Question from Karen B
Hi Debra. I have a dilemma because my work has me outdoors much of the summer where I am exposed to ticks . We have a heavy tick infestation here in Massachusetts.
I do use care where I walk but still I have gotten tick bites. I just took an antibiotic for the latest tick bite. This is one case where I would rather take preventative drugs rather than risk Lyme Disease.
So I was wondering what you think about this product, keeping in mind that I do have MCS. It is an ankle gaiter that could stop any entry to the body because most ticks come from the ground up. Do you think this is safe? Do you have any other suggestions? Thank you!
Debra’s Answer
This is one of those situations where it can be better for your health to use something like an insecticide, rather than have the consequences of something worse like lyme disease.
This product appears to be able to protect you from tick bites without you taking anything internally. It’s a cuff treated with microcapsules filled with permethrin, which burst when disturbed to release very small amounts of the insecticide. The amount is so small you probably wouldn’t even notice it, but it can kill a tick before it bites you.
Permethrin, is a made-made version of pyrethrum. Pyrethrum is a naturally occurring insecticide of the chrysanthemum flower. Permethrin has been a registered ixodicide with the EPA since 1977. While ingested permethrin can be harmful, the World Health Organization considers it to be “the insecticide of choice for clothing treatment.”
I would say give it a try and see if you tolerated. The toxic risk is very low, especially when used outdoors, on clothing, not in contact with your body.
