What Are The Effect Of Using Permethrin?

Posted on Fri, 15 Aug 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Fri, 15 Aug 2014 Answered on

Fri, 5 Sep 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : What is the effect of using permethrin? I used it yesterday and my doctor said I have to wait 2 weeks to use again, what if I put some cream on rash now?

Answered by Dr. Deepika Patil (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
it may increase erythema

Detailed Answer:
Hi Mam,

Welcome to HealthcareMagic .

Permithrin helps in killing organisms causing scabies. Usually one dose is curative. Generally it is adviced to apply to whole body except eyes and scalp(if not involved ) and wash after 8 to 10hrs.

Persistance of itching after one dose may indicate failure of treatment. But this is not indication for re treatment. Usually if after 2weeks it persist then retreatment done.

So your doctor has told to use after 2 weeks. If you again apply cream now itself then there are chances of increase in erythema and itching due to over dosage.

So I would suggest you to wait for 2 weeks and if still symptoms persist (after getting examined) then go for 2nd dose of permithrin. Mean time take antihistaminics like cetrizine for itch by getting prescription.

Hope I have answered your query . If any further queries are there I would love to help.

Regards
Dr.Deepika Patil

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E