• Kills scabies mites and eggs fast
  • Quickly relieves itching and irritation
  • Trusted UK scabies treatment

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Overview

Dealing with scabies can be frustrating, uncomfortable, and disruptive - but the good news is, it’s easily treatable. Lyclear Cream (Permethrin 5%) is a trusted, prescription-strength treatment that kills the mites and eggs responsible for scabies in a single course.
It works deep within the skin to eliminate the infestation, relieve intense itching, and prevent reinfection when used correctly.

Fast, effective, and safe for adults and children over two months old, Lyclear is the first-line treatment recommended by UK guidelines for scabies.

This medicine requires a secure online consultation with a UK-registered prescriber and will only be supplied if clinically appropriate.


What is Permethrin 5% Cream

Permethrin 5% Cream contains the active ingredient permethrin, a type of medicine known as a pyrethroid. It works by paralysing and killing the scabies mites and their eggs, helping to clear the infection and relieve itching.

It’s used to treat:

  • Scabies (Sarcoptes scabiei) – a skin infestation causing intense itching and rash.
  • Crab lice (pubic lice) – occasionally prescribed when these infestations are resistant to other treatments.

 

Lyclear is highly effective because it:

  • Destroys mites and eggs in one or two applications.
  • Relieves itching and irritation as the infection clears.
  • Prevents reinfestation when household contacts are treated simultaneously.

 

Results are often visible within a few days, though itching may persist for up to 2–3 weeks as the skin recovers.

Directions

Always follow your prescriber’s instructions carefully.

  • Apply to clean, cool, dry skin (not immediately after a hot bath or shower).
  • Apply a thin layer over the entire body from the neck down, including under nails, soles of the feet, and between fingers and toes.
  • In infants and elderly patients, also apply to the scalp, neck, face, and ears, avoiding the eyes and mouth.
  • Leave on for 8-12 hours (overnight), then wash off thoroughly with soap and water.
    Reapply to hands if washed during the treatment period.
    Repeat after 7 days to kill any newly hatched mites.
    Wash bedding, clothing, and towels at 60°C, and vacuum furniture and carpets to prevent reinfection.

 

All close contacts and household members should be treated at the same time - even if they don’t have symptoms.

Side Effects

Most people tolerate permethrin well, and side effects are generally mild and temporary.

Common (may affect up to 1 in 10 people):

  • Mild burning or stinging after application
  • Itching or redness as the skin heals
  • Temporary tingling or numbness in treated areas

 

Less common (may affect up to 1 in 100 people):

  • Rash, irritation, or dryness
  • Exacerbation of existing eczema

 

Rare but serious (seek medical advice immediately):

  • Severe allergic reaction (rash, swelling, difficulty breathing)
  • Widespread redness or blistering

 

Disclaimer: This is not a complete list of side effects. Always read the patient information leaflet that comes with your medicine. If you notice anything unusual or concerning, stop using the cream and seek medical advice promptly. In an emergency, call 999 or go to A&E.

Warnings

Do not use Permethrin if you:

  • Are allergic to permethrin or any other pyrethroids.
  • Have open wounds or broken skin on the area to be treated.

 

Use with caution if you:

  • Have severe eczema (your prescriber may adjust application areas).
  • Are pregnant or breastfeeding - treatment can usually continue under medical supervision.

 

Avoid contact with eyes, mouth, and mucous membranes, and wash hands thoroughly after applying.

For external use only.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some of the more common questions we hear from customers about shopping with Swiftmedi.

  • What is Permethrin 5% Cream and how does it work?

    Permethrin 5% Cream is a first-line treatment for scabies. It works by paralysing and killing the mites and their eggs as they live on the skin’s surface. The cream must be applied to the entire body from the neck down to ensure full coverage, and a second application is usually required seven days later for complete eradication.

  • How do I apply Permethrin 5% Cream correctly?

    Apply Permethrin cream to clean, dry skin from the neck down, including between fingers and toes, under nails and around the groin area. Leave it on for 8-12 hours before washing off. Children and older adults may need application to the scalp too. A second dose after seven days is standard to kill newly hatched mites.

  • How long does Permethrin take to work?

    Permethrin begins working almost immediately against mites, but itching may continue for two to four weeks due to ongoing immune reactions in the skin. This does not mean the treatment has failed. If symptoms persist beyond four weeks, seek clinical advice for reassessment.

  • Do I need to treat my household contacts?

    Yes. Everyone who lives with you or has prolonged close contact must be treated at the same time, even if they have no symptoms. Scabies spreads before itching begins, so coordinated treatment prevents reinfestation and improves success.

  • Can Permethrin be used in children?

    Permethrin is generally safe for children aged two months and over when used as directed. Infants may require application to the scalp and face, avoiding the eyes and mouth. Always follow medical guidance for young children to ensure correct dosing and application.

  • What are the common side effects of Permethrin?

    Temporary itching, redness, tingling or mild burning can occur as the skin reacts during treatment. These usually settle within days. Rarely, contact dermatitis or swelling can develop. If symptoms worsen or become severe, stop using the cream and seek medical advice.

  • Is Permethrin safe in pregnancy or breastfeeding?

    Permethrin is often considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding, but treatment decisions should always be made with a clinician. They will confirm whether permethrin remains the best option or whether alternative products are suitable.

  • Do I need a second application of Permethrin and why?

    Yes. The standard regimen involves two applications spaced seven days apart. The first treatment kills live mites, while the second kills any newly hatched larvae. Skipping the second dose is a common cause of treatment failure and reinfestation within households.

  • What should I do if itching seems to get worse after treatment?

    Worsening itch can occur because the immune system continues reacting to dead mites in the skin. This is known as “post-scabetic itch” and does not mean the treatment has failed. Emollients or antihistamines may help, and symptoms typically reduce within several weeks.

  • Should bedding and clothing be washed after using Permethrin?

    Yes. Wash bedding, towels and clothing used in the previous three days at 60°C to kill mites. Items that cannot be washed can be sealed in a plastic bag for at least 72 hours. These cleaning steps help prevent reinfestation while treatment is ongoing.

  • Can Permethrin be used if I have sensitive or eczema-prone skin?

    Permethrin is generally tolerated by most skin types, but people with eczema or very sensitive skin may experience dryness or irritation. Using an emollient alongside treatment can help. If reactions become severe, seek advice for alternative treatments.

  • Can I use Permethrin if I previously used benzyl benzoate?

    Yes. Permethrin and benzyl benzoate treat scabies through different mechanisms. People who do not tolerate one treatment can often use the other. A clinician can advise the best approach depending on your symptoms and treatment history.

  • How long should I stay off work or school after applying Permethrin?

    Most people can return 24 hours after the first treatment because infectiousness begins to decline quickly. However, close contacts still require treatment and environmental measures should be followed to prevent ongoing spread.

  • Can Permethrin treat other parasites such as head lice?

    Permethrin is also licensed for the treatment of head lice in lower strengths, but the 5% formulation is specifically for scabies. Always use the correct strength and product intended for the condition you are treating.

  • What happens if Permethrin doesn’t clear my scabies?

    Failure is often due to missed areas during application, skipped second dosing, or untreated contacts. If permethrin is used correctly and symptoms persist beyond four weeks, your clinician may recommend Derbac M or further evaluation for crusted scabies.

If you have any questions, concerns, or need advice, our team is always available to help, just as you'd expect from your local pharmacy.

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