Lyclear Lotion 100ml

What Is Head Lice Treatment Lotion and How Does Lyclear Work?

Head lice are tiny parasitic 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. Lyclear Lotion 100ml is a clinically established head lice treatment lotion containing permethrin 1% w/v, available over the counter without a prescription. You can browse our full range of treatments in our Head Lice collection if you want to compare options before deciding.

Lyclear Lotion is applied directly to the hair and scalp, working to eliminate live lice quickly and effectively. At just £6.99 for a 100ml bottle, it offers a straightforward, affordable solution for the whole family.

How Does Lyclear Lotion Kill Head Lice?

Permethrin, the active ingredient in Lyclear Lotion, belongs to a class of medicines called synthetic pyrethroids. It works by targeting the nervous system of head lice. Here is how the mechanism unfolds:

• 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 stimulation.
• The result is paralysis of the louse, followed by death.
• Because permethrin has limited ovicidal (egg-killing) activity, a second application after 7 days is recommended to kill any lice that hatch from surviving eggs.

This targeted mechanism means permethrin acts on the louse's nervous system without significant systemic absorption in humans when used as directed on the scalp.

Who Is Lyclear Lotion Suitable For?

Lyclear Lotion is suitable for most people who have a confirmed head lice infestation. It is important to confirm the presence of live lice before starting treatment — the NHS recommends using a fine-toothed detection comb on wet hair to check. This product is appropriate for:

• Adults and children aged 6 months and over
• People who prefer a lotion formulation over a spray or shampoo
• Families looking for an OTC treatment without a GP visit
• Those who have not responded to wet combing alone

It is not suitable for infants under 6 months without medical supervision, or for individuals with a known allergy to permethrin, chrysanthemums, or any other ingredient in the formulation.

How Does Lyclear Lotion Compare to Other Head Lice Treatments?

Is Lyclear Lotion Safe to Store at Home?

Lyclear Lotion should be stored below 25°C, away from direct heat and naked flames. The lotion is alcohol-based, which means it is flammable — keep it away from open fires, gas hobs, and cigarettes during and immediately after application. Store it out of the reach and sight of children. Do not use the lotion after the expiry date printed on the packaging. If you are also managing other skin conditions alongside a lice infestation, you may find our Skin Care collection helpful 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.

What Is Lyclear Lotion and What Is It Used For?

Lyclear 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% w/v as its active ingredient. Head lice are small, wingless insects that live close to the scalp, feeding on blood. They do not jump or fly — they spread through prolonged direct head-to-head contact. The NHS advises that anyone with a confirmed infestation should be treated promptly to prevent spread to others in the household.

What Do You Need to Know Before Using Lyclear Lotion?

Before applying Lyclear Lotion, read the following carefully. Do not use this product if any of the contraindications below apply to you.

Do not use Lyclear Lotion if you:

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

Use with caution if you:

• Are pregnant or breastfeeding — seek pharmacist or GP advice first
• Have asthma — the lotion contains alcohol, which may trigger bronchospasm in sensitive individuals
• Have eczema or psoriasis on the scalp — the lotion may cause additional irritation

Known drug interactions:

• No clinically significant interactions are known at topical doses
• Avoid using other scalp treatments simultaneously unless advised by a pharmacist

How Should You Use Lyclear Lotion?

Always use Lyclear Lotion exactly as described in this leaflet or as directed by your pharmacist. The lotion is applied to dry hair — not wet hair — which is different from some other lice treatments. Follow these steps carefully:

1. Ensure hair is completely dry before starting.
2. Apply the lotion directly to the scalp, working it through the hair from roots to tips.
3. Pay particular attention to the area behind the ears and at the nape of the neck, where lice tend to congregate.
4. Leave the lotion on for 10 minutes.
5. Rinse the hair thoroughly with warm water.
6. Shampoo the hair as normal and rinse again.
7. Use a fine-toothed nit comb to remove dead lice and eggs from the hair.
8. Repeat the entire treatment after 7 days to kill any lice that have hatched since the first application.

If you are also looking for products to support scalp health after treatment, our Hair Care collection includes a range of options that may help.

What Are the Possible Side Effects of Lyclear Lotion?

Like all medicines, Lyclear Lotion 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 irritation
• Temporary redness of the scalp
• Mild burning or stinging sensation during or after application
• Tingling of the scalp

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

• Skin rash or hives at the application site
• Swelling of the scalp or surrounding skin
• Eye irritation if the lotion accidentally contacts the eyes

If you experience signs of a serious allergic reaction — such as difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, or a widespread rash — stop using the lotion immediately and seek emergency medical attention. It is worth noting that some itching after treatment may simply be a reaction to dead lice and eggs rather than a side effect of the lotion itself.

How Should You Store Lyclear Lotion?

Correct storage helps maintain the safety and effectiveness of Lyclear Lotion. Follow these instructions:

• Store below 25°C in a cool, dry place
• Keep away from direct sunlight and sources of heat
• Keep away from naked flames — the lotion is flammable due to its alcohol content
• Keep out of the reach and sight of children
• 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 medicine to your pharmacist

If you are managing other conditions alongside head lice — for example, a child who also has a skin condition — our Baby and Toddler collection includes a range of gentle, age-appropriate products worth exploring.