Lyclear Express Lotion 100ml

What Is Head Lice Treatment and How Does Lyclear Express Lotion Help?

Head lice are tiny insects that live on the scalp and feed on blood. They spread easily through direct head-to-head contact — particularly among school-age children — and can cause persistent itching and discomfort. If you or your child has been diagnosed with head lice, you are certainly not alone. The NHS estimates that head lice are extremely common in the UK, especially in children aged 4 to 11. Head lice treatment is the most reliable way to clear an infestation, and Lyclear Express Lotion 100ml offers a clinically recognised option you can use at home without a prescription.

Lyclear Express Lotion contains permethrin 1% as its active ingredient. Permethrin is a synthetic pyrethroid insecticide that has been used in lice treatments for decades. It is listed in the British National Formulary (BNF) as an established treatment for pediculosis capitis (head lice). You can browse our full range of head lice treatments if you would like to compare options before purchasing.

How Does Lyclear Express Lotion Work Against Head Lice?

Permethrin works by targeting the nervous system of head lice. It binds to sodium channels in the nerve cell membranes of the louse, preventing normal nerve impulse transmission. This leads to paralysis and, ultimately, death of the louse. The mechanism is specific to insects and is not harmful to humans at the concentrations used in topical treatments.

• Permethrin binds to sodium channels in louse nerve cells
• Normal nerve signalling is disrupted, causing paralysis
• The louse is unable to move or feed and dies
• Dead lice and eggs can then be removed with a fine-toothed nit comb

It is worth noting that permethrin has some residual activity on the hair shaft after rinsing, which may offer a degree of protection against re-infestation in the short term. However, a second application after 7 days is still recommended to catch any newly hatched lice.

Who Should Use Lyclear Express Lotion?

Lyclear Express Lotion is suitable for most people who have a confirmed head lice infestation. The NHS advises that you should only treat head lice if you can actually see live lice — itching alone is not sufficient confirmation. This product is appropriate for:

• Adults and children aged 6 months and over
• Those who prefer a quick 10-minute application time
• Families dealing with multiple affected members
• People who have not responded to wet combing alone

Children under 2 years of age should only be treated under the supervision of a healthcare professional. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, speak to your pharmacist or GP before using this product.

How Does Lyclear Express Lotion Compare to Other Head Lice Treatments?

Is Lyclear Express Lotion Safe to Store at Home?

Yes. Lyclear Express Lotion should be stored below 25°C, away from direct sunlight and out of reach of children. The lotion is flammable, so keep it away from naked flames or heat sources during and after application. Do not use the product after the expiry date printed on the packaging.

If you are managing other skin conditions alongside a lice infestation, you may find our skin care range helpful for soothing any associated scalp irritation. Always check with your pharmacist if you are unsure whether this product is right for you.

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.

What Is Lyclear Express Lotion and What Is It Used For?

Lyclear Express Lotion 100ml is a topical insecticidal lotion used to treat head lice infestations (pediculosis capitis) in adults and children aged 6 months and over. It contains permethrin 1% as its active ingredient. Permethrin is a well-established synthetic pyrethroid that kills head lice by disrupting their nervous system. The NHS recommends insecticidal lotions, including permethrin-based products, as one of the two main treatment approaches for head lice alongside wet combing.

This product is for external use on the scalp and hair only. It is not intended to treat body lice or pubic lice. If you are unsure whether you have head lice, the NHS advises detection combing on wet hair as the most reliable method of diagnosis before starting any treatment.

What Do You Need to Know Before Using Lyclear Express Lotion?

Before using this lotion, read the following carefully. Some people should not use this product or should seek advice first.

Do not use Lyclear Express Lotion if you:

• Are allergic to permethrin, any pyrethroid, pyrethrin, or any other ingredient in the lotion
• Have broken, infected, or inflamed skin on the scalp
• Have a known allergy to chrysanthemums or related plants
• Are treating an infant under 6 months of age without medical supervision

Speak to your pharmacist or GP before use if you:

• Are pregnant or breastfeeding
• Are treating a child under 2 years of age
• Have asthma — the lotion contains alcohol, which may trigger bronchospasm in some individuals
• Have a history of epilepsy or seizures

Known drug interactions:

• No significant systemic drug interactions are known for topically applied permethrin at 1% concentration
• Avoid using alongside other scalp treatments unless advised by a healthcare professional

How Should You Use Lyclear Express Lotion?

Always use this product exactly as described in the patient information leaflet. Do not apply to wet hair — the lotion works most effectively on dry hair. Follow these steps carefully:

1. Ensure hair is completely dry before application
2. Apply the lotion directly to the scalp and work through to the ends of the hair
3. Ensure all areas of the scalp are covered, including behind the ears and at the nape of the neck
4. Leave the lotion on for exactly 10 minutes — do not exceed this time
5. Rinse the hair thoroughly with warm water
6. Shampoo the hair as normal and rinse again
7. While the hair is still damp, use a fine-toothed nit comb to remove dead lice and eggs
8. Repeat the full treatment after 7 days to kill any newly hatched lice

If you are also managing other conditions affecting the scalp or hair, you may find it useful to explore our hair care collection for complementary products.

What Are the Possible Side Effects of Lyclear Express Lotion?

Like all medicines, Lyclear Express Lotion can cause side effects, although not everyone will experience them. Most side effects are mild and localised to the scalp.

Common side effects:

• Mild scalp itching or irritation
• Temporary burning or stinging sensation on the scalp
• Tingling of the skin during or after application
• Mild redness of the scalp

Less common side effects:

• Skin rash or hives (urticaria)
• Swelling of the face, lips, or throat — seek immediate medical attention if this occurs
• Difficulty breathing — this may indicate an allergic reaction and requires urgent medical help

It is worth noting that some itching after treatment may actually be caused by the lice infestation itself rather than the lotion. If irritation persists beyond 24–48 hours after rinsing, contact your pharmacist. If you experience signs of a serious allergic reaction, stop using the product immediately and seek emergency medical care.

How Should You Store Lyclear Express Lotion?

Correct storage helps maintain the effectiveness of the lotion and keeps it safe for use. If you are looking after other household medicines, our baby and toddler range also includes guidance on safe storage of children's products.

• Store below 25°C in a cool, dry place
• Keep away from direct sunlight and heat sources
• Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use
• Keep out of reach and sight of children
• The lotion is flammable — keep away from naked flames, sparks, and cigarettes during and after application
• Do not use after the expiry date printed on the bottle or carton
• Do not dispose of medicines via wastewater or household waste — return unused product to your pharmacy