Arthropod/Vector Bacteria Chemicals Fungus /Mold / Yeast Metals Parasites Virus Other |
DEET There are four ways that people can be exposed to chemicals: contact to their skin, contact to their eyes, breathing them in, or eating them. DEET is often used directly on skin. DEET may also be inhaled when sprays are used around the body and in indoor spaces where the vapors can remain for some time. It may also be possible to swallow DEET if your hands are not washed after using DEET on skin. People have had adverse reactions to DEET when they applied it to parts of their body that contacted other skin surfaces, and when they applied it to skin that was under clothing. When products containing DEET get into the eyes, they can cause irritation, pain and watery eyes. 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. In rare cases, exposure to DEET has been associated with seizures in people. Most of these reactions have happened after drinking products with DEET in them or using the products in ways that do not follow label directions. If you insist on using it, try to spray it on your clothes rather than directly on the skin and avoid breathing the fumes while spray it on. Alternatives: Buy Greener Mosquito Repellents -- Health food stores now carry a wide variety of herbal bug repellents. Look for these effective herbal ingredients that repel mosquitoes: basil, eucalyptus, cloves, geranium, peppermint, rosemary, lemon balm (citronella), onions, garlic, and feverfew. Or make your own Mosquito Repellent Oil using 10 drops of one of these essential oils, or a mixture: basil, eucalyptus, cloves, geranium, peppermint, rosemary, lemon balm (citronella), onions, garlic, and feverfew. Add 2 tablespoons vegetable oil. Combine the ingredients in a glass jar; stir to blend. Dab a few drops on your skin or clothing. If you don't want to smell like dinner, do not add the onions and garlic, and eat plenty of them instead. Try these easy tips:
ITCH RELIEF - Apply a drop of osha root tincture to mosquito bites and the itch will magically disappear. If you can't find the tincture, try making a paste of water and baking soda and dab that on the bite instead. |
|