J Korean Med Sci.  2021 Feb;36(7):e49. 10.3346/jkms.2021.36.e49.

The Effect of Long-lasting Permethrin Impregnated Socks on Tick Bite in Korea

• Han MA
• Kim CM
• Yun NR
• Kim DM
• Park SM
• Kim H
• Shin HH

• KMID: 2513073
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3346/jkms.2021.36.e49

Abstract

Background
The risk of tick-borne diseases is decreased by increasing awareness and knowledge through prevention education. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of long-lasting permethrin impregnated (LLPI) socks for tick bites.
Methods
A randomized open label study was conducted to determine the effectiveness of LLPI socks for prevention of tick bites among 367 adults living in a rural area. Participants completed questionnaires at the start of follow-up (July 2014) and at the end of follow-up (December 2014), and tick bites were reported.
Results
A total of 332 subjects completed the follow-up survey. The tick bite rate of the two groups was not significantly different (3.6% vs. 3.1%). But the tick bite rate of lower extremities of subjects wearing LLPI socks was significantly lower compared to that of subjects wearing general socks.
Conclusion
The tick bite rate was not different between the two groups, but the tick bite rate of lower extremities of LLPI was significantly lower than general groups. Further study is needed to investigate the effect of LLPI clothes with larger populations.

Keyword

Insect Repellents; Permethrin; Randomized Controlled Trial; Ticks

Figure

• 

  Fig. 1 Flow of study participants.LLPI = long-lasting permethrin impregnated.

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  Fig. 2 Sites of tick bites at post-survey. Red colored dot: treatment group. Blue colored dot: control group.

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