Permethrin
Apply 5% cream from the neck down (including the scalp in young children), wash off after 8–12 hours, repeat after 7 days. Treat everyone in the house.
On this page
How to apply
- Apply to cool, dry skin over the whole body from the neck down, including between the fingers and toes, under nails and the genitals.
- In children under 2 and the elderly, also the face and scalp (avoiding the eyes and mouth).
- Leave for 8–12 hours (overnight), then wash off.
- Reapply to hands if washed during this time.
- Repeat after 7 days.
Adults usually need 30–60 g per application.
Points
- Treat all household members at the same time.
- Wash clothes, towels and bedding at 50°C or seal in a bag for 3 days.
- Itch may last 2–4 weeks after successful treatment.
- Safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Frequently asked questions
Why does scabies itching continue after permethrin?
It's an allergic reaction to dead mites and eggs; it settles over a few weeks.
Used in these guides
Sources
Doses on this page are typical doses from the sources above. Always confirm with a current drug reference, the product leaflet and your hospital protocol, especially in children, pregnancy and kidney or liver disease.