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Permethrin
|
About permethrin
| Type of medicine | Parasiticidal preparations |
| Used for | Treatment of infections with the head louse Pediculus humanus capitis; treatment of scabies and crab lice |
| Also called | Lyclear |
| Available as | Cream Cream rinse |
Permethrin works by killing head lice, crab lice and the scabies mite.
Before using permethrin
Before taking permethrin make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:
- If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
How to use permethrin
- If you are being treated for head lice, apply the cream rinse after your hair has been washed and towel-dried, paying particular attention behind the ears and at the nape of the neck.
- Leave on for 10 minutes then rinse hair thoroughly with water.
- If you are being treated for scabies, apply the cream to clear, dry, cool skin including the head, neck, scalp and ears.
- Wash your whole body 8 - 12 hours after treatment.
- If you are being treated for crab lice, the cream should be left on for 24 hours before washing off thoroughly.
Getting the most from your treatment
- If you get any in your eye(s), rinse immediately with plenty of water or saline.
- Regular detection combing with a fine tooth comb is the best form of prevention of head lice.
- The cream is a vanishing cream- the cream will disappear when rubbed into the skin.
- If you are being treated for scabies, after applying the cream, you may notice burning, stinging or tingling- this is usually mild and will pass.
- If you are being treated for scabies, it is possible that itching will continue for up to 4 weeks after treatment finishes.
- If you have scabies, all your close contacts should be treated as well.
Can permethrin cause problems
Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.
| Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicine | What can I do if I experience this |
| Irritation to scalp | If this persists, contact your doctor. |
| Rash | If this persists, contact your doctor. |
How to store permethrin
- Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
- Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
Important information about all medicines
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| © EMIS 2007 | DocID: 3300 |
DocRef: dils2238 |
Last Updated: 10 Aug 2007 |
Date of Next Review: 9 Aug 2009 |
Version: 22 |
Disclaimer: Patient UK has no control of the content of the above links. Inclusion does not imply endorsement by Patient UK.
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Please add your experience about this condition / medicineMedical reference articles in PatientPlus related to this topic (^ top of page)
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ScabiesOther - Useful resources (^ top of page)
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A-Z of UK Guidelines
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Medline
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