What is Permethrin Cream?

Permethrin cream is an over-the-counter skin-applied medicine which kills small insects that can remain on the hair or skin.

The insects include lice and scabies mites that cause skin irritation and itching.

It contains permethrin, which is a laboratory-synthetic insecticide.

It is kind to human skin when used in the proper way. Permethrin cream is available in different strengths.

5% is most often used to treat scabies, and the 1% lotion or rinse for head lice.

It directly affects the insects, not your body’s systems or your blood, so it mostly stays on the surface of the skin.

Overview & Description

Permethrin belongs to a class of chemicals called pyrethroids.

They resemble a chemical that occurs naturally in certain flowers, such as the chrysanthemum.

Scientists made permethrin more effective and longer-lasting than its natural counterpart, but harmless to humans.

When used as a cream applied directly to the skin, permethrin penetrates the outer layer where the insects live and roam.

The drug is very good at sticking to the hair and skin, so it has plenty of time to work on the insects.

Most of it is washed off after treatment, and only an infinitesimally small amount can potentially be absorbed into the body.

Because it targets the insect nervous system, not man’s, it is less dangerous than conventional drugs like lindane, which could potentially be more harmful.

Uses of Permethrin Cream

The main use of permethrin cream is for scabies, which is an infestation caused by the mites that burrow tiny tunnels into your skin.

The mites deposit eggs, which hatch and then create even more irritation. Both the eggs and the mites are eliminated by the cream.

The second use is for head lice, which reside on the scalp and subsist on minute quantities of blood from the skin.

Permethrin is applied in the treatment of lice as a 1% lotion or rinse in most situations.

It is sometimes prescribed by doctors for pubic lice, but other drugs may also be prescribed.

Because it has a good safety profile, permethrin is sometimes prescribed for the treatment of some types of mites that infest the body in other ways, especially for those who cannot use medication orally.

Indications

Permethrin is ideal for patients who have been diagnosed by a doctor or nurse for scabies or lice.

If you are diagnosed with scabies, you might feel intense itching, especially during night, coupled with small red bumps or burrows on the skin.

For lice, symptoms include persistent scalp scratching and small white eggs (nits) on the hair close to the scalp.

It is worth confirming the diagnosis since itchiness can also be caused by allergies, dryness, or eczema.

Permethrin must be used only as a “just in case” medication and not otherwise; apply it only when there is an actual infestation.

How Does Permethrin Work?

Permethrin kills the insects by attacking their nervous system.

In scabies mites and lice, the nerves speak to the muscles through the transmission of sodium ions streaming in a river of charged particles.

Permethrin keeps the sodium channels open for many hours, making it impossible for the nerve cells to reset.

The consequence is the paralysis and killing of the insect.

Human nerve cells are differently structured and quickly recover, and thus, permethrin does not damage humans in the same destructive way.

This difference is the reason why it can be applied safely to the skin when used properly.

Benefits of Permethrin Cream

One of the biggest benefits of permethrin cream is that it typically heals in one treatment.

It has a very high success rate in getting rid of mites and lice and their eggs, which reduces the need to repeat treatments.

It may be safely applied to infants as young as two months and to older adults, so it is convenient for treating an entire household if everyone who resides there is infested.

It is less pungent than some of the older medications, and it will not stain bedding or clothing.

It will not cause the same kind of nervous system issues that other bug-killing drugs can cause.

Because it only works on the skin, it will be less likely to interfere with other medications you are taking.

Side Effects

Most people put on permethrin cream without any problems, but side effects do sometimes happen.

The most common effects are redness, itching, stinging, or a burning feeling on the skin where the cream is applied.

These effects can go away in due time.

The scabies itch will occasionally last several weeks even after the mites have been eliminated; this is due to the fact that the body responds against the dead eggs and mites.

In extremely rare instances, there can be swelling, rash, or signs of allergy.

Side effects will not usually occur, but if there is trouble breathing, facial swelling, or a profuse rash, you should seek immediate medical care.

Drug Interactions

Since permethrin is used on the skin and very little of it is absorbed into the bloodstream, it will not usually interact with drugs taken orally or by injection.

No adverse drug interactions with permethrin cream have been reported.

If you are using other creams, ointments, or skin preparations on the same location, check with your physician and determine if you should stop use when taking permethrin.

This keeps the medicine in contact with your skin long enough to be effective.

Directions for Use

Begin with clean, dry skin when treating scabies.

Apply the 5% cream all over the body from neck down, carefully including elbows, between fingers, under nails, armpits, groin, buttocks, and soles of feet.

Apply to babies and toddlers on the scalp, face, and ears as well (not eyes or mouth).

Leave on for 8 to 14 hours, then rinse very well.

One whole-body treatment is sufficient in most cases, but a repeat treatment after one week may be required.

For lice: shampoo hair, rinse, and towel dry.

Apply 1% lotion or rinse to saturate hair and scalp, especially behind the ears and at the back of the neck.

Let it stay for 10 minutes, then rinse with warm water.

Remove dead lice and eggs using a fine-tooth comb.

Treatment again in 7 days might be required.

When Not to Use

Do not use if you are allergic to permethrin or pyrethrins.

Please don’t use it on open wounds, broken skin, or over areas of severe rash unless your doctor tells you to do so.

Permethrin should not be used in infants younger than two months without consulting a pediatrician.

People with certain skin diseases or serious diseases need to consult their healthcare provider before using it.

Dosage Guidelines

For scabies, an adult will typically need around 30 grams of the 5% cream for one application.

Children will need less, depending on their size.

For head lice, it will depend on hair thickness and length, but sufficient needs to be applied to wet all the scalp and hair.

It is best not to use too little, as this can make treatment less effective and enable the insects to survive.

Safety Advice

Always use as directed. Too little may not kill the bugs, and too much will not accelerate but may increase skin irritation.

Do not put in the eyes and mouth. If this happens, wash immediately with water.

Wash your hands well after applying cream, except when treating hands for scabies.

Precautions & Warnings

Notify your doctor if you suffer from asthma or other respiratory issues, as some uncommon allergic reactions can cause difficulty in breathing.

Even if treatment proves successful, itching may take weeks to subside; this doesn’t automatically imply that the treatment was unsuccessful.

If symptoms persist beyond 4 weeks, see your doctor for a re-check.

Do not Share clothing, towels, and bedding until the infestation is completely eradicated.

Can I Use It With Other Medications?

Yes, in most cases, you can use permethrin cream with your regular medicine, since it is applied locally to the skin.

But tell your physician about all prescribed and over-the-counter medications, herbal remedies, to ensure there are no unexpected problems.

General Instructions

Use on clean, dry skin or hair. Shower or bathe no sooner than when washing the cream off.

Put on clean clothing after using.

Wash all clothing, bedding, and towels that have been used during the last few days of treatment in hot water and put on high heat to dry.

Kills any remaining mites or lice. Treat close contacts and family members and check them.

What Else Can I Do to Help My Condition?

For scabies, avoid close body contact until treatment has finished.

Clean the home environment by vacuuming the mattresses, carpets, and furniture.

For lice, wash combs and brushes in hot water for 10 minutes.

Check all household members for signs of infestation, as lice and mites can infest quickly.

Proper hygiene and early treatment of contacts avert re-infestation.

Special Dietary or Lifestyle Advice

No special diet is needed to use permethrin cream. Continue to eat normally.

For lifestyle, avoid sleeping arrangements that are crowded and intimate body contact until the treatment works.

In residential care facilities or schools, inform staff so they can take group prevention measures.

Comparison with Other Treatments

Compared with lindane, permethrin is much safer, especially for children and pregnant women.

Lindane is neurotoxic, while permethrin rarely results in serious side effects.

Malathion lotion is applied to lice but is often penetrant in odor and is flammable.

Crotamiton is sometimes applied in scabies, but must be applied for multiple days and may be less effective.

Permethrin offers the combination of safety, efficacy, and convenience to make it a first-line treatment for most clinicians.