How do I use permethrin cream to treat lice?
PERMETHRIN (Elimite®) skin cream is used to treat scabies. Scabies occurs when a certain type of mite (“itch mite”) buries itself underneath the skin. This leads to itching and redness of the skin. Scabies can spread over your whole body and can look like a skin rash. Generic permethrin skin cream is available. Permethrin is not a lice treatment. Instead try RID lice shampoo. It’s effective when directions are followed. Sources: http://www.answers.
Permethrin cream 5% for scabies Examples Generic Name Brand Name permethrin 5% Elimite permethrin 1% Nix How It Works Nonprescription permethrin 1% is used to treat lice but is not strong enough to cure scabies. Prescription-strength permethrin 5% kills the scabies mite. The medicine will come with instructions, and your doctor will also give you a treatment schedule. The National Institutes of Health recommends the following: For scabies (5% cream) * Read package directions carefully before using. * Thoroughly wash and dry skin. * Massage the cream into the skin from the head to the soles of the feet, paying special attention to creases in the skin, hands, feet, between fingers and toes, underarms, and groin. Scabies rarely infests the scalp of adults, although the hairline, neck, side of the head, and forehead may be infested in older people and in infants. Infants should be treated on the scalp, side of the head, and forehead. * Leave the permethrin cream on the skin for 8 to 14 hou
Over the counter 1% permethrin cream like NIX will get rid of most cases of lice. First, wash your hair WITHOUT conditioner. Then work the cream into your hair with a comb, getting it as close to the scalp as possible. Leave the cream in your hair for about 10 minutes, then rinse it out. While in the shower, work cream into any hair under your arms or pubic hair. Sources: http://www.healthsquare.com/drugs/120543.
