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Permethrin

  • 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 have scabies, all your close contacts should be treated as well.

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.

Important: if you notice wheezing or difficulty in breathing, contact your doctor as this may be a sign that you are allergic to permethrin.

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


  • Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
  • Make sure that the person prescribing this medicine knows about any other medicines that you are taking. This includes medicines you buy and herbal and homeopathic medicines.
  • If you buy any medicines check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
  • Before taking this medicine tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction after taking any medicine.
  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • Always read the printed information leaflet that comes with your medicine.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.
© EMIS 2007 DocID:
3300		 DocRef:
dils2238		 Last Updated:
10 Aug 2007		 Date of Next Review:
9 Aug 2009		 Version:
22

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PS - Health and Poverty

Perhaps the biggest cause of ill health in the world is poverty. Help to Make Poverty History. For example, why not lend some of your money to disadvantaged communities to enable them to trade their way out of poverty through schemes such as Shared Interest.

See also MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY North East for details and links to campaigns against poverty.

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