Antiparasitic

Permethrin

Cream or lotion

Quick Summary

Permethrin kills scabies mites and lice.

Scabies
Head lice

Medical Uses

Scabies: Whole-body application.
Head lice: Lotion.

How it's taken

For scabies, apply to the whole body from the neck down (include the head in young children), leave on as directed, then wash off; repeat after a week.

Your doctor decides the right dose for you and how long to take it.

Your doctor decides the right dose for you. Follow their instructions and the label.

Common Side Effects

Itching and burning

Temporary.

Skin redness

Mild.

Tingling

Sometimes.

Interactions

Few interactions

Applied to the skin.

Critical Warnings

Treat contacts

Household members should be treated at the same time.

Itching may continue

For a few weeks after treatment.

Sources and further reading

Last updated 21 October 2026. For more detail, see these trusted health organisations.

Related Topics

Scabies