastfeeding patients, Eurax is often preferred over many chemical scabicides.
- Cost‑effectiveness varies: Eurax is cheaper per tube, while single‑application permethrin can save time.
- Choose based on speed of kill, skin sensitivity, pregnancy status, and local NHS guidelines.
What is Eurax Lotion and How Does Crotamiton Work?
When you first hear the name Eurax Lotion is a topical cream that contains the active ingredient crotamiton, used to treat scabies and relieve itching. Crotamiton belongs to a class of antipruritic agents that also have mild scabicidal activity. It works by disrupting the mite’s nervous system and by soothing the skin’s histamine response, which is why patients often notice less itch before the parasites are fully eliminated.
In the UK, Eurax is available over the counter in 30g tubes, priced around £5‑£7. The typical regimen is a nightly application for three to five nights, washing it off after each use. Because it’s less irritating than many synthetic insecticides, it’s a go‑to for people with sensitive skin or those who are pregnant.
Key Criteria When Picking a Scabies Remedy
Before we start throwing alternatives at you, think about the factors that matter most:
- Speed of kill - How quickly does the product eradicate the mite?
- Itch relief - Does it calm the rash while it works?
- Safety in pregnancy or breastfeeding - Are there any known teratogenic risks?
- Skin tolerance - Will it cause burning, redness, or allergic reactions?
- Application convenience - One‑off treatment vs. multi‑day regimen.
- Cost and availability - How much will you spend, and can you get it locally?
- Guideline endorsement - Does the NHS or NICE recommend it?
These criteria will shape the comparison table that follows.
Popular Alternatives to Eurax
Here are the main players you’ll see on pharmacy shelves or in NHS prescriptions:
- Permethrin 5% cream - a synthetic pyrethroid considered the gold‑standard scabicide.
- Benzyl benzoate (Lyclear) - a oil‑based liquid that kills mites on contact.
- Malathion 0.5% lotion - an organophosphate used mainly where resistance to permethrin is reported.
- Ivermectin (oral) - a systemic anti‑parasitic taken as a single dose.
- Scabicide combination packs - kits that pair a topical agent with antihistamine creams for itch control.
Side‑by‑Side Comparison
| Attribute | Eurax (Crotamiton) | Permethrin 5% | Benzyl benzoate | Malathion | Ivermectin (oral) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | Antipruritic + mild scabicide | Neurotoxic pyrethroid | Heavy‑oil neurotoxin | Acetylcholinesterase inhibitor | Glutamate‑gated chloride channel agonist |
| Typical regimen | Nightly for 3‑5 nights | Once, wash after 8‑14h | Apply nightly for 3 nights | Single application, wash after 24h | Single oral dose (200µg/kg) |
| Itch relief | High - built‑in soothing effect | Low - may need separate antihistamine | Low - can cause burning | Low - may cause irritation | None - systemic only |
| Pregnancy safety | CategoryB - generally safe | CategoryC - use if benefits outweigh risks | CategoryC - not first‑line | CategoryD - avoid | CategoryC - off‑label in pregnancy |
| Skin tolerance | Excellent - minimal stinging | Good - mild tingling possible | Moderate - often burns | Moderate - can cause rash | Not applicable |
| Cost (UK, 2025) | £5‑£7 per tube | £8‑£12 per pack | £6‑£9 per 30ml | £10‑£15 per 30g | £30‑£45 per dose |
| NHS recommendation | Suggested for mild cases or pregnancy | First‑line for most patients | Alternative when resistance suspected | Second‑line, resistance‑related | Reserved for severe or refractory cases |
Pros and Cons - Quick Take
Eurax (Crotamiton)
- Pros: Gentle, excellent itch relief, safe in pregnancy, inexpensive.
- Cons: Slower mite kill, requires multiple nights, not first‑line per NICE.
Permethrin 5%
- Pros: Fastest kill (often 24h), single application, strong NHS backing.
- Cons: Little itch relief, mild skin irritation in some, caution in pregnancy.
Benzyl benzoate
- Pros: Effective against resistant mites, cheap.
- Cons: Stinging, strong odor, multiple applications needed.
Malathion
- Pros: Works when permethrin resistance is confirmed.
- Cons: Not safe for pregnancy, can cause rash, higher cost.
Ivermectin (oral)
- Pros: Systemic - reaches hidden mites, useful for crusted scabies.
- Cons: Requires prescription, expensive, not a first‑line for typical cases.
Which Option Fits Your Situation?
Let’s walk through a few common scenarios:
- Pregnant or breastfeeding - Eurax is the safest bet; many clinicians still start with permethrin if the infestation is severe, but they’ll add a soothing emollient.
- Severe itching that disrupts sleep - Pair permethrin with a separate antihistamine cream, or choose Eurax for its built‑in itch control.
- Confirmed permethrin resistance - Switch to benzyl benzoate or malathion; check local resistance data from your GP.
- Crusted (Norwegian) scabies - Oral ivermectin combined with topical permethrin is the standard protocol.
- Budget‑conscious - Eurax and benzyl benzoate are the cheapest, but factor in the extra nights of treatment.
Practical Tips for Using Scabicidal Creams
- Wash the entire body with mild soap, rinse thoroughly, and dry completely before applying any cream.
- Apply a thin, even layer from neck down (including scalp for infants) unless the product label says otherwise.
- Cover with clean clothing or a plastic sheet if the cream is oily (e.g., benzyl benzoate) to prevent it from rubbing off.
- After the recommended time, wash off with warm water; avoid scrubbing which can worsen irritation.
- Wash all bedding, clothing, and towels in hot water (≥60°C) and dry on high heat to kill any stray mites.
- Check household contacts - they usually need treatment at the same time to prevent re‑infestation.
- If rash persists beyond two weeks after treatment, book a follow‑up with a dermatologist who can confirm if the treatment failed or if another skin condition is present.
When to Seek Professional Help
Even though many scabies products are over‑the‑counter, certain red flags warrant a doctor’s visit:
- Rapid spread to multiple family members despite treatment.
- Severe secondary infection (pus, fever, red streaks).
- Crusted lesions or thickened skin plaques.
- Uncertainty about pregnancy status and medication safety.
A clinician can prescribe oral ivermectin or arrange laboratory confirmation if needed.
Bottom Line
If you value gentle skin care and are pregnant, Eurax is a solid choice despite the longer course. For most adults seeking the quickest cure, permethrin remains the gold standard. Keep the comparison table handy, match the product to your personal criteria, and don’t hesitate to ask your GP for advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Eurax on children under 2 years old?
Yes, Eurax is approved for infants from birth. Apply a thin layer only to the affected areas and avoid the face unless directed by a doctor.
How long does it take for Eurax to stop the itch?
Most users notice a reduction in itching after the first night, but full relief often coincides with mite eradication after the final application.
Is permethrin safe during breastfeeding?
Permethrin is considered low‑risk, but many clinicians still prefer a topical that also soothes itching, such as Eurax, for nursing mothers.
What should I do if the rash returns after treatment?
A return often signals reinfestation or resistant mites. Re‑treat with a different agent (e.g., benzyl benzoate) and wash all linens. If it persists, see a dermatologist.
Can I combine Eurax with other scabicides?
Combining isn’t usually necessary and may increase skin irritation. Use one product per treatment cycle unless a doctor advises a combo for severe cases.
Sarah Arnold
September 28, 2025 AT 06:32Eurax is a solid option if you’re pregnant or have super‑sensitive skin 😊. It works slower than permethrin, so plan on three to five evenings of nightly applications. The built‑in itch relief is a real lifesaver for sleepless nights. It’s also cheap-around £5‑£7 per tube-so it fits most budgets. Just remember to wash all bedding in hot water to avoid re‑infestation.
Rajat Sangroy
September 28, 2025 AT 10:36Don’t waste time debating-if you need fast kill, permethrin is the champion and you should slap it on now! It eliminates mites in a single dose and the NHS backs it up. Yes, it doesn’t soothe the itch, but you can pair it with an antihistamine cream. Speed beats comfort when the infestation is raging!
dany prayogo
September 28, 2025 AT 14:46Ah, another exhaustive table comparing scabicidal lotions-because what the world truly needed was a spreadsheet of itch‑relief options.
The author clearly spent hours making sure every column is perfectly aligned, while you’re just trying to stop the relentless scratching.
Eurax, with its gentle kiss on the skin, promises itch suppression, yet it drags the eradication process out over several nights.
Permethrin, on the other hand, screams ‘instant exterminator’ but conveniently forgets to mention the post‑application tingling.
Benzyl benzoate arrives with a pungent odor that could clear a room faster than the mites themselves.
Malathion, the rebel of the group, boasts a nasty chemical profile that makes you wonder why anyone would voluntarily apply it.
Oral ivermectin, the heavyweight champion, is reserved for the crusted cases-because apparently ordinary scabies isn’t dramatic enough.
The cost breakdown is a masterpiece of fiscal transparency, reminding us that savings are measured in pennies per tube.
Pregnancy safety is highlighted, as if the pharmaceutical industry suddenly cares about mothers.
The TL;DR list reads like a set of bullet points written by a bored intern on a coffee break.
One could argue that the table is more useful for pharmacists than for the average person who just wants relief.
Nevertheless, the inclusion of ‘it becomes less itchy after night one’ is almost poetic.
The practical tips, such as washing bedding at 60 °C, are the real MVPs of this piece.
If you’re budget‑conscious, the article graciously suggests Eurax, because cheap solutions are always synonymous with slower outcomes.
All in all, the comparison is thorough, but the sheer volume of information might overwhelm someone who simply wants to stop scratching.
So, choose wisely, apply meticulously, and maybe, just maybe, you’ll survive the next week without turning into a human scratching post.
Wilda Prima Putri
September 28, 2025 AT 16:10Wow, that was a lot of words for a simple itch. Guess we’ll all need a PhD now to pick a lotion.
Edd Dan
September 28, 2025 AT 18:56Honestly, both Eurax and permethrin have their place. If you’re pregnant, Eurax is a safe bet, but it’ll tak e a few nights. For fast results, permethrin wins hands down. Just wash everything hot and you’ll be fine.
Cierra Nakakura
September 28, 2025 AT 19:13Eurax calms the itch like a hug 😊
Sharif Ahmed
September 28, 2025 AT 20:20Behold, the alchemy of modern dermatology-where chemistry dances with compassion. Eurax, the gentle artisan, caresses the epidermis whilst coaxing mites to their demise. Yet permethrin, that merciless executioner, annihilates with ruthless efficiency, leaving no room for sentiment. The choice, dear reader, is a tragedy of comfort versus conquest. Choose your protagonist wisely, lest you become the unwitting villain of your own skin.
Charlie Crabtree
September 28, 2025 AT 21:26Great take! 🎉 If you want the drama and the speed, go permethrin, but if you prefer a soothing vibe, Eurax has your back. Either way, you’ll beat those mites!
RaeLyn Boothe
September 28, 2025 AT 23:06I once tried Eurax for a week after my partner’s scabies, and the itch finally eased after the third night. The scent was barely noticeable, which helped me sleep. Just remember to toss the old towels.
Fatima Sami
September 29, 2025 AT 00:30There are a few grammatical hiccups in the post: ‘Eurax is considered safe’ should be ‘Eurax is considered safe’. Also, ‘it’s cheaper per tube’ needs an apostrophe in ‘its’. The list items could use consistent punctuation. Overall, the content is solid, just needs a polish.
Arjun Santhosh
September 29, 2025 AT 01:53All in all, pick what feels right for you. If budget is tight, Eurax is good, but permethrin works faster. Stay safe and wash everything hot!