Permethrin 5% Cream (generic Lyclear)

What is Permethrin 5% Cream?

Permethrin 5% cream is a topical scabies treatment. It works by killing the mites that cause a scabies infection and usually only requires one application to completely clear the mites.

What is the difference between Permethrin Cream and Lyclear?

Permethrin Cream is a generic version of Lyclear Dermal Cream. They both contain permethrin 5% as the active ingredient, however, as a generic treatment Permethrin Cream is slightly cheaper.

How much Permethrin Cream do I need?

The amount of Permethrin cream that you need to apply depends on your age:

How to apply Permethrin Cream

Adults & children over 2 years:

Apply the cream over the whole body but NOT the head and face. Pay particular attention to the areas between fingers and toes, under nails, wrists, armpits, external genitalia, breasts and buttocks.

The elderly:

Apply the cream over the whole body INCLUDING the neck, face, ears and scalp. Pay particular attention to the areas between fingers and toes, under nails, wrists, armpits, external genitalia, breasts and buttocks. Avoid the area close to the eyes.

General application notes

Permethrin cream should be applied to cool, dry skin. Do not apply the cream to broken skin or immediately after a hot bath or shower.

Once applied, the cream should be left on for at least 8 hours and washed off with soap and water within 12 hours. You should re-apply Permethrin Cream to the hands if they are washed with soap and water within 8 hours of applying the treatment.

Normally, a single application of the cream is enough to clear a scabies infection.

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.

Permethrin Cream side effects

Most people who use Permethrin Cream will not experience any side effects, however, if you do they may include:

• Burning or stinging of the skin (this is usually slight and passes quickly).
• Treatment of scabies may result in continued or increased irritation for a short while. This may show as redness or swelling of the skin, a rash or itching.
• You might find that the itching you have been experiencing with scabies continues for up to 4 weeks after treatment with Permethrin Cream. This is normal and caused by an allergic reaction to the dead scabies mites. It is not a sign that treatment has failed.

If you do experience any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.