The Best Chemical Repellent Defense Against Biting Insects for Your Children

Unfortunately, there is an uprising of a variety of insect borne diseases in recent years.  Some of this increase may be due to better reporting to local county health departments by physician providers, laboratories, and emergency rooms, but disease entities such as West Nile Virus are bringing newer concerns throughout the region. Since it is always better to prevent a disease than to treat it, one American Academy of Pediatrics recommended preventive option to repel insects is a chemical called DEET (N,N-diethyl-3-methylbenzamide).  

DEET, used first during World War II to protect our military, has become a commonplace item to find on the shelves of local pharmacies and sporting goods stores.  Insect Repellents containing DEET vary between 10% to 30% in concentration.  As the concentration increases, the typical repellent effects increase as well.  The American Academy of Pediatrics does not recommend concentrations over 30% in children or use in infants younger than 2 months of age.

All repellent product information should be evaluated by the parent to ensure comprehension of product use, frequency of application, contraindications, and safety directions.  Parents should discuss questions and concerns of DEET with their pediatrician prior to repellent use.

Our children need outdoor exposure to ensure healthy living and fitness.  As parents, we can make sure mosquitoes don't get in their way to enjoying the outdoors.    

With a Smile,

Dr. Jennifer Coren

www.hatboropediatrics.com