Repellent

There are two main types of insect repellent: repellent used on the skin and repellent put on clothing. Repellent used on the skin contains a powerful ingredient called DEET. Repellent used on clothing uses an ingredient called permethrin to repel insects. Both are useful for preventing bites.

DEET is a very effective ingredient used to repel mosquitos, ticks and other bugs. When using a product containing DEET, follow these precautions:

• Use a repellent with 30% DEET for children and teens. 30% DEET protects for 6 hours. Use products containing 10% DEET if you only need protection for 2 hours. The American Academy of Pediatrics has approved the use of 30% DEET or less for children over 2 months of age.
• Do not use products with DEET in children younger than 2 months old. Breast-feeding women may use DEET.
• Do not put too much repellent on. A total of 3 or 4 drops can protect the whole body.
• Don't put any repellent on skin that is sunburned or has a rash because the DEET is more easily absorbed in these areas.
• Remember to wash the repellent off with soap and water when your child returns indoors.