Permethrin 5% Cream (generic Lyclear)

What Is Scabies?

Scabies is caused by tiny mites called sarcoptes scabiei. These mites pass from person to person where there is prolonged skin-to-skin contact, such as sharing the same bed or during sexual contact. If you get scabies, these mites will burrow into the outer layer of your skin where they’ll lay their eggs. After three to four days, the eggs will hatch, and the baby mites will move to the surface of your skin where they’ll mature into adults.

Scabies mites like warm places like the folds in your skin. This means that mites are commonly found:

• between the fingers and toes
• in the armpits
• around the waist
• along the insides of the wrists
• on the inner elbows
• on the soles of the feet
• on the chest
• around the nipples
• under watch straps

How Do I Know If I Have Scabies?

If you have scabies, you’ll probably first notice symptoms like intense itching and a pimple-like rash in the affected area. They may affect your whole body, or they may be limited to specific places like your wrists, elbows, genitals, buttocks or the webbing between your fingers. The itching associated with scabies generally feels a lot worse at night.

How To Use Permethrin Cream

You should apply Permethrin Cream to cool, dry skin. Don’t use the treatment on broken skin and avoid using it immediately after having a hot bath or shower. Pay special attention to areas where scabies mites are known to hide. The amount of cream you need will depend on your age and the extent of your infection. However, in general, the below table should serve as a guide:

Once applied, Permethrin Cream should be left on for a minimum of eight hours and a maximum of 12. You can then wash it off with soap and water. If you wash your hands within eight hours of applying Permethrin Cream, you should re-apply the treatment to ensure all areas are covered.

How Long Does Permethrin 5% Cream Take To Work?

Permethrin Cream works fast and is often able to get rid of scabies after just one treatment. If you spot live mites on your skin two weeks after your first treatment, a second treatment should be applied. If your infection is particularly stubborn, a third application may be required to ensure you are completely free of mites.

You may find that itching caused by scabies continues for up to four weeks after treatment with Permethrin Cream. Don’t worry, this is normal. It’s caused by an allergic reaction to the dead scabies mites and isn’t a sign that treatment has failed.

Does Permethrin 5% Cream Have Any Side Effects?

Permethrin Cream is generally very safe to use, though some people may experience adverse reactions when treating scabies with the cream. Some of the most common side effects are:

• burning or stinging of the skin (this is usually mild and passes quickly).
• worsening scabies symptoms for a short time following treatment. This may include redness, irritation, swelling or a rash.

If you are concerned about your symptoms, speak to a doctor or pharmacist.

Permethrin Cream Ingredients

The active ingredient in Permethrin cream is permethrin 5% w/w.

The cream also contains the following inactive ingredients: cetylstearyl alcohol, white soft paraffin, macrogol cetostearyl ether, isopropylmyristate, benzyl alcohol and purified water.

Permethrin Cream Warnings

Do not use Permethrin Cream if you are allergic to permethrin, other pyrethroids or pyrethrins, or to any of the other ingredients.

Take special care

If Permethrin Cream comes into contact with dressings, clothing, and bedding, the fabric can be easily ignited with a naked flame. You should keep away from fire and naked flames when using this product.

Taking other medicines

Permethrin Cream should not be used to treat scabies at the same time as corticosteroid treatments, such as hydrocortisone, betamethasone, and clobetasone to treat skin conditions such as eczema, dermatitis, or psoriasis. Corticosteroids may interfere with the body's natural defence to scabies.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

You should talk to your doctor before using Permethrin Cream if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.