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Would A Natural Insect Repellent Be Alright To Prevent Mosquito Borne Diseases?
Question: Just wondering, can a 5 year old use DEET insect repellents for travelling to Vietnam. She has sensitive skin and worried about using DEET.. would a natural insect repellent be OK to prevent mosquito borne diseases?
Brief Answer:
DEET repellent can be used in child above 2 months of age, details below
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXX,
Thanks for writing in to us.
I have read through your query in detail.
Please find my observations below.
1. DEET is chemical named N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide which is an ingredient found in insect repellents. It is meant for direct application to skin to repel insects.
2. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recommended its use in children and infants above two months of age as an insect repellent. Therefore it might safely be used on a 5 year old girl.
3. Please make sure to follow certain guidelines when it is used in a child.
(i) Do not allow children below 10 years to apply the repellent themselves.
(ii) Do not apply the DEET containing repellent on hands or around eyes and mouth in children
(iii) DEET should not be applied on wounds or broken skin
(iv) If a child breathes in, swallows, or allows DEET to get into the eyes then please consult a doctor immediately.
4. Please follow instructions mentioned on DEET product label.
5. If you have any other natural insect repellent alternative then please read through the label in detail before using on a child and if required discuss with your doctor.
Hope this answers your question. Please feel free to correct any oversight in my interpretation of your problems and discuss them in detail as per your requirements.
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
DEET repellent can be used in child above 2 months of age, details below
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXX,
Thanks for writing in to us.
I have read through your query in detail.
Please find my observations below.
1. DEET is chemical named N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide which is an ingredient found in insect repellents. It is meant for direct application to skin to repel insects.
2. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recommended its use in children and infants above two months of age as an insect repellent. Therefore it might safely be used on a 5 year old girl.
3. Please make sure to follow certain guidelines when it is used in a child.
(i) Do not allow children below 10 years to apply the repellent themselves.
(ii) Do not apply the DEET containing repellent on hands or around eyes and mouth in children
(iii) DEET should not be applied on wounds or broken skin
(iv) If a child breathes in, swallows, or allows DEET to get into the eyes then please consult a doctor immediately.
4. Please follow instructions mentioned on DEET product label.
5. If you have any other natural insect repellent alternative then please read through the label in detail before using on a child and if required discuss with your doctor.
Hope this answers your question. Please feel free to correct any oversight in my interpretation of your problems and discuss them in detail as per your requirements.
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thanks for your help. Do you think a natural one with natural oils would be good enough to prevent mosquito bites and for malaria prevention? Because I am quite reluctant to use DEET just because she has skin sensitivity and reacts very easily
Brief Answer:
Please proceed cautiously after reading product label in case of naturaloil
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing back with an update.
1. It is true that even if DEET is recommended for children, the child with a sensitive skin might develop allergy. One way to proceed carefully with DEET is to do a patch test. The DEET repellent might be applied over a small area of skin and watched over 2 to 3 days for any rashes or skin changes.
2. If you choose to avoid DEET completely then there might be an option in using natural oils containing products. However please read the FDA approved label and then use it cautiously. If in doubt then you might upload a copy of the label or discuss it with your doctor.
3. There are many natural products to choose from and these are made available locally at your pharmacy. Please choose the one that is tested and approved for use in children and do a preliminary skin patch test on a small part of the skin before using it extensively.
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Please proceed cautiously after reading product label in case of naturaloil
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing back with an update.
1. It is true that even if DEET is recommended for children, the child with a sensitive skin might develop allergy. One way to proceed carefully with DEET is to do a patch test. The DEET repellent might be applied over a small area of skin and watched over 2 to 3 days for any rashes or skin changes.
2. If you choose to avoid DEET completely then there might be an option in using natural oils containing products. However please read the FDA approved label and then use it cautiously. If in doubt then you might upload a copy of the label or discuss it with your doctor.
3. There are many natural products to choose from and these are made available locally at your pharmacy. Please choose the one that is tested and approved for use in children and do a preliminary skin patch test on a small part of the skin before using it extensively.
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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