Insect Repellent For Your Child...Is It Safe?

Warmer weather brings longer outdoor play for your child. Unfortunately, it also increases the likelihood of insect bites and the spread of disease. Here are a few pointers on how to safely use insect repellent on your child to help ward off disease.

Insect repellents can ward off the bite from biting insects (mosquitoes, ticks, fleas, chiggers, biting flies), however do not protect against stinging insects (wasps, bees, yellow jackets, hornets). The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommend insect repellents registered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). There are 4 categories of insect repellents available for use in children: DEET, Picaridin, Oil of Eucalyptus, and "Natural" options.

1. DEET

Deet is the most effective product available for preventing insect bites. Its concentration is equal to the length of time it is effective. A concentration of 10% lasts for approximately 2 hours. A concentration of 30% lasts for approximately 5 hours. Concentrations higher than 30% are not recommended for use in children. Higher concentrations are linked with skin irritation and significant rash.

2. Picaridin

A concentration of 5% lasts approximately 3-4 hours. A concentration of 20% lasts approximately 8-12 hours.

3. Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus

Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus is not recommended on children under 3 years of age. It is not registered with the EPA and has not been well-studied in this age group. A concentration of 8-10% lasts approximately 2 hours. A concentration of 30-40% lasts approximately 6 hours.

4. "Natural" options

There are several natural options available such as citronella, geranium, peppermint, and soybean oil. These products are not approved by the EPA on their effectiveness and are often short lived, requiring frequent applications. Skin irritation is often a side effect of frequent applications and generally not recommended.

* Insect repellents are not recommended for use on infants younger than 2 months of age. Mosquito netting over a stroller is a better option to avoid exposure to biting insects.

* Do not apply insect repellent to skin under clothing. Apply to exposed skin only and on top of clothing worn.

* Opt for insect repellents that allow application through stick, lotions, or unpressurized sprays. Pressurized sprays can be easily inhaled and increase the likelihood of accidental contact with eyes.

* Do not apply insect repellent on the hands of small children. They often put their hands in their mouth. Insect repellent should not be ingested.

* If application is needed on a child's face, rub a small amount together into your hands prior to applying to their face (avoiding contact with their mouth and eyes).

* Avoid contact with cuts and irritated skin.

* Avoid use of products with sunscreen and insect repellents combined. Sunscreen often requires repetitive applications. With insect repellent, less is better.

* When finished outdoors, wash insect repellent off of skin with soap and water. Wash clothing as well prior to wearing again.

* If a reaction occurs when using insect repellents, wash off immediately with soap and water. Call Poison Control @ 1-800-222-1222.

* If a child receives an insect bite and experiences any reaction such as fever, swelling, difficulty breathing, vomiting, rash...notify their healthcare provider immediately and call 911 as needed.