Publication Date: 07/22/2015

The following is an excerpt from the DuPage Medical Group article, Insect Repellant and DEET – Your Guide to Outdoor Safety, published July 7, 2015:

By: DuPage Medical Group

Determining safe ways of protecting your family from insect bites can be confusing. Many products are available to repel common insects like mosquitos and ticks, but you will need to keep several precautions in mind to use them safely. Products containing DEET are most effective and are approved for use on children, read our list of tips below so you can be sure to choose the appropriate concentration for your outdoor activity and the age of your child.

• Babies who are two months of age or younger should not come in contact with products containing DEET (even from a parent’s hands). Plan to keep infants inside or cover their stroller or infant carrier in mosquito netting at all times when insects may be present.
• Products containing any concentration of DEET should be applied to exposed skin (not under clothing), taking care to avoid the face, cuts and abrasions or on the hands of young children (they could ingest the chemicals or irritate eyes). Don’t forget to spray clothing, socks and shoes.
• Apply spray in an open area and avoid getting fumes near mouths where they may be breathed in.

– See more at: https://www.dulyhealthandcare.com/health-topic/warmer-weather-safety

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