Permethrin kills parasites and their eggs. It is used to treat scabies (a skin infestation) and lice infestations of the head, body, and pubic area ('crabs'). Permethrin does not prevent these infestations.
Permethrin comes in a cream and liquid (cream rinse) to use externally. Usually, one application of permethrin completely eliminates the parasites. However, the treatment may need to be repeated after 1 week; call your doctor if signs of infestation (live parasites) reappear. Follow the directions on the package or on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use permethrin exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than directed by your doctor.
Wear rubber gloves when applying it if you have open cuts or scratches on your hands. If this medication accidentally gets in your eyes, rinse them thoroughly with water for at least 5 minutes.
If you are to use the liquid, follow these steps:
- Shampoo your hair using your regular shampoo.
- Thoroughly rinse and towel dry your hair and scalp.
- Allow your hair to air dry for a few minutes.
- Do not stand (or sit) in a shower or bathtub; lean over a sink to apply permethrin to your head.
- Shake the bottle of liquid well.
- Thoroughly wet the hair and scalp with the liquid. Cover the areas behind your ears and the back of your neck.
- Keep permethrin on your hair for 10 minutes before rinsing it off thoroughly with water.
- Dry your hair with a clean towel.
- Comb your hair with a fine tooth comb to remove nits (lice eggs and larvae).
- Wash your hands to remove the medication.
If you are to use the cream, follow these steps:
- Wash your entire body or take a shower.
- Thoroughly massage the cream into your skin over your entire body, from your head to your toes.
- Leave the cream on for 8-14 hours.
- Wash the cream off after 8-14 hours by taking another shower.
If you have head lice, wash combs and brushes with permethrin liquid and rinse them thoroughly with water to remove the drug.
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