antibiotics after tick exposure?

[philamom]

I hope she won't be holding any cats. Permethrin is supposed to be toxic to cats and fish.

 

It says the product is safe for cats once it is dried. So, it sounds like you wouldln't want your cat around when you sprayed the clothes, but the next day should be okay if your cat contacts the dry clothing.

I was told it's only toxic to cats when wet. After it dries, they can lie on your lap for hours.

 

Orvis sells a paisly bandana with insect shield for $15 (20% off until May 26th). I heard it could help, by just tucking one into a jean pocket or tied around a belt loop.

www.orvis.com

 

edit- actually, Rei has a nicer one for $10 (spirograph blue design).

Edited May 22, 2012 by philamom

[EAMom]

I hope she won't be holding any cats. Permethrin is supposed to be toxic to cats and fish.

 

It says the product is safe for cats once it is dried. So, it sounds like you wouldln't want your cat around when you sprayed the clothes, but the next day should be okay if your cat contacts the dry clothing.

I was told it's only toxic to cats when wet. After it dries, they can lie on your lap for hours.

 

Orvis sells a paisly bandana with insect shield for $15 (20% off until May 26th). I heard it could help, by just tucking one into a jean pocket or tied around a belt loop.

www.orvis.com

 

edit- actually, Rei has a nicer one for $10 (spirograph blue design).

 

I might get a couple of bandanas, not so much for ticks, but for myself and non-pandas dd who are mosquito magnets!

[sf_mom]

I wouldn't exceed 15 drops 2 x day. We do put the drops in juice for the twins and it still works well.

 

By the way, sorry your friends daughter with fatigue ended up positive for Lyme. Thankfully, we have some great choices in the Bay Area to treat. Wishing her all the best with her recovery.

[EAMom]

I wouldn't exceed 15 drops 2 x day. We do put the drops in juice for the twins and it still works well.

 

By the way, sorry your friends daughter with fatigue ended up positive for Lyme. Thankfully, we have some great choices in the Bay Area to treat. Wishing her all the best with her recovery.

 

I don't know if it's officially positive...they are still working with conventional (not Lyme docs, even though I gave her names). Her mom said she was positive on 5/12 bands on the Western Blot (not Igenex). Elisa was neg (means nothing, I know). I recommended Igenex testing.

 

The doc (don't remember what kind--maybe infectious dz?) was testing for coinfections when I last saw them. The whole situation is frustrating. She first got sick in October. She has no known tick bites, but a pretty big history of camping (including several weeks of sleepaway camp every summer). So, the probability of a tick bite is there.

 

Anyway, the first 1-2mo. the diagnosis was mono. It seems things are just moving at a snails pace in terms of workup, getting bounced from specialist to specialist. When I first heard she was sick (in Oct.) I thought of Lyme and/or mycoplasma. Docs refused to test for Mycoplasma b/c she had a single 5 day course of Azith. early on.

 

The sad thing is that several friends, not just me, (in Oct) suggested Lyme when this girl first got sick...and now we are just barely getting started on testing. Why is it that the average person can think Lyme when someone says chronic fatigue, but it is so out of the radar of the mainstream medical community that they are finally just testing 7 mo. later? The whole situation is ridiculous IMHO. This girls has missed LOTS of school (not sure if she's going to be held back). Sometimes she goes 3 days a week, then she gets another fever (or some kind of resp. illness) and is too sick/fatigued to function. She also has brain/focusing issues, so her mom doesn't even know if she is absorbing anything when she does go to school.

 

I can see this is a situation (like PANDAS) where mainstream medicine really has failed the average person even with access to "good insurance" and "good doctors".

Edited May 22, 2012 by EAMom

[philamom]

I wouldn't exceed 15 drops 2 x day. We do put the drops in juice for the twins and it still works well.

 

By the way, sorry your friends daughter with fatigue ended up positive for Lyme. Thankfully, we have some great choices in the Bay Area to treat. Wishing her all the best with her recovery.

 

I don't know if it's officially positive...they are still working with conventional (not Lyme docs, even though I gave her names). Her mom said she was positive on 5/12 bands on the Western Blot (not Igenex). Elisa was neg (means nothing, I know). I recommended Igenex testing.

 

The doc (don't remember what kind--maybe infectious dz?) was testing for coinfections when I last saw them. The whole situation is frustrating. She first got sick in October. She has no known tick bites, but a pretty big history of camping (including several weeks of sleepaway camp every summer). So, the probability of a tick bite is there.

 

Anyway, the first 1-2mo. the diagnosis was mono. It seems things are just moving at a snails pace in terms of workup, getting bounced from specialist to specialist. When I first heard she was sick (in Oct.) I thought of Lyme and/or mycoplasma. Docs refused to test for Mycoplasma b/c she had a single 5 day course of Azith. early on.

 

The sad thing is that several friends, not just me, (in Oct) suggested Lyme when this girl first got sick...and now we are just barely getting started on testing. Why is it that the average person can think Lyme when someone says chronic fatigue, but it is so out of the radar of the mainstream medical community that they are finally just testing 7 mo. later? The whole situation is ridiculous IMHO. This girls has missed LOTS of school (not sure if she's going to be held back). Sometimes she goes 3 days a week, then she gets another fever (or some kind of resp. illness) and is too sick/fatigued to function. She also has brain/focusing issues, so her mom doesn't even know if she is absorbing anything when she does go to school.

 

I can see this is a situation (like PANDAS) where mainstream medicine really has failed the average person even with access to "good insurance" and "good doctors".

[philamom]

I hope she won't be holding any cats. Permethrin is supposed to be toxic to cats and fish.

 

It says the product is safe for cats once it is dried. So, it sounds like you wouldln't want your cat around when you sprayed the clothes, but the next day should be okay if your cat contacts the dry clothing.

I was told it's only toxic to cats when wet. After it dries, they can lie on your lap for hours.

 

Orvis sells a paisly bandana with insect shield for $15 (20% off until May 26th). I heard it could help, by just tucking one into a jean pocket or tied around a belt loop.

www.orvis.com

 

edit- actually, Rei has a nicer one for $10 (spirograph blue design).

 

I might get a couple of bandanas, not so much for ticks, but for myself and non-pandas dd who are mosquito magnets!

Yeah...it's going to be a tough mosquito season as well.

[EAMom]

I hope she won't be holding any cats. Permethrin is supposed to be toxic to cats and fish.

 

It says the product is safe for cats once it is dried. So, it sounds like you wouldln't want your cat around when you sprayed the clothes, but the next day should be okay if your cat contacts the dry clothing.

I was told it's only toxic to cats when wet. After it dries, they can lie on your lap for hours.

 

Orvis sells a paisly bandana with insect shield for $15 (20% off until May 26th). I heard it could help, by just tucking one into a jean pocket or tied around a belt loop.

www.orvis.com

 

edit- actually, Rei has a nicer one for $10 (spirograph blue design).

 

I might get a couple of bandanas, not so much for ticks, but for myself and non-pandas dd who are mosquito magnets!

Yeah...it's going to be a tough mosquito season as well.

 

Yes, they LOVE me. There isn't much of a problem in the burbs where we live, but we are goint to make a trip to FL this summer, and where my dd will be camping there are mosquitos (in additon to ticks). Ugh. The only good thing, I can count on my non-pandas dd to apply deet (due to the mosquitos). I suppose if mosquitos were attracted to PANDAS dd, she would apply it (and then I wouldn't have to worry as much about ticks).

[mama2alex]

Hi All,

 

I'm from the PANDAS board. My dd doesn't have Lyme (that I know of--no real tick exposure etc). But, for the first time my dd is going to sleepaway camp this summer (where I presume there will be ticks). I won't be there to see/monitor if she does get a tick. So, I am worried (all we need is Lyme on top of PANDAS!). (This is in Northern CA)

 

I'm also worried b/c it looks like a family friend (high school student) now has Lyme (severe fatique, in the process of getting a diagnosis). Every summer for many years, this girl has gone to sleep away camp, so I bet that's where she got bit. It's not the same camp, but they are also in No. CA.

 

Anway, dd is already on Azith. 250mg/day for PANDAS (she's about 90-100 pounds--almsot 12 years old). Should this protect her if she does get bit? Should I up the Azith to 500mg/day for a month after camp...or the week she is in camp? We have a script for 500mg/day, so that would be very easy to do.

 

Or would Azith. not be considered protective? Should I somehow try to get a rx for Amoxcillin (I could probably get Augmentin, on the premise that it is for her PANDAS) or Doxycyline (that might be harder to get). And how long would I treat her after camp (3 weeks?)

 

Thanks for any insights!

 

We have been struggling with the sleep-away camp decision this year too. DS is finally well enough that he wants to go (one of his main Lyme/PANDAS symptoms was severe separation anxiety) and I've been really worried about the tick exposure. I discussed with our LLMD and he said to buy him the tick-repellant clothes, have him put on a bug spray or lotion containing 30% deet while he's there, and he is going to add in Lyme meds just before ds goes on the trip (he's currently focusing on Babesia/Bartonella). I will also spray his shoes with permethrin before he goes.

 

Any chance you can teach her about Lyme a bit, and tell her there are certain clothes she needs to wear on the trip to protect herself? My son is very aware of ticks and watches for them on his clothes when we are near woods. I know I have it easy b/c he's a boy and doesn't care what he wears, but just a thought.

 

Then I would check every inch of her when she gets home, and be on the alert for a rash or behavior/health changes. On a positive note, you do have one of the best Lyme doctors in the country (IMHO) a short drive away if you suspect she's been bitten. As SFMom mentioned, my husband was bitten a year ago and we basically treated the bite, although the tick did test positive for Lyme.

 

Also I wanted to mention, I don't think there's any way to rule out Lyme in a PANDAS kid unless you've had them thoroughly evaluated and tested by a Lyme-literate doctor. Maybe you've already done this, but from your post it sounded like you were assuming she doesn't have Lyme because you haven't seen a tick or rash. I'm sure you've heard this before, but I just couldn't help but say it again.

[philamom]

I hope she won't be holding any cats. Permethrin is supposed to be toxic to cats and fish.

 

It says the product is safe for cats once it is dried. So, it sounds like you wouldln't want your cat around when you sprayed the clothes, but the next day should be okay if your cat contacts the dry clothing.

I was told it's only toxic to cats when wet. After it dries, they can lie on your lap for hours.

 

Orvis sells a paisly bandana with insect shield for $15 (20% off until May 26th). I heard it could help, by just tucking one into a jean pocket or tied around a belt loop.

www.orvis.com

 

edit- actually, Rei has a nicer one for $10 (spirograph blue design).

 

I might get a couple of bandanas, not so much for ticks, but for myself and non-pandas dd who are mosquito magnets!

Yeah...it's going to be a tough mosquito season as well.

 

Yes, they LOVE me. There isn't much of a problem in the burbs where we live, but we are goint to make a trip to FL this summer, and where my dd will be camping there are mosquitos (in additon to ticks). Ugh. The only good thing, I can count on my non-pandas dd to apply deet (due to the mosquitos). I suppose if mosquitos were attracted to PANDAS dd, she would apply it (and then I wouldn't have to worry as much about ticks).

They sell some cool insect shield UV head buffs as well.

[EAMom]

Hi All,

 

I'm from the PANDAS board. My dd doesn't have Lyme (that I know of--no real tick exposure etc). But, for the first time my dd is going to sleepaway camp this summer (where I presume there will be ticks). I won't be there to see/monitor if she does get a tick. So, I am worried (all we need is Lyme on top of PANDAS!). (This is in Northern CA)

 

I'm also worried b/c it looks like a family friend (high school student) now has Lyme (severe fatique, in the process of getting a diagnosis). Every summer for many years, this girl has gone to sleep away camp, so I bet that's where she got bit. It's not the same camp, but they are also in No. CA.

 

Anway, dd is already on Azith. 250mg/day for PANDAS (she's about 90-100 pounds--almsot 12 years old). Should this protect her if she does get bit? Should I up the Azith to 500mg/day for a month after camp...or the week she is in camp? We have a script for 500mg/day, so that would be very easy to do.

 

Or would Azith. not be considered protective? Should I somehow try to get a rx for Amoxcillin (I could probably get Augmentin, on the premise that it is for her PANDAS) or Doxycyline (that might be harder to get). And how long would I treat her after camp (3 weeks?)

 

Thanks for any insights!

 

We have been struggling with the sleep-away camp decision this year too. DS is finally well enough that he wants to go (one of his main Lyme/PANDAS symptoms was severe separation anxiety) and I've been really worried about the tick exposure. I discussed with our LLMD and he said to buy him the tick-repellant clothes, have him put on a bug spray or lotion containing 30% deet while he's there, and he is going to add in Lyme meds just before ds goes on the trip (he's currently focusing on Babesia/Bartonella). I will also spray his shoes with permethrin before he goes.

 

Any chance you can teach her about Lyme a bit, and tell her there are certain clothes she needs to wear on the trip to protect herself? My son is very aware of ticks and watches for them on his clothes when we are near woods. I know I have it easy b/c he's a boy and doesn't care what he wears, but just a thought.

 

Then I would check every inch of her when she gets home, and be on the alert for a rash or behavior/health changes. On a positive note, you do have one of the best Lyme doctors in the country (IMHO) a short drive away if you suspect she's been bitten. As SFMom mentioned, my husband was bitten a year ago and we basically treated the bite, although the tick did test positive for Lyme.

 

Also I wanted to mention, I don't think there's any way to rule out Lyme in a PANDAS kid unless you've had them thoroughly evaluated and tested by a Lyme-literate doctor. Maybe you've already done this, but from your post it sounded like you were assuming she doesn't have Lyme because you haven't seen a tick or rash. I'm sure you've heard this before, but I just couldn't help but say it again.

 

Yes, I should probably do some tick education on her. She gets this weird defiant streak (not sure if it is PANDAS,her personality, or what) about certain things (like sunscreen) so I wasn't sure how this it would go. The fact that she has a friend with (probable) Lyme will help I think.

 

Yeah...I know I can't really assume she doesn't have Lyme. We have never had her tested. These are my thoughts.

 

--no history of ticks in the 2 houses/yards/neighborhoods where we've lived. Nothing on anyone, not even our dog(s)/cat(s)

 

--very limited camping (a few nights)...this was well after PANDAS started and dd was already on long term Azith (250mg/day). Absolutely no camping before onset of PANDAS at age 7. Dh did find 1 tick on himself (which hadn't bit him) once after 1 of these trips. We also brought the dog on these camping trips, who had no ticks, but he had Frontline (which I don't think repels, but should kill ticks.)

 

--she did go to science camp (spring a year ago) with her school. Bug repellent wasn't mentioned (I looked at the packing list.) So maybe ticks/mosquitos aren't a problems there??? She was on full-strength Azith. at the time.

 

--this current camp does recommend bringing bug repellent, and it is near Big Basin (where we know there are ticks)

 

--most of our vacations are in Hawaii. We do hike there but have never encountered a tick and there isn't supposed to be Lyme there anyway.

 

--she has no symptoms that I would consider Lyme-ish (but not PANDAS) such as neuropathy, fatigue, joint pain, other pain...this is in stark comparison to our friend's dd (severe fatigue, pain, brain fog) or our other friends with Lyme (neuropathy).

 

--no herxing when she's been on antibiotics (Azith/Augmentin)

 

--the Lyme tests are pretty bad, so if there is a low index of suspicion, the chance of a false positive is there

 

--overall, I feel her tick exposure is really low, in stark contrast to (say for example) the victims in "Cure Unknown" who encountered ticks on a regular basis.

 

Yes, I plan on permetrin-ing her shoes too. I'm going to do clothes/pillow/sleeping back too.

 

There are some Avon products that look like good Deet alternatives (less toxic)... don't know if they are as long lasting as deet?

http://www.amazon.com/Avon-SKIN-SO-SOFT-Bug-Repellent-Moisturizing/dp/B0001ZWPI4

http://www.amazon.com/Avon-Skin-Soft-Picaridin-Towelettes/dp/B001BGCB86/ref=pd_bxgy_hpc_text_b

Edited May 24, 2012 by EAMom

[philamom]

We use the avon products. Not sure if a child should put deet on themselves. If they do, make sure they wash their hands afterwards (pretty hard when camping). Actually, should wash hands afterwards with the avon product as well - maybe, pack some hand wipes.

 

We own every Avon insect repellent (loaded up on a sale). I think I read somewhere the IR3535 bug guard is better than the Picaridin bug guard. I don't think either is as effective as deet though, so she probably needs to re-apply more frequent. Check on that.

 

My daughter got her tick bite at a preview day for summmer camp. This was years ago. They recommended an insect repellent, unfortunately, it was one that didn't protect against ticks.

[EAMom]

We use the avon products. Not sure if a child should put deet on themselves. If they do, make sure they wash their hands afterwards (pretty hard when camping). Actually, should wash hands afterwards with the avon product as well - maybe, pack some hand wipes.

 

We own every Avon insect repellent (loaded up on a sale). I think I read somewhere the IR3535 bug guard is better than the Picaridin bug guard. I don't think either is as effective as deet though, so she probably needs to re-apply more frequent. Check on that.

 

My daughter got her tick bite at a preview day for summmer camp. This was years ago. They recommended an insect repellent, unfortunately, it was one that didn't protect against ticks.

 

I agree with you about having a child put deet on themselves. Plus I wouldn't be there to see that hands get washed afterwards.

 

There used to be a cutter stick (deet) which was awesome but is now discontinued. http://www.amazon.com/Cutter-DEET-Outdoorsman-Unscented-Stick/dp/B000FXVHEK/ref=pd_sxp_f_pt It worked well and lasted a long time, and you didn't need to use much. PLus, it was small, and you didn't have to worry about it spilling or leaking (air travel). The great thing was, you could apply it to legs, neck, arms, and b/c you were holding the plastic container (just like applying underarm deoderant), your hands didn't have to touch the deet itself. They aren't supposed to bring sprays to camp, so now the only alternative is a LOTION which means her hands would have LOTS of contact with deet.

Edited May 24, 2012 by EAMom

[EAMom]

We use the avon products. Not sure if a child should put deet on themselves. If they do, make sure they wash their hands afterwards (pretty hard when camping). Actually, should wash hands afterwards with the avon product as well - maybe, pack some hand wipes.

 

We own every Avon insect repellent (loaded up on a sale). I think I read somewhere the IR3535 bug guard is better than the Picaridin bug guard. I don't think either is as effective as deet though, so she probably needs to re-apply more frequent. Check on that.

 

My daughter got her tick bite at a preview day for summmer camp. This was years ago. They recommended an insect repellent, unfortunately, it was one that didn't protect against ticks.

 

I agree with you about having a child put deet on themselves. Plus I wouldn't be there to see that hands get washed afterwards.

 

There used to be a cutter stick (deet) which was awesome but is now discontinued. http://www.amazon.com/Cutter-DEET-Outdoorsman-Unscented-Stick/dp/B000FXVHEK/ref=pd_sxp_f_pt It worked well and lasted a long time, and you didn't need to use much. PLus, it was small, and you didn't have to worry about it spilling or leaking (air travel). The great thing was, you could apply it to legs, neck, arms, and b/c you were holding the plastic container (just like applying underarm deoderant), your hands didn't have to touch the deet itself. They aren't supposed to bring sprays to camp, so now the only alternative is a LOTION which means her hands would have LOTS of contact with deet.

 

wait, maybe REI has it (in a renamed form) http://www.google.com/products/catalog?hl=en&qscrl=1&nord=1&rlz=1T4ADFA_enUS455US457&q=deet+stick&ion=1&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.,cf.osb&biw=1280&bih=868&wrapid=tlif133787993590710&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=shop&cid=6015720427268662008&sa=X&ei=g22-T8T6FuqpiQLi-Kj8DQ&ved=0CHsQ8wIwAA#

 

I'm going to REI today anyway, I'll look for it.

 

I read somewhere that Picardin has to be 20% to be effective against ticks?? Here's a formulation that is 20%. http://www.amazon.com/Sawyer-Premium-Repellent-Picaridin-4-Ounce/dp/B0015KG5NK/ref=sr_1_1?s=lawn-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1337880221&sr=1-1

 

REI has a really good article on the various bug repellent options (deet etc) http://www.rei.com/expertadvice/articles/insect+repellent.html

Here's some of the article that I copied:

 

Conventional Active Ingredients in Detail

 

DEET

 

Also known as: N,N-diethyl-3-methylbenzamide, or N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide.

 

Pros:

•Globally regarded as the gold standard of repellents.

•Developed for military use in 1946; approved for public use in 1957.

•Regarded as the longest-lasting, most effective active ingredient in the insect-repellent arsenal; some formulas provide up to 14 hours of protection.

•Used safely by humans in small or moderate amounts for 5 decades; has been the subject of numerous studies since its introduction.

•According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, suitable for children at least 2 months old in concentrations of up to 30% when used according to directions on product labels.

 

Cons:

•DEET is a "plasticizer." It can have adverse affects on many synthetic fabrics (such as rayon or spandex), auto paint, watch crystals, varnished surfaces, golf-club grips, leather and plastic. It will not damage cotton, wool or nylon.

•A potentially objectionable odor. Interestingly, N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide in its pure form is odorless. When it comes in contact with impurities during production is when an odor is generated. Sawyer says it uses an extra refining process to reduce or rid its repellents of such impurities, though usually an odor is still detectable.

•Less effective against some flies. For problematic flies, consider repellents that use: ◦Picaridin

◦IR 3535

◦DEET combined with a fly-targeted ingredient such as R-326.

◦DEET combined with permethrin-treated clothing, which some experts regard as the supreme bug-fighting combo—DEET (widely regarded as the best mosquito deterrent) plus the fly- and mosquito-repelling punch of permethrin.

 

 

Picaridin

 

Also known as: KBR 3023.

 

Pros:

•Developed in Europe and the U.S. in 1998; approved for use in U.S. in 2005.

•Effective against mosquitoes and ticks; more effective against flies and biting midges than DEET.

•Studies have shown the 20% formula can remain effective for up to 14 hours against mosquitoes, 8 hours for sand flies and biting midges.

•Causes no damage after contact with synthetic fabrics or painted/varnished surfaces.

 

Cons:

•Fragrance elicits varying responses; though many have no trouble tolerating its odor/fragrance, occasionally some wearers find it unappealing.

 

IR 3535

 

Also known as: 3-[N-Butyl-N-acetyl]-aminopropionic acid, ethyl ester.

 

Pros:

•Used in U.S. since 1999; marketed in Europe in early 1980s (where it is known as Merck 3535) and in Asia in the 1990s.

•Effective against mosquitoes, deer ticks and biting flies; potentially may also repel lice, bees and wasps.

•Registered as a biopesticide with EPA, meaning it can be viewed as a natural product, though it is a synthetic substance structurally based upon a naturally occurring amino acid (B-Alanine).

•Exhibits lower toxicity than other active ingredients.

 

Cons:

•Some researchers consider its duration of effectiveness as unpredictable.

•May damage plastics, but it falls far short of the corrosive potential of DEET; technically, it is considered a "virtual non-plasticizer," but the EPA will not allow it to be marketed with the phrase "Does not harm gear." Plastics should show little or no impact if IR 3535 is wiped off shortly after contact.

•Until recently, limited availability in U.S.

Edited May 24, 2012 by EAMom

[philamom]

Like the stick - I might have to pick up one for myself. Deet needs to be washed off after activities. Will she be taking daily showers at camp every day?

 

Also, www.tickencounter.org shows videos on how to apply permethrin to clothing with the spraying/soaking method. Lot of other great information as well.

[EAMom]

Like the stick - I might have to pick up one for myself. Deet needs to be washed off after activities. Will she be taking daily showers at camp every day?

 

Also, www.tickencounter.org shows videos on how to apply permethrin to clothing with the spraying/soaking method. Lot of other great information as well.

 

Yeah...I found the stick at REI. I'll use it on myself and non-pandas dd (mosquitos love us) when we are in buggy areas (travel/camping). I agree with you about not having a child apply deet (without a parent to supervise or do it). Also, I cannot be sure that she will take daily showers!

 

You may find this interesting from http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1029&message=28191009

 

Permethrin has an excito-repelllent effect and is also a toxicant. Thus it can repel but also kill the insect. Yes Permethrin can be broken down quickly in the body but some people can develop allergic skin irritation when in contact with the chemical; if this happens, stop using it. Permethrin comes in various forms but it can be purchased in most countries from outdoor stores where it is often sold for impregnating mosquito bed nets. Some countries have Permethrin in spray tins; Permanone is the US was one such product. In South Africa they have another synthetic pyrethroid, flumethrin, available in an aerosol. I have used this product in Australia while undertaking tick risk assessments and have never recieved a tick bite! Without repellents I have had to remove more than 300 larval ticks from myself.

 

In terms of repellents my recommendations are to use either a DEET or Picaridin product on the skin; it is better to use creams rather than sprays as they can be more thickly applied. You can use DEET/Picaridin sprays on the clothing but be aware that DEET can damage nylon based fabrics. Otherwise wash the clothes in permethrin and reapply every 3 or so uses.

 

As to DEET vs Picaridin. DEET has been around for quite some time and when applied according to the label instructions is safe and effective. Tests in our laboratory against mosquitoes have shown that the higher concentrations of DEET provide a longer duration of protection but not greater protection. This means the lower % DEET formulations need to be reapplied, usually at least every two hours.

 

Picaridin was developed in Germany by Bayer as an alternative to DEET. Picaridin has less smell, feels better to put on and has lower mammalian toxicity than DEET, in fact Picaridin is every approved for use on children under 12 months in Europe. If using Picaridin go for the 19% formulation, the 9% was not very effective in trials against ticks.

 

Kind regards

Stephen

Edited May 24, 2012 by EAMom