Eurax (Crotamiton) vs Other Scabies & Lice Treatments: In‑Depth Comparison
Oct, 7 2025
Scabies & Lice Treatment Comparison Tool
Treatment Comparison Overview
This tool helps you understand how Eurax compares to other scabies and lice treatments based on your specific needs.
- Eurax: Prescription-only cream containing crotamiton, effective for both scabies and head lice.
- Permethrin: First-line treatment for scabies with high cure rates.
- Ivermectin: Oral treatment for severe or widespread infestations.
- Natural Remedies: Limited evidence, potential for skin irritation.
Quick Takeaways
- Eurax (crotamiton) works for both scabies and head lice but is slower than permethrin.
- Permethrin 5% cream is the most widely recommended first‑line scabies treatment.
- Oral ivermectin offers a convenient option for extensive infestations.
- Natural options like tea tree oil have limited evidence and may cause skin irritation.
- Choose based on infestation type, skin sensitivity, prescription status, and cost.
What Is Eurax (Crotamiton)?
When treating scabies, Eurax is a prescription‑only topical cream that contains the active ingredient crotamiton (10% w/w). It relieves itching and kills the Sarcoptes scabiei mite, while also being approved for adult head‑lice treatment. The product is applied once, left on the skin for 24hours, then washed off. Clinical trials in 2023 reported an 80‑85% cure rate for scabies when the full regimen is followed.
Key Alternatives on the Market
Below are the most common scabies or lice therapies you’ll encounter in pharmacies or clinics.
- Permethrin - a synthetic pyrethroid sold as 5% cream (e.g., Kwell, Nix).
- Malathion - a phosphorothioate insecticide available as 0.5% lotion (e.g., Lyclear).
- Benzyl benzoate - an oily solution (10‑25%) used in many low‑cost products.
- Ivermectin - an oral antiparasitic (200µg/kg) prescribed for widespread scabies.
- Sulfur ointment - a classic 5‑10% preparation, safe for infants.
- Tea tree oil - a natural essential oil sometimes marketed for lice.
- Scabies - a contagious skin disease caused by the Sarcoptes scabiei mite.
- Head lice - a common infestation of Pthirus pubis nits on hair shafts.
Decision Criteria You Should Use
Before picking a product, ask yourself these questions:
- Infestation type. Does the product treat scabies, lice, or both?
- Prescription vs. over‑the‑counter. Are you comfortable seeing a doctor?
- Speed of action. How quickly must symptoms disappear?
- Skin sensitivity. Any known allergies or eczema?
- Cost and availability. Is the treatment affordable and easy to get?
- Treatment regimen. One‑time application or multiple doses?
Side‑by‑Side Comparison Table
| Product | Active Ingredient | Formulation | Prescription? | Primary Use | Typical Cure Rate | Common Side Effects | Approx. Cost (UK) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eurax | Crotamiton 10% | Cream | Yes | Scabies & head lice | 80‑85% | Mild burning, itching | £22 per tube |
| Permethrin (5% cream) | Permethrin | Cream | Yes (often prescribed) | Scabies (first line), lice | 92‑98% | Transient redness | £15‑£20 |
| Malathion 0.5% lotion | Malathion | Lotion | OTC (UK) | Lice only | 70‑80% | Skin irritation, oily residue | £8‑£12 |
| Benzyl benzoate (10‑25%) | Benzyl benzoate | Oil solution | OTC | Lice & scabies | 65‑75% | Stinging, greasy feel | £5‑£9 |
| Ivermectin (oral) | Ivermectin | Tablets | Prescription | Severe scabies, crusted | 95‑99% | Headache, nausea | £30‑£45 |
| Sulfur ointment 5‑10% | Sulfur | Ointment | OTC | Scabies (infants, pregnant) | 60‑70% | Odor, mild irritation | £3‑£6 |
| Tea tree oil (5% solution) | Terpinen‑4‑ol (main component) | Essential oil | OTC | Lice (alternative) | ~50% | Allergic dermatitis | £10‑£14 |
Best‑Fit Scenarios
When Eurax shines: If you need a single product that covers both scabies and head lice, and you don’t mind a prescription, Eurax is a convenient choice. It’s also a good option for patients who react to pyrethroids (permethrin) because crotamiton works via a different mechanism.
When permethrin beats Eurax: For typical scabies cases, permethrin’s higher cure rate and single‑application protocol make it the preferred first‑line drug. It’s also available in many generic forms, keeping the price low.
When oral ivermectin is worth it: In crusted scabies, widespread infestations, or when topical application is impractical (e.g., bedridden patients), oral ivermectin offers the most reliable eradication.
When cheap OTC options help: For mild lice infestations in school‑aged children, benzyl benzoate or malathion are cost‑effective, though you must repeat the treatment after 7‑10days to kill any newly hatched nits.
When natural remedies might suffice: Tea tree oil can be tried for very early lice cases, but you should be prepared for possible skin irritation and lower success rates.
Practical Tips & Common Pitfalls
- Always read the label for the required contact time. Rushing the wash‑off step reduces efficacy.
- Treat all close contacts simultaneously - scabies spreads through skin‑to‑skin contact, lice through head‑to‑head contact.
- Combine chemical treatment with environmental measures: wash bedding at 60°C, vacuum carpets, and seal non‑washable items in plastic bags for 72hours.
- Don’t reuse the same applicator tip for multiple patients; cross‑contamination can re‑introduce mites.
- If itching persists after two weeks, consult a clinician - residual inflammation can mimic treatment failure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Eurax for my toddler’s scabies?
Eurax is licensed for patients over 2years old. For infants under 2, sulfur ointment or a pediatric‑dose permethrin cream is usually recommended.
How does crotamiton actually kill the scabies mite?
Crotamiton interferes with the mite’s nervous system and also reduces the itch signal, giving the skin time to heal while the mite dies.
Is a second application of Eurax ever needed?
Guidelines suggest a repeat dose after 7days only if itching continues or a new rash appears, indicating surviving mites or reinfestation.
Why do some doctors still prescribe permethrin instead of Eurax?
Permethrin has a higher documented cure rate, a simpler one‑time regimen, and a long track record of safety, making it the default first‑line therapy in many national guidelines.
Can I treat both scabies and lice with the same product?
Yes, Eurax is one of the few options approved for both conditions. However, if you have only lice, a lice‑specific product like permethrin 1% lotion may be cheaper and equally effective.
Next Steps for Different Scenarios
If you’ve just been diagnosed with scabies: Book a GP appointment, ask for a prescription of permethrin or Eurax, and start treatment within 24hours. Follow the washing instructions and treat close contacts.
If you suspect head lice at school: Check the hair with a fine‑tooth comb. If nits are found, buy an OTC malathion or benzyl benzoate product, or ask your doctor about Eurax if you’d rather cover both lice and possible scabies.
If you have a crusted or widespread infestation: Seek specialist care. Oral ivermectin combined with topical therapy is the current best practice.
If cost is a major concern: Sulfur ointment and benzyl benzoate provide the lowest price points, though you may need multiple applications.
Regardless of the product you choose, remember that clean bedding, towels, and personal items are essential to prevent a cycle of reinfestation.
Mark Quintana
October 7, 2025 AT 18:17Make sure to wash all sheets, pillowcases and blankets at least 60 °C after treatment. That heat kills any lingering mites or lice eggs that might survive on fabric. Also clean stuffed toys by sealing them in a plastic bag for a few days. Doing all this reduces the chance of re‑infestation.
Brandon Cassidy
October 9, 2025 AT 18:17Choosing a treatment is a bit like picking a path in a forest – you weigh safety, speed, and the terrain ahead. Permethrin offers a swift, high‑success route for most scabies cases, while Eurax gives the convenience of covering both scabies and lice. When the skin is sensitive, the gentler mechanism of crotamiton can be preferable despite a slower onset. Think of the overall burden: a single prescription versus multiple OTC purchases. The decision ultimately balances efficacy with personal tolerance.
Taylor Yokum
October 11, 2025 AT 18:17Eurax is a solid option when you need one cream for both scabies and head lice.
Its active ingredient, crotamiton, works by messing with the mite’s nerves and also calms the itch.
Because it hits two problems, you save a trip to the pharmacy for another product.
The trade‑off is that it takes a bit longer to see the mites die compared with permethrin.
Clinical data from 2023 shows about an 80‑85 % cure rate for scabies when the instructions are followed exactly.
Permethrin, on the other hand, boasts a 92‑98 % cure rate and usually needs only one application.
If you have a mild case and want quick relief, permethrin might feel like the better bet.
But if you’re also dealing with a head‑lice outbreak, Eurax can simplify the regimen.
Keep in mind that Eurax is prescription‑only, so you’ll need a doctor’s note to get it.
For families with kids, that extra step can be a minor hassle but worth it for the dual action.
The side‑effects of crotamiton are generally mild – a little burning or itching that fades soon after washing it off.
Contrast that with the occasional redness you might get from permethrin, which is usually just transient.
Cost‑wise, Eurax sits around £22 per tube in the UK, a bit pricier than generic permethrin, which can be found for £15‑£20.
If budget is tight, benzyl benzoate or sulfur ointment are cheaper, though they may need more than one round of treatment.
Environmental measures like washing bedding at 60 °C and vacuuming carpets remain crucial no matter which cream you pick.
In short, weigh the speed, cost, prescription hurdle, and whether you need coverage for both scabies and lice before settling on the right product.
Taryn Esses
October 13, 2025 AT 18:17If you’re just looking for a quick fix, permethrin usually works faster.
Albert Lopez
October 15, 2025 AT 18:17While the table nicely lists options, it glosses over pharmacodynamic nuances that matter for resistant mite populations. The omission of resistance data for permethrin, increasingly reported in certain regions, undermines the claim of its universal superiority. Moreover, presenting cost in UK pounds without conversion confuses non‑British readers. A rigorous comparative article would contextualize efficacy within real‑world usage patterns, not merely display static percentages.
Halle Redick
October 17, 2025 AT 18:17Good points, Albert! It’s true that resistance is creeping up, and a quick heads‑up about that can help people choose smarter.
Erica Harrington
October 19, 2025 AT 18:17Exactly, Brandon – thinking like a forest wanderer makes the choice feel less intimidating. Remember, whatever you pick, stick to the full regimen and get your close contacts treated too. That’ll shut down the cycle fast!
Patricia Mombourquette
October 21, 2025 AT 18:17the article missed the fact that many OTC options are actually illegal in some states
karl lewis
October 23, 2025 AT 18:17While brevity is admirable, the claim lacks supporting evidence and proper citation; one must reference regulatory listings to substantiate such a serious allegation. 🙂
Amy Martinez
October 25, 2025 AT 18:17Reading through the comparison feels like walking through a rainbow of options – each with its own sparkle and shadow. If you’re nervous about the itch, a gentle sulfur ointment can be a comforting hug for sensitive skin, while permethrin brings that crisp, fast‑acting punch. Whatever path you take, remember your skin’s story and treat it with kindness.
Josh Grabenstein
October 27, 2025 AT 18:17Sure thing but don’t trust big pharma narratives they hide the real cure in the shadows 🙂
Marilyn Decalo
October 29, 2025 AT 18:17Honestly, the whole debate is a theatrical showdown – the heroes, the villains, and the unsuspecting audience stuck with itchy skin. Let’s not forget the backstage crew: insurance paperwork and pharmacy stock shortages that decide the final act.