Permethrin is used for?

Permethrin is used for treating scabies and lice

Permethrin is an insecticide medication used to treat certain skin infestations, especially scabies (a mite) and head lice or other types of lice.

How it works (briefly)

Permethrin works by damaging the nervous system of the mites or lice, which leads to their death.

What it’s commonly used for in practice

People most often use permethrin creams or lotions on the skin for:
- Scabies infestations
- Head lice infestations (often with a different formulation, such as a lotion)

When patients usually need a repeat dose

For scabies and lice, treatment often requires repeating the application or treating again after about a week, because eggs can survive the first treatment and later hatch.

Related point: it’s not the same as taking it by mouth

Permethrin is used as a topical treatment for infestations. Oral use is not how it’s used for scabies or lice.