Study summary
Formulations of Deet, Picaridin, and IR3535 Applied to Skin Repel Nymphs of the Lone Star Tick (Acari: Ixodidae) for 12 Hours
Carroll JF, Benante JP, Kramer M, Lohmeyer KH, Lawrence K
- Study type
- Rct
- Year
- 2010
- Published in
- Journal of Medical Entomology
- Evidence strength
- Well-supported evidence
Summary
Human-subject skin trial against lone star tick (Amblyomma americanum) nymphs: a treated band on the lower leg with ticks challenged at 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 hours after application.
Key findings
Formulations with at least 20% active (33% DEET cream, 20% picaridin spray and lotion, 20% IR3535 spray) each kept tick band-crossing below ~6% for the full 12-hour test and were statistically indistinguishable. A 10% IR3535 lotion was notably weaker.
Limitations
Discrete-timepoint barrier-crossing endpoint overstates true complete protection time versus a continuous first-failure design; controlled indoor placement; A. americanum only.