Permethrin is used to treat scabies (‘mites that attach themselves to the skin) in adults and children 2 months of age and older.

Over-the-counter permethrin is used to treat lice (small insects that attach themselves to the skin on the head)

in adults and children 2 months of age and older. Permethrin is in a class of medications called scabicides and pediculicides.

It works by killing lice and mites.

To use permethrin cream, follow these steps:

1. Apply a thin layer of cream all over your skin from your neck down to your toes (including the soles of your feet). Be careful to apply cream in all skins folds, such as between your toes and fingers or around your waist or buttocks.
2. For treatment of babies or adults over 65 years of age, the cream should also be applied to the scalp or hairline, temples, and forehead.
3. You may need to use all of the cream in the tube to cover your body.
4. Leave the cream on your skin for 8-14 hours.
5. After 8-14 hours have passed, wash off the cream by bathing or showering.
6. Your skin may be itchy after treatment with permethrin cream. This does not mean your treatment did not work. If you see live mites 14 days or more after treatment, then you will need to repeat the treatment process.