Permethrin 5% w/w Cream 30g

What is Permethrin 5% w/w Cream 30g?

Permethrin 5% Cream is a treatment for scabies and for crab lice. Scabies is caused by a tiny mite that burrows into the top layer of skin and causes intense itching, often worse at night. The cream is applied over the body, left on for the time given in the leaflet, then washed off. Because it is a pharmacy medicine, our pharmacist supplies it after checking it is right for the person it is for.

How does it help?

Permethrin is a synthetic version of a natural insecticide found in chrysanthemum flowers. It works on the mites and lice rather than on you - it interferes with the way their nerve cells handle sodium, so the nerves fire uncontrollably and the parasite is paralysed and dies. It acts on the eggs as well as the adults, which is why a properly applied course can clear an infestation.

Key benefits

• Treats the mites and their eggs, so a correctly applied course can clear the infestation
• Applied to the skin and washed off, rather than taken by mouth
• One 30g tube is a standard adult application - our pharmacist will advise how many tubes a household needs
• Everyone in the household can be treated on the same day, which is how re-infection is usually avoided

Who should take care?

Always read the patient information leaflet before use. Do not use it if you have ever reacted to permethrin, to other pyrethroid or pyrethrin insecticides, or to chrysanthemums. Tell us if the person being treated is under two months old, is pregnant or breastfeeding, or has broken or badly inflamed skin. Apply it to cool, dry skin over the whole body as the leaflet directs, keep it away from the eyes and mouth, and wash it off after the stated time. Everyone in the household and any close contacts usually need treating on the same day, and bedding and clothing washed hot. Itching can carry on for two to four weeks after successful treatment - that alone does not mean it has failed, but come back and speak to us if it is not settling or the rash is spreading. Our pharmacist will go through this with you before it is supplied.