With summer comes another hazard...bug bites. Here are some tips for bug safety. - To remove a visible stinger from skin, gently scrape it off horizontally with a credit card or your fingernail.
- Combination sunscreen/insect repellent products should be avoided because sunscreen needs to be reapplied every two hours, but the insect repellent should not be reapplied.
- Insect repellents containing DEET are most effective against ticks, which can transmit Lyme Disease, and mosquitoes, which can transmit West Nile Virus and other viruses.
- Children over 2 months of age should use 30 percent DEET. (DEET should not be used on children under 2 months of age.)
- The concentration of DEET in products may range from less than 10 percent to over 30 percent. Ten percent DEET only protects for about 30 minutes – inadequate for most outings.
- Don't apply DEET on hands, eye area or around the mouth. Children should wash off repellents when back indoors.
- Don't use scented soaps, perfumes or hair sprays on your child.
- Avoid areas where insects nest or congregate, such as stagnant pools of water, uncovered foods and gardens where flowers are in bloom.
- Avoid dressing your child in clothing with bright colors or flowery prints.
http://www.aap.org/advocacy/releases/summertips.cfm
***Update***
The FDA recently approved a non-DEET bug spray called Picaridin. It is found in Cutter Advance and Avon Skin So Soft Bug Guard plus Picardin.
