Crotamiton for itching

About crotamiton

Crotamiton relieves itching and skin irritation caused by skin conditions such as itchy dermatitis and allergic rashes. It can provide relief from itching for several hours after each application. Crotamiton is used in particular to help ease itching which can persist after the treatment of scabies with a preparation to kill the scabies mite.

Preparations containing crotamiton are available on prescription and they can also be bought without a prescription from pharmacies and other retail outlets. Crotamiton is also available as a combination with hydrocortisone cream.

To make sure this is the right treatment for you, before you start using crotamiton it is important that you speak with a doctor or pharmacist:

• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

• If it is for a child under 3 years of age. This is because in children less than 3 years old, it should only be used on the advice of a doctor.

• If your skin is weeping or you think it may be infected.

• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to another skin preparation.

• Before you start using the cream read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack. It will give you more information about crotamiton and will provide you with a full list of any side-effects which you may experience from using it.

• Apply a layer of cream to the itchy areas two or three times a day.

• Crotamiton is only to be used on external areas of skin.

• Do not apply crotamiton to any areas of your your skin which are very sore or inflamed.

• Avoid letting the cream/lotion come into contact with your eyes, nose or mouth. If any of the preparation gets into these areas, rinse the area thoroughly with warm water to remove it.

• If your skin is dry, it may be making the itching worse. Try using an emollient (moisturiser) every day as this will help to keep your skin supple and moist. They can be applied once a day or several times a day if your skin becomes very dry.

• Try to avoid extremes of temperature by wrapping up well in cold weather and wearing light airy clothes in warm weather. Also, try not to wear rough or irritating clothing, as these can make itching worse.
  

Crotamiton is unlikely to cause side-effects unless you are allergic to one of the ingredients in the preparation. Although this occurs rarely, if your skin condition gets worse or if you develop an allergic-type rash, stop using the cream/lotion and speak with a doctor or pharmacist for further advice.

• Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.

• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.