ELIMITE CREAM (PERMETHRIN)

Elimite Cream Description

Elimite Cream or generic Permethrin is a topical medicine your doctor can prescribe if you have been infected by the itch mite we know as scabies. You may have picked up a female mite while gardening, hiking, or from contact with an infected person or their belongings. However it happened, you will start to notice an intense itching, especially at night. This occurs as the mite burrows to lay eggs and your immune system causes an allergic reaction to mite proteins. The burrows appear as small, wavy lines on your skin. The generic alternative is not manufactured by the company that makes the brand product.

How Treatment with Elimite Cream Works

Treatment can be a little overwhelming as you will need to cover your entire skin area with Elimite Cream, including the soles of your feet, armpits, between fingers and toes, everywhere except eyes, nose, mouth, and genitals. Once you have covered your skin, Elimite Cream must remain there for up to 14 hours before you can shower it off.

As the Permethrin is absorbed into your skin cells, the mites can ingest it or come into contact with it and their nervous system will cause muscle spasms that lead to paralysis and eventual death. In 7 days, you will repeat the application of Elimite Cream to be certain all of the mites and their eggs are dead.

Conditions Treated by Elimite Cream

Clothing, bedding, and other personal items can harbor scabies, so an intense cleaning will also have to be performed. The scabies mite can only live without a human host for about 3 days and are highly contagious. After you have completed the 2 treatments with Elimite Cream, it could still take as long as 6 weeks for your body to eliminate or absorb the dead mites which will still cause the itching. Your doctor may recommend another topical cream to reduce the allergic reaction. You should also revisit your doctor if the itching is unrelenting to be certain it is not caused by more scabies.

Before Elimite Cream is Prescribed

Ask your doctor about the risk of applying Elimite Cream while you are pregnant, may become pregnant, or are breast feeding. Discuss other health concerns with your doctor and list any OTC or Rx meds you currently take or use, including herbal remedies and dietary or vitamin supplements. This will help determine if Elimite Cream is safe for you to apply.

Elimite Cream Precautions

Elimite Cream may be applied to children over the age 2 months with extra precautions taken to prevent child from getting Permethrin in the eyes, nose, or mouth. Mittens, hat, and one piece sleepers will help with this. Permethrin is toxic to cats, fish, and other fresh or salt water animals. Keep Elimite Cream out of children’s reach and away from pets.

Possible Side Effects of Elimite Cream

• Itching
• Redness
• Mild stinging upon application