QUESTION: With summer around the corner, I know I’ll be outside and on the trail with my dogs more. I typically use a DEET insect repellent to ward off any would-be bug bites, but I’m becoming concerned with the use of such a harsh chemical on my skin – especially when I’m around my kids and pets. Are there friendlier options available that can still protect against bugs? And what about bugs that aren’t deterred by sprays — how do I fight them off? If I do get bit by something, when should I worry?
Dr. Raskin: You and your pup are walking on the trail, and although you don’t see anything flying in your line of sight, you start to hear that familiar and annoying buzz in your ear. And then it happens. Ouch! Bug bites are not just an itchy nuisance. They can lead in fact to all kinds of diseases as you are well aware, including but not limited to West Nile Virus, malaria, Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain Fever.
DEET is the active ingredient in many insect repellants, and it works by confusing the bugs and blocking the receptors that allow them to smell us as food. It is one of the most effective insect repellants, and I have good news for you. The Environmental Protection Agency has done a thorough review of the safety of DEET, and it has found that normal use of DEET-containing agents does not pose any health risks for you, a child of any age or your pet. The review was initially made in 1998, and then re-reviewed in 2014 and the same conclusion was made.
DEET products can repel ticks for two to 10 hours and mosquitos for two to 12 hours depending on the percentage of DEET in the product. There are some precautions, however, that you should take: do not apply the product over cuts, wounds or irritated skin, do not use under clothing and avoid over-application of the product. To apply to your face or your child’s face, first spray some on your hands and then apply to the face. There is no age restriction to use DEET on kids, and there is no restriction on the percentage of DEET to use in the product for children either. Of course, there are rare reports of skin reactions as with any product, and if this happens, you should discontinue the product, wash treated skin and see your doctor. Alternatives do exist such as lemon eucalyptus oil, which can also be very effective against mosquitos but is not recommended for children under the age of 3.
Although it is true that there are some mutant strains of mosquitos that cannot detect the DEET smell and therefore are resistant to it, these are still quite rare. DEET is still the gold standard for protection against the worrisome critters. Other things that you can do to protect yourself include wearing protective lightweight clothing that covers your legs, arms and neck, and avoiding areas of standing water especially during breeding times of dawn and dusk. Getting your pets protected from fleas and ticks with products such as Frontline can help them from bringing them into your home.
For the most part, the bug repellants work but do not forget to reapply them, especially if you are exposed to the bugs for more than six hours or if you are sweating excessively .Once the bite has happened, watch out for fevers, headaches, flu-like symptoms or spreading rashes. These could all mean that the bite could be something more serious, and it would be time to seek medical attention. With the right protection and forethought, however, hiking this summer can be a healthful and fun activity to enjoy for all.
Palisadian Damon Raskin, M.D., is a board-certified internist who offers preventative medicine, concierge services and addiction medicine to patients in and around the Palisades. Contact: (310) 459-4333. To submit your medical questions, like or follow us on Facebook.com/PalisadianPost or Twitter.com/PalisadianPost and send a message.
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