Permethrin Cream

About Permethrin Cream

Uses for Permethrin Cream

Permethrin 5% w/w cream treats crab lice and scabies infestations by killing the mites and lice that cause these conditions. The treatment is typically applied once, and reapplication may be needed after 7–14 days if symptoms persist.

How does Permethrin Cream work for scabies and crab lice?

Permethrin belongs to a group of medicines called pyrethroids. The cream is a topical treatment, meaning it is applied directly to the skin, and it contains the active ingredient permethrin, which works by targeting the scabies mites.

When applied to the whole body, the cream will get rid of the mites responsible for the infestation. This helps relieve the intense itching associated with scabies. It’s normal for some itching to linger as your body adjusts and heals from the irritation they have caused.

Who can use Permethrin 5 % Cream to treat scabies?

Permethrin cream can be used by adults and children aged 2 months and older. For children under 23 months, it should only be used under a doctor’s supervision.

At Click2Pharmacy, we can only prescribe Permethrin Cream to adults over the age of 18.

It is not suitable for people allergic to permethrin, any of the cream’s ingredients, or chrysanthemums or similar plants.

How to Use Permethrin Cream for Scabies

Follow these steps to apply Permethrin Cream safely and effectively:

1. Make sure your skin is clean, dry, and cool before applying. Do not take a hot bath or shower before the treatment.
2. Apply a thin layer of the cream to the whole body, including the neck, palms, and soles of the feet. There is no need to apply it to the face or scalp unless scabies are present in those areas. For adults and children over 12 years old, use up to 30 g of Permethrin Cream, which is one full 30 g tube.
3. Pay special attention to areas between fingers and toes, under nails, wrists, elbows, armpits, buttocks and external genitalia.
4. The cream should be left on for at least 8 hours before washing or swimming.

After the First Treatment

A second application of Permethrin Cream should be done 7–14 days after the first treatment to make sure the infestation is fully cleared.

Dry skin and itching are common after treatment. Once the first 8 hours have passed after applying the cream, you can use moisturisers and take oil baths to soothe your skin. Itching and a rash (called post-scabies eczema) may continue for up to 4 weeks after treatment.

If you feel that the condition is not improving after using Permethrin Cream, speak to your doctor before applying it again.

Side Effects of Permethrin Cream

Common Side Effects

• Itching
• Redness
• Tingling or burning sensation on the skin
• Dry skin

Rare Side Effects

• Headache
• Inflammation of hair follicles

Very Rare Side Effects

• Breathing difficulties in sensitive individuals
  Skin lesions

Reporting Permethrin Cream Side Effects

If you experience any side effects, inform your doctor or pharmacist. You can also report side effects directly through the Yellow Card Scheme. Reporting helps to improve the understanding of this medication’s safety.

Permethrin Cream Ingredients

• Active Ingredient: Permethrin.
• Inactive Ingredients: Butylhydroxytoluene (E321), lanolin alcohols, glycerol, isopropyl myristate, and others.

Permethrin Cream Warnings

• Keep the cream away from your eyes and any sensitive areas like the inside of your nose or mouth.
• Carers should wear gloves when applying the cream.
• Wash bedding and clothing to remove product build-up.