What is Permethrin (Generic Lyclear) 5% Cream?

Permethrin 5% Cream is a prescription treatment for scabies, a skin condition caused by tiny mites that burrow into the skin. It belongs to a group of medicines called insecticides (scabicides). It is applied directly to the skin to kill the mites and their eggs.

How Does Permethrin (Generic Lyclear) 5% Cream Work?

Permethrin attacks the nervous system of the scabies mites, causing paralysis and death. This stops the mites from surviving on your skin and prevents them from spreading.

When to Consider Permethrin (Generic Lyclear) 5% Cream

If you have been diagnosed with scabies by a healthcare professional.
If you live with or have close contact with someone who has scabies, even if you do not yet have symptoms.
If you notice intense itching, especially at night, along with a rash or burrows on your skin.

Who Should Use Permethrin (Generic Lyclear) 5% Cream

Adults and children over 2 months old, following the instructions provided.
People living in the same household or in close contact with someone who has scabies.

Who Should Not Use Permethrin (Generic Lyclear) 5% Cream

Anyone allergic to permethrin or any of the ingredients in the cream.
Babies under 2 months old, unless advised by a doctor.
Speak to your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding before use.

Alternative Treatments for Scabies

Other treatments for scabies include malathion lotion (Derbac M), benzyl benzoate lotion, or ivermectin tablets (used in certain cases under medical supervision).

Can You Buy Permethrin (Generic Lyclear) 5% Cream Over the Counter?

No. Permethrin 5% Cream is only available with a prescription in the UK.

Directions for Use

Prepare your skin

Make sure your skin is clean, cool, and dry before applying the cream.
Do not take a hot bath or shower immediately before treatment, as this may reduce effectiveness.

Apply the cream

Apply a thin layer of the cream over the entire body from the neck down.
Make sure to cover all areas, including between the fingers and toes, under the nails, soles of the feet, wrists, armpits, groin, and buttocks.
For elderly people and young children (under 2 years), also apply to the scalp, hairline, face, ears, and neck, avoiding the eyes and mouth.

Leave the cream on

Keep the cream on the skin for 8 to 12 hours (usually overnight).
Do not wash your hands or other areas during this time. If you do, reapply cream immediately.

Wash off

After 8 to 12 hours, wash off the cream thoroughly with soap and water.
Put on clean clothes after treatment.

Repeat if advised

In some cases, a second treatment is recommended 7 days later to make sure all mites and eggs are killed.

Household treatment

Everyone in the household and close contacts should be treated at the same time, even if they do not have symptoms.

Clothes and bedding

Wash clothes, towels, and bedding used in the previous few days at 50°C or higher, or seal them in a plastic bag for at least 72 hours.

Active ingredient

Permethrin 5% w/w

Inactive ingredients (excipients)

Cetostearyl alcohol
Liquid paraffin
Macrogol cetostearyl ether
Carbomer 934
Sodium hydroxide
Chlorocresol (as a preservative)
Purified water

Always check the patient information leaflet (PIL) in your pack for the full ingredient list — especially if you have skin allergies or sensitivities.

Common side effects

Itching, redness, or mild burning where the cream was applied
Tingling or stinging sensation
Dryness or slight swelling of the skin

Less common side effects

A temporary rash
Numbness or prickling feeling on the skin

Rare side effects

Allergic skin reactions such as severe itching, blistering, or swelling
Worsening of asthma symptoms in sensitive individuals

Important to know

Itching can continue for up to 2–4 weeks after treatment. This does not always mean the treatment has failed. It can be a reaction to dead mites and their debris.

If the itching is severe or lasts longer than 4 weeks, speak to your doctor.

Stop using the cream and seek medical help immediately if you notice signs of an allergic reaction, such as swelling of the face, lips, or difficulty breathing.