Summer is a good time to remind parents to be cautious in the use of DEET containing insect repellents on their children.
Although there are reports of danger using insecticides, the repellents that contain DEET are safe if used properly according to the directions on the label.
The complications are rare and the risk is low if used properly. It is important to follow the application guidelines to make your family safe this summer.
- With children, avoid using DEET in concentrations greater than 10 percent.
- Repellents should be sparingly applied and only to clothing and exposed skin. Parents should apply repellent on their hands and then apply to a child’s skin to avoid over-application.
- Lower concentrations of less than 10 percent have been found to be just as effective as higher concentrations for repellent use.
- Wear long sleeves and long pants when possible.
- In children, avoid applying to hands and fingers which may be placed in the mouth or rubbed in the eyes.
- Never use repellents on wounds or abraded or irritated skin.
- Repeat applications with caution. One application should generally last four to eight hours.
- Wash repellent-treated skin with soap and water prior to bedtime or once indoors.
- After any suspected adverse reaction to insect repellents, skin should immediately be washed. Contact the Poison Center for further advice.
If you have any questions, contact the Nebraska Regional Poison Center at 955-5555 in the Omaha metropolitan area or toll-free at 1-800-222-1222 in Nebraska and Wyoming.
The Nebraska Regional Poison Center is sponsored by UNMC and The Nebraska Medical Center.