Wrinkles

Is it safe to use DEET everyday?

Generally, repellent with DEET should not be applied more than once a day. DEET can put on exposed skin, as well as clothing, socks, and shoes. But don't use it on your child's face, under clothing, on cuts or irritated skin, or on the hands of young children.

Is DEET safe for daily use?

"DEET is very safe when used properly," Rodriguez says. For everyday needs, you can use 10% or 20% DEET to avoid mosquito bites. … If you do swallow DEET, you may experience nausea or vomiting. There have been rare cases where people had seizures after using DEET, but this only happened when people drank DEET products.

What are the negative effects of using DEET?

There have been sporadic reports over the last several decades of an association between excessive use of repellents containing DEET and adverse effects. These effects included seizures, uncoordinated movements, agitation, aggressive behavior, low blood pressure, and skin irritation.

Why is DEET banned?

DEET-related health problems include skin rashes and scarring in adults and, in a few cases, reports of neurological problems in children. A ban would affect products that are more than 30 percent DEET. New York is the first state to propose such a ban.

How often should DEET be applied?

Do not apply more than 3 times per day. Do not apply to the face and hands. Prolonged use should be avoided. Adults and children older than 12 years.

How much DEET is safe?

Insect repellents containing DEET have been tested and approved as safe for kids older than 2 months. But take care when you use them: Choose a repellent with no more than 10% to 30% concentration of DEET (look for N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide on the label).

Can you sleep with insect repellent on?

If you do go to sleep with the remnants of the morning's bug spray still on your skin, you'll likely be fine. Making a habit of it, though, is ill-advised. Bug spray is a pesticide, and pesticides can build up inside the human body via the liver.

Can DEET make you sick?

People that have left DEET products on their skin for extended periods of time have experienced irritation, redness, a rash, and swelling. People that have swallowed products containing DEET have experienced stomach upset, vomiting, and nausea. Very rarely, exposure to DEET has been associated with seizures in people.