What is Lyclear used for?: A Comprehensive Guide to Its Uses and Applications

October 6, 2025 •

4 min read

Worldwide, over 200 million people are estimated to be affected by scabies, a highly contagious skin condition caused by microscopic mites. For managing such parasitic infestations, a potent and effective treatment is necessary, which is exactly what is Lyclear used for.

Quick Summary

Lyclear treats parasitic infestations like scabies and lice using the active ingredient permethrin. It paralyzes and kills mites and lice, including their eggs, providing relief from severe itching and preventing reinfestation.

Key Points

Primary Uses: Lyclear treats scabies and infestations of head and crab lice.
Active Ingredient: Permethrin is the active ingredient, paralyzing and killing parasites by affecting their nervous system.
Formulations: Lyclear is available as a Dermal Cream for scabies and crab lice, and as shampoos/sprays for head lice.
Application Method: Application varies by product and condition; typically involves applying to affected areas for a specific duration.
Repeat Treatment: A second treatment may be needed after a specific interval for persistent infestations.
Side Effects: Possible side effects include mild, temporary skin irritation, burning, tingling, and redness. Persistent itching after scabies treatment is common.
Prevention: Treat all close contacts and sanitize clothing, bedding, and towels to kill any remaining parasites.

Lyclear is a topical medication containing permethrin, a synthetic insecticide (pyrethroid) used to paralyze and kill ectoparasites on the skin, such as scabies mites, head lice, and crab lice. Lyclear products are available in various formulations with differing permethrin concentrations, depending on the intended use. Proper product selection and application are vital for effective treatment and preventing reinfestation.

How Permethrin, the Active Ingredient, Works

The effectiveness of Lyclear comes from permethrin, which is a neurotoxic insecticide. It targets the nervous system of parasites by interfering with sodium channels in nerve cell membranes. This causes hyperexcitability, leading to paralysis and death of the parasites, including adults, larvae, and eggs. Permethrin is minimally absorbed through human skin, making it a safe topical treatment when used correctly.

The Lyclear Product Range

Lyclear offers specific products for different parasitic infestations:

Lyclear Dermal Cream: Contains permethrin and is used for scabies and crab lice. It is typically applied to the whole body (from the neck down, or including face/scalp for infants and elderly) and left on for a specific duration before washing off. A second application may be needed after a certain period.
Lyclear Treatment Shampoo: Typically contains permethrin or other active ingredients and is used for head lice. It is applied to dry hair, left for a specified time, rinsed, and hair is combed with a nit comb to remove eggs and dead lice.
Lyclear Treatment Spray: Another head lice treatment option, this non-aerosol spray can be effective in a relatively short time.

Lyclear for Scabies

Scabies, caused by the Sarcoptes scabiei mite, results in intense itching and rashes. Lyclear Dermal Cream containing permethrin is a highly effective treatment for scabies.

Application Instructions for Scabies: Apply the cream to clean, dry, cool skin. Cover the entire body from the neck down, paying close attention to areas like between fingers and toes, wrists, under nails, and armpits. For infants and the elderly, include the face and scalp while avoiding eyes and mouth. Leave the cream on for the recommended time before washing it off. All close contacts and household members should be treated simultaneously to prevent reinfection.

Lyclear for Head and Crab Lice

Lyclear is effective against head lice (Pediculus humanus capitis) and crab lice (Pthirus pubis). Lyclear Dermal Cream can treat crab lice, while the shampoo or spray formulations are typically used for head lice.

Application Instructions for Head Lice:

Check dry hair for lice.
Apply Lyclear Treatment Shampoo or Spray to dry hair, ensuring thorough coverage of the scalp and hair.
Leave the treatment on for the time specified by the product instructions.
Rinse hair and use the provided comb to remove dead lice and eggs.

Application Instructions for Crab Lice:

Apply Lyclear Dermal Cream to affected areas like pubic, underarm, or facial hair.
Leave the cream on for the recommended duration before washing.
Remove lice and eggs from eyelashes with tweezers, avoiding cream application to the eyes.

Side Effects and Precautions

Lyclear is generally well-tolerated, but some temporary skin irritation can occur. Common side effects include burning, stinging, redness, rash, and temporary numbness or tingling. Itching from scabies may continue for up to four weeks after treatment as the body reacts to dead mites. Severe allergic reactions are rare but require immediate medical attention.

Precautions:

Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes.
Use in a well-ventilated area and avoid naked flames.
Consult a doctor or pharmacist if pregnant or breastfeeding.
For infants under a certain age, use only under medical supervision.
Use with caution in individuals with asthma or eczema, as it may temporarily worsen symptoms.

Comparison of Lyclear Products

The table below outlines the key differences between Lyclear formulations. Note that concentrations and product availability may vary by region. Always check product packaging or consult a pharmacist.


Feature	Lyclear Dermal Cream	Lyclear Head Lice Treatments (e.g., Shampoo, Spray)
Primary Use	Scabies, Crab Lice	Head Lice
Active Ingredient	Permethrin	Permethrin or other non-insecticidal active ingredients
Application Area	Entire body (neck down); scalp and face in specific cases	Hair and scalp
Application Method	Thin layer massaged into cool, clean skin; left for a specific duration	Applied to hair; left for a recommended time; rinsed and combed
Repeat Treatment	Often recommended after a specific interval for persistent cases	Recommended if live lice are detected after a certain period
Combing Required?	No, but cleaning and sanitizing surroundings is essential	Yes, typically comes with a comb for removing eggs and dead lice
Other Features	Can aggravate asthma or eczema	Some formulations may offer added protection against reinfestation

Conclusion

Lyclear is an effective topical treatment for scabies, head lice, and crab lice, utilizing permethrin to kill these parasites. Different formulations are available for specific needs, such as the Dermal Cream for scabies and specialized products for head lice. Proper application, treating all contacts, and sanitizing surroundings are essential for successful treatment and preventing recurrence. While generally safe, be aware of potential side effects and follow all instructions, consulting a healthcare provider with any concerns, especially for infants or during pregnancy. More detailed pharmacological information on permethrin is available from MedlinePlus drug information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, but different Lyclear products are used. Lyclear Dermal Cream is for scabies and crab lice, while shampoos/sprays are for head lice.

The active ingredient is permethrin, a synthetic insecticide that kills mites and lice by disrupting their nervous system.

Leave Lyclear Dermal Cream on for the duration recommended by your healthcare provider or the product instructions for scabies treatment.

Itching can persist for up to four weeks after treatment as the body reacts to dead mites; this is normal and not a sign of treatment failure.

Consult a doctor or pharmacist before using Lyclear if pregnant or breastfeeding.

Wash all potentially contaminated clothing, bedding, and towels in hot water (60°C or above) to kill any remaining parasites.

Seek immediate medical attention if a child accidentally swallows Lyclear.

Yes, permethrin in many Lyclear products kills adult lice, mites, and their eggs.

Age suitability varies by product. Lyclear Dermal Cream is often for ages two and up, while some head lice treatments are suitable from six months, with medical supervision needed for younger infants.