Permethrin Cream 30g

Permethrin 5% Cream (30g) is a topical antiparasitic medication used for the eradication of scabies infestations (caused by the Sarcoptes scabiei mite) and crab lice / pubic lice (Pthirus pubis). The active synthetic pyrethroid disrupts neuronal sodium channel transport in parasites, causing paralysis and cellular death of both adult mites/lice and their eggs.

• Application Area: Apply to clean, cool, and dry skin over the entire body from the neck down to the soles of the feet, paying special attention to skin folds, between fingers and toes, under fingernails, wrists, armpits, navel, external genitals, and buttocks.
• Genital Application: Yes, Permethrin cream can and must be applied to private parts / pubic areas when treating scabies or crab lice, as parasites frequently infest these regions. Avoid applying inside body orifices or sensitive mucous membranes.
• Contact Duration: Leave the cream on the skin for 8 to 12 hours (typically overnight) before washing off thoroughly with cool or warm water. If hands are washed within the treatment period, reapply cream to the hands immediately.

Permethrin 5% cream begins paralyzing and killing scabies mites and lice within hours of application. However, a single application may not kill all newly hatched eggs. A second application 7 days after the first treatment is recommended to eradicate any newly hatched mites before they reach maturity.

• Post-Scabietic Itching: Yes, increased itching or skin irritation after applying Permethrin 5% cream is common and expected. This allergic reaction (post-scabietic itch) is caused by dead mite proteins remaining in the skin, not an active infestation, and can persist for 2 to 4 weeks post-treatment.
  
• Signs of Elimination: Scabies is considered fully resolved when no new skin burrows, pimple-like rash papules, or fresh lesions appear after 2 to 4 weeks. Persistent itching can be managed with oral antihistamines or mild hydrocortisone creams.

Yes. To prevent re-infestation, all clothing, bed sheets, blankets, towels, and pillowcases used within the 3 days prior to treatment must be washed in hot water (at least 60°C / 140°F) and dried on a high-heat cycle. Items that cannot be washed should be sealed in an airtight plastic bag for at least 72 hours (3 to 7 days), as scabies mites cannot survive away from human skin for longer than 48–72 hours. You do not need to throw out your mattress or duvet; thorough vacuuming of soft furniture and mattresses is sufficient.

Yes, Permethrin 5% Cream 30g is available over the counter (OTC) at UK pharmacies and registered online healthcare services following a brief pharmacy assessment. All household members and close personal/sexual contacts should be treated simultaneously with Permethrin 5% cream even if they show no visible symptoms to stop asymptomatic cross-transmission.