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Insect Repellents for Children HF#6485



Insect repellents should be used along with protective clothing. The American Academy of Pediatrics states that a 30 percent concentration is safe for both children and adults, but that 10 percent can be used for children if parents are concerned about the potential risks or if the threat of disease-carrying mosquitoes is small. Those that have a high concentration (more than l0%) of DEET should not be used on an infant’s skin because they are toxic.  Spray repellents that are designed to be used on clothing only should not be used on your child’s skin.  The table below lists some insect repellents found in the U.S. and their ingredients.

 

Brand

Manufacturer

 

 

 

 

Plant-Based Repellants

 

 

Bite Blocker (geranium oil)

Consep, Inc

 

Repel (Oil of lemon Eucalyptus)

WisconsinPharmacal

 

Avon Skin-so-soft Bug Guard spray (citronella 0. l 0%)

Avon

 

 

 

 

Repellents with DEET

 

% DEET

Skedaddle for Children

Minnetonka

6.5

Skedaddle for Children with sunscreen SPF 15

Minnetonka

6.5

Off! Skintastic for Kids spray

Johnson Wax

5.0

Cutter All Family Insect spray

United Industries

7.0

Cutter Pleasant Protection with sunscreen SPF 15

United Industries

7.0

Repel Camp Lotion for Kids

WisconsinPharmacal

10.0

Repel Soft Unscented Gel

WisconsinPharmacal

7.0

 

In 2001 the Environmental Protection Agency made the following recommendations regarding the safe use of insect repellant with DEET for children:

  • Do not apply to infants under two months of age. (Skin permeability becomes similar to adult by the second month of life.)
  • Read and follow all directions and precautions on the product label.
  • Do not apply over cuts, wounds or irritated skin.
  • Do not apply to young children's hands or near eyes or mouth.
  • Do not allow young children to apply products themselves.
  • Use just enough to cover the exposed skin and/or clothing.
  • Do not use under clothing.
  • Avoid over-application.
  • After returning indoors, wash treated skin with soap and water.
  • Wash treated clothing before wearing again.
  • Do not use spray solutions in enclosed areas or near food.
  • For use on face, apply to adult hands and then rub on face. Do not spray face. Avoid areas around eyes and mouth.

 

Repellents with Picaridin (KBR3023)

Cutter Advance Sport Insect Repellent

United Industries

 

 

Permethrin Insecticide Sprays (For clothing only! Not applied to skin)

Cutter Outdoorsman Gear Guard Spray

Cutter

0.5%

Repel Permanone

WisconsinPharmacal

 

 

 

UW Dermatology Department

1 S. Park St 7th Floor

Madison, WI 53715

Clinic: 608 287-2450

American Family Children’s Hospital

Pediatric Dermatology Specialty Clinic

1675 Highland Ave.

Madison, WI  53792

Clinic: 608 263-6420

 



The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

Last Updated: 06/25/2010

Copyright © 06/25/2010 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. HF#6485

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