Lyclear Treatment Shampoo 200ml

What Is Head Lice Shampoo and Does It Work?

Head lice are a common problem in the UK, particularly among school-age children — but they can affect anyone, regardless of hair type or hygiene. If you or someone in your household has been diagnosed with head lice, you will want a treatment that is straightforward to use and clinically effective. Head lice shampoo containing permethrin, such as Lyclear Treatment Shampoo 200ml, is one of the most widely used options available over the counter. You can browse our full range of treatments in our head lice collection if you want to compare your options before buying.

Lyclear Treatment Shampoo 200ml contains 1% permethrin as its active ingredient. Permethrin is a synthetic pyrethroid — a type of insecticide derived from naturally occurring compounds found in chrysanthemum flowers. It has been used in head lice treatments for decades and is well-established in clinical practice. The shampoo is applied directly to the scalp and hair, making it a practical choice for families dealing with an infestation.

How Does Lyclear Treatment Shampoo Work on Head Lice?

Permethrin works by targeting the nervous system of head lice. It disrupts the normal function of sodium channels in nerve cell membranes, which causes the lice to become paralysed and die. Here is a simplified breakdown of the mechanism:

• Permethrin is absorbed through the outer cuticle of the louse on contact.
• It binds to voltage-gated sodium channels in nerve cells, preventing them from closing normally.
• This leads to prolonged nerve firing, paralysis, and ultimately death of the louse.
• Permethrin also has some ovicidal (egg-killing) activity, though a second treatment is still recommended to catch any newly hatched lice.

Because permethrin acts on the nervous system of insects rather than mammals, it is considered safe for human use at the concentrations found in topical treatments like this shampoo.

Who Should Use Lyclear Treatment Shampoo?

This shampoo is suitable for most people who have a confirmed head lice infestation. The NHS recommends treating head lice only when live lice are found — not as a preventative measure. Lyclear Treatment Shampoo is appropriate for:

• Adults and children aged 6 months and over with a confirmed head lice infestation.
• Households where multiple family members need treatment at the same time.
• People who prefer a shampoo format over leave-in lotions or sprays.
• Those who have not previously used a permethrin-based treatment (resistance can develop with repeated use).

It is not suitable for children under 6 months without medical supervision, or for individuals with a known allergy to permethrin or chrysanthemums. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, speak to your pharmacist or GP before use.

How Does Lyclear Treatment Shampoo Compare to Other Head Lice Treatments?

Is Lyclear Treatment Shampoo Suitable for Sensitive Scalps?

If you have a sensitive scalp or a history of skin reactions, it is worth checking the full ingredient list before use. Lyclear Treatment Shampoo contains permethrin alongside other excipients that could occasionally cause mild irritation. People with eczema or psoriasis affecting the scalp should seek pharmacist advice before applying any insecticidal head lice shampoo. For general scalp and hair health products, you might also find our hair care collection useful.

Store the shampoo below 25°C, away from direct sunlight, and keep it out of reach of children. Do not use after the expiry date printed on the packaging.

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 Treatment Shampoo and What Is It Used For?

Lyclear Treatment Shampoo 200ml is an over-the-counter medicine used to treat head lice infestations in adults and children aged 6 months and over. It contains permethrin 1% as its active ingredient — a synthetic pyrethroid insecticide that kills live head lice and has some activity against lice eggs. Head lice are tiny parasitic insects that live on the scalp and feed on blood. They spread through direct head-to-head contact and are particularly common in school-age children, though they can affect people of any age.

The NHS advises that you should only treat head lice when live lice are confirmed — ideally by wet combing with a fine-toothed detection comb. This head lice shampoo is not intended for use as a preventative treatment.

What Do You Need to Know Before Using Lyclear Treatment Shampoo?

Before using this shampoo, read the following carefully. Do not use Lyclear Treatment Shampoo 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 shampoo.
• The person being treated is under 6 months of age (seek medical advice first).
• 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.
• You have asthma — some people with asthma may be sensitive to permethrin.
• You have eczema or psoriasis affecting the scalp.
• You are treating a young child or elderly person.

Regarding drug interactions, no clinically significant interactions are known at the topical doses used in this shampoo. However, if you are using other scalp treatments or medicated shampoos at the same time, check with your pharmacist before combining them.

How Should You Use Lyclear Treatment Shampoo?

Always use this shampoo exactly as described in the patient information leaflet. Do not apply more than directed, and keep it away from your eyes, mouth, and ears. If contact with eyes occurs, rinse immediately with plenty of water.

1. Wet the hair thoroughly with warm water.
2. Apply enough shampoo to cover the entire scalp and all of the hair from root to tip.
3. Work into a lather and ensure all areas of the scalp are covered.
4. Leave the shampoo on for 10 minutes — do not rinse off before this time.
5. Rinse the hair thoroughly with warm water.
6. Comb through wet hair with a fine-toothed nit comb to remove dead lice and eggs.
7. Repeat the full treatment after 7 days to kill any lice that may have hatched since the first application.

What Are the Possible Side Effects of Lyclear Treatment Shampoo?

Like all medicines, Lyclear Treatment Shampoo can cause side effects, although not everyone will experience them. The itching you notice after treatment may actually be a normal response to the dying lice rather than a side effect of the shampoo itself — so try not to panic if your scalp feels a little irritated immediately after use.

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

• Mild scalp itching or irritation
• Temporary burning or stinging sensation on the scalp
• Redness of the scalp
• Tingling feeling on the skin

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

• Skin rash or hives
• Swelling of the scalp or surrounding skin
• Numbness or altered sensation on the scalp

Stop using the shampoo and seek immediate medical attention if you develop signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, or a widespread rash. This is rare but requires urgent attention. You can also find useful information about managing skin reactions in our skin care collection.

How Should You Store Lyclear Treatment Shampoo?

Correct storage helps maintain the effectiveness and safety of this medicine. Follow these guidelines:

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

If you have any questions about storing or using this product, your pharmacist at Cured Pharmacy is always happy to help. For other hair-related health concerns, you may also find our female hair loss collection worth exploring.