Has your child ever scratched him- or herself raw because of an itchy bug bite? Mosquitoes and other biting insects are a menace to children and adults alike, especially during the summertime. Learn how to protect your family from getting those seasonal bug bites. Insect repellents: Worth the risk? You may worry about exposing your child to any potential toxin unless it's absolutely necessary. Insect repellents, however, have been around for decades and accumulated an excellent safety record. If used properly, their benefits - preventing mosquito- or tick-borne illnesses - outweigh the very small risk that they'll harm your child. Bug repellents come in many forms - liquid, lotion, stick, bath oil, gel, aerosol spray, and even wristband. The most effective bug repellents, however, are those that contain some concentration of the chemical N,N-diethyl-3-methylbenzamide, commonly known as DEET. DEET offers protection against bugs and ticks that transmit diseases such as: * Lyme disease * Rocky Mountain spotted fever * West Nile virus * Malaria * Dengue fever * Equine encephalitis The government developed this repellent more than 50 years ago, and people have used it without demonstrable harm for nearly that long. In rare instances, DEET has been responsible for skin irritation or inflammation when it was misused. If you don't want to use a product that contains DEET, or if your doctor advises you to avoid DEET because of a skin irritation or wound, other products offer limited protection. These repellents generally use plant-based oils such as oil of geranium, cedar, lemon grass, soy or citronella to repel insects. However, plant-based repellents generally work for a shorter period of time than do DEET-based repellents. Mode of action Mosquitoes are attracted to humans by the body's moisture, warmth, odor and continuous release of carbon dioxide. Repellents work by blocking receptors on mosquito antennae that sense these attractants. To be effective, repellent has to be applied to all exposed skin. Mosquitoes can readily find and bite untreated areas. Safe use To protect your child from possible risk posed by DEET exposure, stick to these guidelines: * Always follow directions. Before applying DEET to your child's skin, make sure that you've closely read the safety instructions in the package or on the container. * Choose a product with the right amount of DEET. The higher the DEET concentration, the longer it lasts. Although highly concentrated DEET preparations are available, products containing 30 percent or more DEET are not recommended for children. Here's the breakdown of DEET concentrations and how long they protect: Concentration needed Hours of protection 23.8 percent 5 hours 20 percent 4 hours 6.65 percent 2 hours 4.75 percent 1.5 hours Besides considering how long you'll need protection, think about other factors that call for a weaker or stronger DEET concentration: * Where is your child going? A lighter repellent may be fine for the playground, but use a stronger repellent if your child plans to trek through the woods or be near a swamp. * What types of biting insects are found in that area? * How likely are those insects to carry disease? * How susceptible is your child to getting bitten? In general, use the lowest effective concentration of insect repellent to minimize the risk of side effects. * Apply in moderation. While it's important to thoroughly cover all exposed skin, you don't want to overdo it. Children under age 2 should have no more than one application of repellent a day. Never put insect repellent on cut, scraped or sunburned skin. * Don't use on infants less than 2 months of age. Instead, cover your infant's stroller or playpen with mosquito netting when outside. * Avoid contact with the face and hands. Insect repellent can easily get into the eyes from the hands and face, causing severe discomfort and possible damage. * Don't spray in a closed room. Apply insect repellent outdoors or in a well-ventilated room. * Don't let your child apply his or her own insect repellent. Children are likely to go overboard, using far more than necessary and increasing the risk that they'll get repellent in their eyes or mouths. * Avoid combination sunscreen-insect repellent products. Sunscreen should be applied generously and repeatedly, while insect repellent should be applied sparingly. You need one product to stop bug bites and another to prevent sunburn. * Wash repellent off when you're safely away from the bugs. Once your child no longer needs DEET protection, a shower or bath is in order. DEET can damage plastics, synthetic fabrics, leather, and painted or varnished materials, so keep it away from eyeglasses, watch crystals, walls and furniture. DEET doesn't harm nylon or natural fibers, such as cotton or wool. The bottom line DEET is the most effective mosquito repellent currently available. It's safe as long as you choose the appropriate concentration and use it with common sense.
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