Permethrin: Anaphylactic Shock or allergies?

Question

So long as it does not breach confidentiality, appreciate opinions from medics from the relevant profession please.


Impregnation of gear with Permethrin is S.O.P.
- Any known side effects ?
- Best practise application methods for the individual and mass application?
- Duration, washoff, sweat ?
- Any other cautions or alternatives ?
- Discolouration on clothes ?

Assume malaria and yellow fever vaccination taken.
Thank you in advance if this answer not attended to promptly.

ABRIDGED
Jason.. –
Side effects, Rare: itching, reddened skin/stinging.
Dosage: Liquid, headlice - 10 mins; Cream, scabies - 8-12 hrs.

:: How is old Brum (assuming W.Midlands): Are the bobbies still at it, apprehending the culprits of the suspected beheading issue ? Think they have finally finished Corporation street and the Bull ring ?

Dukef.. – Side effects, Possible: Trigger neurological reactions:
- Hyperthermia from tremors is the most significant short-term risk.
- involuntary tremors
- usually without loss of consciousness
- confusion and agitation are possible
Application:
- form of product.
- surface applied.
- environmental conditions.
- purpose of application.
- keep effluent out of water sources: toxicity to fish. :: Useful tip and duly noted.
Petroleum distillates as a solvent does not dissolve well in water. Removal:
- Water will remove much of the product (by mechanical displacement, not dissolution); soap is better.
- note skin irritation.
- treat clothing or equipment; not personnel.
- check the individual product label.

:: Thank you. Application on equipment and clothing, bucket loads.

Answer 1

Permethrin is too small to trigger a true allergic reaction. However, it *can* trigger neurological reactions in sensitive individuals. This most often presents as involuntary tremors, usually without loss of consciousness although confusion and agitation are possible. Hyperthermia from tremors is the most significant short-term risk.

Best methods for application depend on the form of the product, the surface applied to, environmental conditions, and the purpose for application - e.g. fumigation for mosquitoes calls for a different approach than ground spraying for other vermin. Keep effluent out of water sources because of toxicity to fish.

Most formulations use a petroleum distillate as the solvent because it does not dissolve well in water; this can irritate skin, so when possible it is better to treat clothing or equipment than personnel. Water alone will remove much of the product (by mechanical displacement, not dissolution) but soap is better.

For more detailed information, it is usually best to check the individual product label.

Answer 2

Side affects which are common are itching, reddened skin/stinging, a rash while using this is rare.
Liquid should be washed off after 10 mins if its for headlice, cream should be washed off between 8-12 hrs if for scabies.
The duration of it is untill its washed off, not sure about discolouration of clothes or alternatives.

Answer 3

Yes it will happen in minutes so be prepared as it can be deadly without medical help.