Lyclear

Lyclear Dermal Cream kills the scabies mites, usually with one application left on as directed and a repeat after 7 days, but the itching can carry on for two to four weeks afterwards as your skin recovers - this does not mean it has not worked. Everyone in the household and close contacts should usually be treated at the same time; see your GP or pharmacist if you are unsure.

For scabies, the cream is applied to the whole body (including hard-to-reach areas, and the face and scalp for young children and older people), left on for the time stated, then washed off, and repeated after a week. Follow the specific product's instructions carefully, as head lice and scabies products differ.

Follow the specific pack - scabies cream is generally left on for the stated time (often 8 to 24 hours) before washing off, and you should not wash it off early. If you wash your hands during that time, reapply to them.

For head lice, the treatment kills the lice, and repeating it after 7 days helps catch any that hatch from eggs in the meantime, so it is important to do both treatments. Combing through wet hair with a fine-toothed nit comb also helps remove eggs.

A second treatment after 7 days is a normal part of using Lyclear, to catch newly hatched lice or mites. Beyond that, do not keep repeating it more than the instructions say - if the problem persists, see your pharmacist or GP.

Permethrin, the ingredient in Lyclear, is generally considered a suitable option for scabies in pregnancy, but you should check with your pharmacist, midwife or GP first. They can confirm it is right for you and advise on treating the whole household.