Lyderm Cream (Permethrin 5% w/w)

Lyderm Cream general information

What is Lyderm Cream used for?

Lyderm Cream is a topical treatment for scabies, a contagious parasitic infection, caused by the parasitic mite Sarcoptes scabiei. which is transmitted by direct skin contact. The scabies mite burrows into the skin causing itching as it burrows. The itching can be intense and is often worse at night. Within two to six weeks after infection the mite can cause an allergic reaction with symptoms including a rash, seen as small red bumps on the limbs and trunk, which are usually very itchy; also nodules in the groin or armpit. Burrow lines can also be seen at the site of infection, usually between the fingers, on the skin of the hands, feet, wrist, elbows, buttocks and genitals. If left untreated scabies infection can cause secondary complications like impetigo (infection and inflammation of superficial skin cells) and cellulitis (inflammation of the lower dermal or subcutaneous skin layers). Lyderm Cream kills the scabies parasite, preventing spread of infection and eventually relieving symptoms of the infection.

How does Lyderm Cream work?

Lyderm Cream contains permethrin, a synthetic insecticide belonging to the family of chemicals known as pyrethroids. Permethrin in Lyderm Cream acts as a neurotoxin and kills the scabies mite by interfering with the nervous system of the parasite, preventing transmission of nerve signals and causing paralysis. Lyderm Cream only kills the mite and does not relieve symptoms of infection so that the allergic reaction triggered by the scabies mites can continue to cause itching for up to four weeks after treatment.

What does Lyderm Cream contain?

Lyderm Cream contains active ingredient permethrin (5% w/w), a synthetic insecticide used to treat scabies infection. It also contains a water miscible base.

Treating scabies infection with Lyderm Cream

Lyderm Cream contains permethrin, an insecticide used to treat scabies infection, which is caused by the parasitic mite Sarcoptes scabiei and is transmitted by direct skin contact. The scabies mite burrows into the skin causing itching as it burrows. The itching can be intense and is often worse at night. Within two to six weeks after infection the mite can cause an allergic reaction with symptoms including a rash, seen as small red bumps on the limbs and trunk, which are usually very itchy; also nodules in the groin or armpit. Burrow lines can also be seen at the site of infection, usually between the fingers, on the skin of the hands, feet, wrist, elbows, buttocks and genitals. Permethrin in Lyderm Cream kills the scabies mite by acting as a neurotoxin and interfering with the nervous system of the parasite, preventing transmission of nerve signals and causing paralysis. Lyderm Cream only kills the mite preventing spread of infection but does not relieve symptoms of infection so that the allergic reaction triggered by the scabies mites can continue to cause itching for up to four weeks after treatment.

What are the side effects of Lyderm Cream?

The most commonly reported side effects when taking Lyderm Cream include: skin irritation at the site of application, such as, burning, stinging or tingling, numbness, redness and swelling.

When should Lyderm Cream not be used?

You should not use Lyderm Cream if you:

• are allergic to permethrin or other pyrethroids or pyrethrins or any ingredients in Lyderm Cream
• are using corticosteroid creams as this may reduce the effectiveness of Lyderm Cream by interfering with the immune response to the scabies mite.

How should Lyderm Cream be used?

You should apply your Lyderm Cream to clean, dry, cool skin by gently rubbing all over your body from the neck downwards, including the soles of the feet, and using the whole tube as a single application. The cream will absorb into the skin and you should not reapply if there is no cream left on the surface. Leave the Lyderm Cream on your skin for 8-14 hours then wash off. You should not apply your Lyderm Cream to broken skin or mucous membranes and avoid contact with the eyes. Usually a single application will kill all the scabies and prevent reinfection. If there are signs that the infection has not cleared you can apply a second tube of @ Cream after 7-14 days.

How should Lyderm Cream be stored?

You should store your Lyderm Cream below 25°C in a cool dry place and do not freeze.