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Lyclear Creme Rinse - 2 x 59ml

Lyclear Creme Rinse - 2 x 59ml

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  • ✔️ Kills head lice and eggs with 1% permethrin
  • ✔️ Twin pack covers the full two-treatment course
  • ✔️ Rinse-out formula works in just 10 minutes
  • ✔️ Suitable for adults and children aged 6 months+
  • ✔️ Clinically established permethrin treatment for lice

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Is Lyclear Creme Rinse Head Lice Treatment Right for You?

 

Head lice are one of the most common childhood nuisances in the UK — and if you've spotted the telltale itch or found a louse on the comb, you'll want something that actually works. Lyclear Creme Rinse head lice treatment is a clinically established, over-the-counter solution containing 1% permethrin, a synthetic pyrethroid that has been used to treat head lice infestations for decades. Each twin pack contains two 59ml bottles, giving you enough product for the recommended two-treatment course. You can browse the full range of head lice products in our dedicated Head Lice collection at Cured Pharmacy.

Head lice (Pediculus humanus capitis) spread through direct head-to-head contact and are particularly common among school-age children, though anyone can be affected. The NHS confirms that having head lice is not a sign of poor hygiene — they simply prefer clean or dirty hair equally. Spotting live lice or eggs (nits) close to the scalp is the clearest sign of an active infestation.

 

How Does Lyclear Creme Rinse Work Against Head Lice?

 

Permethrin, the active ingredient in Lyclear Creme Rinse, works by targeting the nervous system of head lice. Here's what happens at a biological level:

  • Permethrin binds to voltage-gated sodium channels in the nerve cell membranes of lice.
  • This binding keeps the channels open for longer than normal, causing prolonged nerve firing.
  • The result is paralysis of the louse, followed by death.
  • Permethrin also has some ovicidal (egg-killing) activity, though a second treatment is still recommended to catch any newly hatched lice.

Because permethrin works through direct contact with the insect's nervous system, it does not need to be absorbed into your bloodstream to be effective. Systemic absorption through intact skin is minimal, which is one reason it has a well-established safety profile for use in adults and children.

 

Who Is Lyclear Creme Rinse Suitable For?

 

Lyclear Creme Rinse is appropriate for a wide range of people dealing with an active head lice infestation. It is generally suitable for:

  • Adults and children aged 6 months and over (children under 2 years should be treated under medical supervision).
  • Families wanting to treat multiple household members during an outbreak.
  • Those who prefer a rinse-out formulation over leave-in lotions or sprays.
  • People who have confirmed live lice or nits through wet combing or visual inspection.

It is not suitable for people with a known allergy to permethrin, chrysanthemums, or any other ingredient in the formulation. If you have asthma or are pregnant, speak to your pharmacist before use.

 

How Does Lyclear Creme Rinse Compare to Other Head Lice Treatments?

 

Feature Lyclear Creme Rinse (Permethrin 1%) Dimeticone (e.g. Hedrin 4%)
Mechanism Neurotoxic — disrupts lice nervous system Physical — coats and suffocates lice
Application time 10 minutes, then rinse 8 hours (overnight), then wash out
Suitable age 6 months and over 6 months and over
Resistance risk Some reported permethrin resistance in UK lice populations No resistance reported (physical mode of action)

 

How Should You Store Lyclear Creme Rinse and Is It Clinically Suitable for You?

 

Store Lyclear Creme Rinse below 25°C, away from direct sunlight and out of reach of children. Do not freeze. Once opened, use within the treatment course as directed. If you are unsure whether this product is right for your situation — for example, if a previous treatment has not worked or if you are managing lice in a very young child — it is always worth speaking to your pharmacist first. Resistance to permethrin has been documented in some UK head lice populations, so if Lyclear Creme Rinse head lice treatment has not worked after two correctly applied treatments, an alternative mechanism such as a dimeticone-based product may be more appropriate. You might also find it helpful to explore our Hair Care collection for complementary products.

This product is a medicine. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist before using if you have an underlying medical condition or are taking other medicines.

Lyclear Creme Rinse 2 x 59ml specifications
Treatment category Head lice (Pediculosis capitis)
Active ingredient Permethrin 1% w/v
Mechanism of action Sodium channel disruption causing louse paralysis and death
Suitable for Adults and children aged 6 months and over
Pack size 2 x 59ml bottles
Strength 1% w/v permethrin
UK classification Pharmacy (P) medicine
Drug class Synthetic pyrethroid insecticide / pediculicide
Preparation Creme rinse (topical liquid)
Route of administration Topical — scalp and hair application

Specifications of Lyclear Creme Rinse 2 x 59ml

 

What Is Lyclear Creme Rinse and What Is It Used For?

 

Lyclear Creme Rinse is a topical pediculicide — a medicine applied directly to the hair and scalp to kill head lice and their eggs. It contains permethrin 1% w/v as its active ingredient. It is used to treat active infestations of head lice (Pediculus humanus capitis) in adults and children aged 6 months and over. The twin-pack format (2 x 59ml) is designed to support the full two-treatment course recommended by clinical guidance, ensuring that any lice hatching after the first application are also eliminated.

Head lice do not jump or fly — they spread only through prolonged, direct head-to-head contact. The NHS advises that the most reliable way to confirm an infestation is wet combing with a fine-toothed detection comb, rather than relying on itching alone, as itching can take weeks to develop after initial infestation.

 

What Do You Need to Know Before Using Lyclear Creme Rinse?

 

Before using this product, read the following carefully. Do not use Lyclear Creme Rinse if any of the following apply to you:

  • You are allergic to permethrin, any pyrethroid or pyrethrin insecticide, or chrysanthemums.
  • You are allergic to any other ingredient in the formulation.
  • The person being treated is an infant under 6 months of age.
  • You have broken, infected, or severely inflamed skin on the scalp.

Take extra care and speak to your pharmacist or GP if:

  • You are pregnant or breastfeeding — topical permethrin has minimal systemic absorption, but professional advice is recommended.
  • You or the person being treated has asthma — the product contains isopropyl alcohol, which may trigger bronchospasm if inhaled.
  • A previous course of permethrin treatment has not worked, as resistance may be a factor.

Drug interactions: No clinically significant interactions are known at topical doses. However, always inform your pharmacist of any medicines you are taking.

  • No significant interactions with oral medicines have been documented for topical permethrin 1%.

 

How Should You Use Lyclear Creme Rinse?

 

Follow these steps carefully to get the most from your treatment. Using a non-conditioning shampoo before application is important — conditioner can coat the hair shaft and reduce how well the product works.

  1. Wash hair with a non-conditioning shampoo. Rinse thoroughly.
  2. Towel dry the hair so it is damp but not dripping wet.
  3. Apply Lyclear Creme Rinse generously to the hair, working from the roots to the tips. Make sure all hair is saturated.
  4. Leave the product on for exactly 10 minutes. Do not exceed this time.
  5. Rinse the hair thoroughly with warm water.
  6. Use a fine-toothed detection comb to remove dead lice and loosened eggs (nits) from the hair.
  7. Repeat the full treatment 7 days after the first application.

Avoid getting the product in the eyes. If contact occurs, rinse immediately with plenty of water. Keep the product away from the mouth and nose during application, particularly in young children.

Age Group Dose Application Time Repeat Treatment
Adults and children aged 2 years and over Apply sufficient amount to saturate hair and scalp 10 minutes Day 7
Children aged 6 months to 2 years Apply under medical supervision only 10 minutes Day 7 (under supervision)

If you are treating multiple family members, our Baby and Toddler collection includes additional products suitable for younger children in the household.

 

What Are the Possible Side Effects of Lyclear Creme Rinse?

 

Like all medicines, Lyclear Creme Rinse can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them. Most side effects are mild and localised to the scalp.

Common side effects (may affect up to 1 in 10 people):

  • Mild scalp itching or tingling after application
  • Temporary burning or stinging sensation on the scalp
  • Mild redness of the scalp

Less common side effects (may affect up to 1 in 100 people):

  • Skin rash or hives at the application site
  • Numbness or altered sensation on the scalp
  • Oedema (swelling) of the scalp or face

Stop using the product and seek medical attention immediately if you notice signs of a serious allergic reaction, including swelling of the face, lips, or throat, difficulty breathing, or a widespread skin rash. These reactions are rare but require prompt attention.

 

How Should You Store Lyclear Creme Rinse?

 

  • Store below 25°C in a cool, dry place.
  • Keep away from direct sunlight and sources of heat.
  • Do not freeze.
  • Keep out of the sight and reach of children.
  • Do not use after the expiry date printed on the bottle and carton.
  • Do not dispose of medicines via wastewater or household waste — return unused product to your pharmacist for safe disposal.

For more information on managing skin and scalp conditions, you may find our Skin Care collection a useful resource alongside this treatment.

Written and reviewed by our qualified team

Your safety and success are our highest priorities. Our medical team rigorously evaluates every product and piece of advice we provide, ensuring you receive only the most effective, science-backed solutions available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I buy Lyclear Creme Rinse online in the UK?

You can buy Lyclear Creme Rinse 2 x 59ml directly from Cured Pharmacy, a UK GPhC-registered online pharmacy. It is available without a prescription as an over-the-counter Pharmacy (P) medicine. Simply add it to your basket and it will be dispatched promptly to your door.

How does Lyclear Creme Rinse work in the body?

Lyclear Creme Rinse contains permethrin 1%, a synthetic pyrethroid that works by binding to sodium channels in the nerve cell membranes of head lice, causing prolonged nerve firing, paralysis, and death. It acts locally on the scalp and hair — systemic absorption through intact skin is minimal. This targeted action means it is effective against lice without significant effects on the rest of your body.

How do I use Lyclear Creme Rinse step by step?

Follow these steps for correct application:

  1. Wash hair with a non-conditioning shampoo and rinse well.
  2. Towel dry so hair is damp.
  3. Apply the creme rinse from roots to tips, saturating all hair.
  4. Leave on for 10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.
  5. Comb through with a fine-toothed detection comb to remove dead lice and eggs.

Repeat the full process on day 7 to catch any newly hatched lice.

Do I need to repeat the Lyclear Creme Rinse treatment?

Yes — a second application is essential and should be done exactly 7 days after the first. This is because permethrin may not kill all unhatched eggs, and a second treatment targets any lice that have hatched in the intervening week. Skipping the second dose significantly reduces the chance of clearing the infestation completely. The twin-pack format of this product is specifically designed to cover both treatments.

Is Lyclear Creme Rinse safe for children?

Lyclear Creme Rinse is suitable for children aged 6 months and over. Children between 6 months and 2 years should only be treated under medical supervision. For older children, the application process is the same as for adults — just take extra care to keep the product away from the eyes and mouth. You can find additional products for younger children in our Baby and Toddler collection.

What are the side effects of Lyclear Creme Rinse?

The most common side effects are mild and temporary, including scalp tingling, itching, or a brief burning sensation after application. Less commonly, some people experience localised redness or a skin rash. Serious allergic reactions are rare but possible — if you notice swelling of the face or throat, or difficulty breathing, stop use immediately and seek urgent medical attention.

Can I use Lyclear Creme Rinse if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should speak to your pharmacist or GP before using Lyclear Creme Rinse. Topical permethrin is absorbed minimally through intact skin, so systemic exposure is considered low. However, as a precaution, professional advice is always recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding before using any medicine, even a topical one.

What happens if Lyclear Creme Rinse does not work?

If live lice are still present after completing both treatments correctly, this may indicate permethrin resistance, which has been documented in some UK head lice populations. In this case, speak to your pharmacist about switching to a product with a different mechanism of action, such as a dimeticone-based treatment. Wet combing alone is also a non-chemical alternative recommended by the NHS.

What are the alternatives to Lyclear Creme Rinse for head lice?

Alternatives include dimeticone-based products (such as Hedrin), which physically coat and suffocate lice rather than using an insecticide — making resistance less of a concern. Isopropyl myristate and cyclomethicone solutions are another option. Wet combing with a fine-toothed comb every few days over two weeks is a chemical-free method also endorsed by the NHS. Browse our Head Lice collection to compare available options.

How long does it take for Lyclear Creme Rinse to kill head lice?

Permethrin begins working on contact with the lice, and the 10-minute application time is sufficient to cause paralysis and death in live lice. You may notice dead lice when combing after rinsing. However, the full two-treatment course over 7 days is needed to address the complete lice life cycle, including any eggs that were not killed by the first application.

Can I use conditioner after Lyclear Creme Rinse?

You should avoid using conditioner before applying Lyclear Creme Rinse, as it can coat the hair shaft and reduce the product's effectiveness. After rinsing out the treatment, you may use conditioner if needed to help with combing. Using a fine-toothed detection comb on conditioned hair can also make it easier to remove dead lice and eggs after treatment.

Who is eligible to use Lyclear Creme Rinse?

Lyclear Creme Rinse is suitable for adults and children aged 6 months and over who have a confirmed active head lice infestation. It is not suitable for people with a known allergy to permethrin, pyrethroids, or chrysanthemums. Those with asthma, pregnant women, or breastfeeding mothers should seek pharmacist advice before use.

How long should I continue using Lyclear Creme Rinse?

The standard course is two applications — one on day one and a second on day seven. You should not use Lyclear Creme Rinse as a preventative treatment or apply it more frequently than directed. If the infestation persists after two correctly applied treatments, consult your pharmacist rather than repeating the same product, as resistance may be a factor.

What is the latest guidance on treating head lice in the UK?

Current NHS guidance recommends wet combing as a first-line approach, with insecticide treatments such as permethrin or dimeticone used when wet combing alone is not practical or has not been successful. The NHS also advises checking all household members and treating only those with confirmed live lice — not as a precaution. Guidance is reviewed periodically by NICE and the NHS.

Does Lyclear Creme Rinse kill nits (eggs) as well as live lice?

Permethrin has some ovicidal activity, meaning it can kill some unhatched eggs, but this effect is not complete or fully reliable. This is precisely why a second treatment on day 7 is essential — it targets any lice that have hatched from eggs that survived the first application. Physical removal of nits using a fine-toothed comb after each treatment is also strongly recommended.

How Should You Use Lyclear Creme Rinse?

Using Lyclear Creme Rinse correctly is key to clearing a head lice infestation. Before you begin, make sure you have a fine-toothed detection comb to hand — you will need it after rinsing to remove dead lice and loosened eggs. Avoid using a conditioning shampoo or conditioner before application, as these can reduce how effectively the product penetrates the hair shaft.

Keep the product away from the eyes, nose, and mouth throughout application. If accidental eye contact occurs, rinse immediately with plenty of cool water.

What Is the Correct Dose of Lyclear Creme Rinse?

The amount of product needed will vary depending on hair length and thickness — use enough to fully saturate all hair from roots to tips. One 59ml bottle is typically sufficient for short to medium-length hair; longer or thicker hair may require more. The twin-pack ensures you have enough for both the first and second treatment.

When Is the Best Time to Use Lyclear Creme Rinse?

There is no specific time of day required for application, but many people find it easiest to use Lyclear Creme Rinse during a regular hair-washing routine — for example, in the morning or early evening. Choosing a time when you can dedicate a full 10 minutes without interruption is important, particularly when treating children. Make a note of the date of your first treatment so you can schedule the second application exactly 7 days later.

How Long Can You Use Lyclear Creme Rinse For?

Lyclear Creme Rinse is intended for short-term use only — specifically, two applications over a 7-day period to treat a single episode of head lice infestation. It should not be used as a preventative treatment or applied more frequently than directed. If live lice are still present after completing both treatments correctly, do not repeat the same product — speak to your pharmacist, as resistance to permethrin may mean an alternative treatment is needed.

Do not exceed the recommended dose. If in doubt, speak to your pharmacist.

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What Are the Most Common Side Effects of Lyclear Creme Rinse?

Most people tolerate Lyclear Creme Rinse well, and side effects are generally mild and short-lived. The most frequently reported effects are localised to the scalp and hair and typically resolve on their own once the product has been rinsed out.

  • Mild scalp itching or tingling during or after application
  • Temporary burning or stinging sensation on the scalp
  • Mild redness or warmth of the scalp

It is worth noting that some itching after treatment may actually be a sign that the lice are dying — this is a normal response and not necessarily a cause for concern.

What Are the Less Common Side Effects of Lyclear Creme Rinse?

Less commonly, some people experience more noticeable skin reactions at the site of application. These are not typical but should be monitored, particularly in people with sensitive skin or a history of skin conditions.

  • Localised skin rash or hives (urticaria) on the scalp or neck
  • Numbness or altered sensation on the scalp
  • Mild swelling (oedema) of the scalp or surrounding skin
  • Temporary hair texture changes after repeated use

What Are the Serious Side Effects of Lyclear Creme Rinse?

Serious side effects are rare with topical permethrin at 1% concentration, but they can occur. A severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis or hypersensitivity) is the most significant risk, particularly in people with a known allergy to pyrethroids or chrysanthemums. Stop using the product immediately and seek emergency medical help if you notice any of the following:

  • Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
  • Difficulty breathing or wheezing
  • Widespread skin rash or blistering
  • Dizziness or feeling faint

What Should You Do If You Experience Side Effects of Lyclear Creme Rinse?

For mild side effects such as scalp tingling or temporary redness, no specific action is usually needed — these effects typically resolve within a short time after rinsing. Avoid scratching the scalp vigorously, as this can worsen irritation. If a skin rash develops or symptoms persist beyond 24 hours, contact your pharmacist or GP for advice. Do not apply a second dose early in an attempt to resolve symptoms.

Can Lyclear Creme Rinse Interact With Other Medicines?

No clinically significant drug interactions have been documented for topical permethrin 1% at the doses used in Lyclear Creme Rinse. Because systemic absorption through intact skin is minimal, the risk of interactions with oral medicines is considered very low. However, you should always inform your pharmacist of any medicines you are currently taking — including prescription medicines, over-the-counter products, and herbal remedies — before starting any new treatment.

If you are concerned about any side effects, contact your pharmacist or GP immediately.

Patient Information Leaflet

Important - Before taking any medication, it is always important to read the Patient Information Leaflet (PIL)

Written and reviewed by our qualified team

GPhC Number: 2233073
Tarun Kumar

Reviewed by:

Tarun Kumar

Superintendent/ Clinical Lead

📖 Find out more about our team of medical content authors and how we ensure the accuracy of our content with our content guidelines.

Content last updated: 31 Mar 2025

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