Permethrin 5% w/w Dermal Cream
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Permethrin 5% w/w Dermal Cream
Medication features
Permethrin Dermal Cream is a topical treatment that removes crab lice, eggs and scabies mites from the skin. With its soothing features, most people only need one application for itch relief and exterminating lice and eggs. Suitable for children aged two and over for scabies mites and adults over 18 with crab lice.
- Kills scabies and crab lice
- Improved symptoms in two hours
- Suitable for full-body coverage
Overview
NOTE: After selecting this product, you will need to complete a short assessment, so we can make sure this medication is suitable for you. Pricing is provided as a reference only. The final decision on issuing this medication remains with our Prescriber / Pharmacist.
Permethrin is an effective insecticide that paralyses and kills insects. When used on human skin, it can treat scabies and crab lice within a few hours, giving you immediate relief. Toddlers and children can use it on the skin to kill scabies, while it's also beneficial for adults over 18 with crab lice.
In most cases, you'll only need one treatment of Permethrin Cream, which you can apply over the whole body. For entire body applications, you might need two tubes of cream but never exceed this amount in 24 hours.
FAQ
What are scabies mites?
Scabies mites are tiny insects that live in the upper layers of human skin. They cause scabies, an itchy skin condition with a rash of red, bumpy bumps. Scabies mites are spread through close skin-to-skin contact with an infected person or through sharing contaminated items such as bedding or clothing.
The condition is common and can cause discomfort, but applying itch relief creams can kill the insects and cure your symptoms.
What are crab lice?
Crab lice, also known as pubic lice, are tiny insects that live in the coarse hair found on the pubic area, chest, armpits, and sometimes the eyelashes and eyebrows. They spread through close sexual contact and can cause intense itching in the affected area.
An anti-itch cream can relieve symptoms, but Permethrin Dermal Cream can treat crab lice and kill them off.
How should I use Permethrin 5% cream?
Open the tube and put the cream over cool and dry skin, avoiding the eyes. Once you rub it in, the cream will dissolve into the skin and can be applied over the entire body. Remember, you're using it to treat infestations, and the active ingredient, Permethrin, will kill the insects it comes into contact with.
Here are the instructions according to age:
- People over 12: Use one 30g of cream to cover the body, avoiding the head and facial areas. You can use up to two tubes in one application if required.
- Children 6-12: Use 15g (half a tube) of Permethrin Dermal Cream to cover the body - apart from the face and head.
- Children 2-5: 7.5 grams (a quarter of a tube) should be more than enough to cover the body - apart from the head and face.
- Children 1-2: Use 7.5 grams, but apply cream to the scalp, ears and face - avoiding the mouth and eyes.
- Children aged 2 Months - 1 Year: Apply one-eighth of the tube to the entire body, including the face, scalp and ears, avoiding the mouth and eyes.
- Adults over 65: Apply an entire tube of cream to the face, neck, head and ears.
Adults with crab lice can apply the cream carefully to their external genitalia to relieve symptoms.
I'm pregnant or breastfeeding. Can I use Permethrin Cream?
You should seek advice from your doctor before using the cream. As Permethrin needs to be applied over the entire body - including the breasts, it might not be suitable for new mothers. There might be more suitable solutions for treating infestations, and your doctor or a registered pharmacist can advise you.
Who should avoid the cream?
The cream isn't suitable for children under two months old unless specifically prescribed by your GP. Do not use Permethrin Cream if you're allergic to any of the ingredients, including Compositae (the daisy family of flowers).
While the treatment is fine for your skin rash, you shouldn't use it on broken skin as it can cause further inflammation and discomfort. If you notice increased irritation, stop using it and speak to your doctor.
Side Effects
While Permethrin Cream (5%) is generally safe, it can cause the following side effects, including:
- Skin irritation and mild burning sensations (if they persist, remove the cream immediately).
- Headaches.
- Dizziness.
- Nausea.
As the cream is flammable, keeping it away from open flames is essential. Don't have a hot bath or shower before applying it, as this can cause reactions.
If you notice an allergic reaction, including continued or increased irritation, stop using the cream and seek advice from your doctor or pharmacist.
Other
Info Leaflet
Once you successfully treat the problem, remember to dispose of any dead scabies mites and seal away contaminated items. The patient information leaflet contains detailed instructions, but our pharmacists are always on hand to answer your questions.
Please contact Pharmacy Online for more information.
