Permethrin lotion which is used to treat lice, comes in a container that holds only one treatment. Use as much of the medicine as you need and discard any remaining lotion properly. Use as much of the medicine as you need and discard any remaining lotion properly. Permethrin Cream 5% is a topical scabicidal agent for the treatment of infestation with Sarcoptes scabiei (scabies). It is available in a white to off-white, vanishing cream base. How to use Lice Treatment Liquid. Apply this medication as soon as possible after it is prescribed. When treating head lice, apply this medication to the hair and scalp only. Doctors give unbiased, trusted information on the benefits and side effects of Acticin to treat Head Lice: Dr. Larabee on permethrin cream 5 for head lice: And hopefully for you. Try it. THE LIFE OF A HEAD LOUSE. Head lice are thought to be transmitted mainly through head-to-head contact. Fomites—clothing and other articles that transmit disease, such as combs, hats, helmets, bedding, and other personal items—have been implicated in their transmission, although this is not universally accepted. 1, 5 Permethrin. Permethrin is sold over-the-counter under the brand name NIX. It’s prominently displayed in every drugstore. It’s usually the first thing parents see when they rush to the pharmacy after finding out their kid has head lice … so they snap it up and rush home to treat with it. General Guidelines. Treatment for head lice is recommended for persons diagnosed with an active infestation. All household members and other close contacts should be checked; those persons with evidence of an active infestation should be treated. Treating head lice with permethrin 5% lotion (off-label) Although not registered for this indication, the established safety profile of permethrin 5% application makes it suitable for the treatment of head (and body) lice infestations. Malathion lotion 0.5% (also known as Ovide) is a prescription medication that is approved for head lice and can kill some eggs. Directions and precautions for use must be strictly followed. If you have an allergy to permethrin, chrysanthemums, or any other part of permethrin cream rinse and lotion. If you are allergic to any drugs like this one, any other drugs, foods, or other substances.