Permethrin (Elimite) skin cream
What is permethrin skin cream?
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.
What should my health care professional know before I use permethrin?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
- asthma
- an unusual or allergic reaction to veterinary or household insecticides
- an unusual or allergic reaction to permethrin, other medicines, chrysanthemums, foods, dyes, or preservatives
- pregnant or trying to get pregnant
- breast-feeding
How should I use this medicine?
Permethrin is for external use only. Do not take by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label.
For the treatment of scabies: A bath or shower is NOT recommended before applying permethrin cream. Thoroughly rub permethrin cream into all skin surfaces, from your head to the soles of your feet. It is important to apply permethrin cream everywhere on your body, not just where the rash is. Apply the cream between fingers and toe creases, in the folds of the wrist and waistline, in the cleft of the buttocks, on the genitals, and in the belly button. Use a toothpick to apply the cream beneath your fingernails and toenails. Nails should be cut short. If you have little or no hair, or you are applying permethrin cream to an infant or young child, make sure you rub the cream into the neck, scalp, hairline, temples, and forehead. Leave permethrin cream on for 8 - 14 hours, then remove it by bathing and shampooing.
What if I miss a dose?
This does not apply as permethrin is used as a single dose.
What drug(s) may interact with permethrin?
Tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are using any skin cream or lotion on your body other than permethrin. These may affect the way your medicine works.
What side effects may I notice from using permethrin?
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
- itching
- numbness
- rash
- redness or mild swelling of the skin
- stinging or burning
- tingling sensation
What should I watch for while taking permethrin?
If you are using permethrin for scabies, it is not unusual for itching and rash to continue for as long as 2 - 4 weeks after treatment. These symptoms may be a temporary reaction to the remains of the mites. This does not mean the permethrin cream did not work or that it needs to be reapplied. If you feel that the itching and rash is intense or if it continues beyond 4 weeks, talk to your prescriber or health care professional right away.
Scabies is spread by direct skin contact with an infected person. Family members and sexual contacts may require treatment with permethrin. You should discuss this with your prescriber or health care professional.
Using a normal washing cycle, you should wash all clothing, towels and bed linen that has touched your skin. You do not need to rewash clean clothing that has not yet been worn. Coats, furniture, rugs, floors, and walls do not need to be cleaned in any special manner.
If you are applying permethrin to another person, wear plastic or disposable gloves to protect yourself from infestation.
Keep permethrin cream away from your eyes. If you accidentally get some in your eyes, rinse your eyes with water right away.
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at room temperature away from heat and direct light. Do not refrigerate or freeze. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
[ Last Revised: 1/1/2001 ]
Related entries
Monthly Archives
Syndicate
Allergies
