Does anything beat DEET?
In comparison trials, DEET is more effective than any other insect repellent. Despite some reports of serious adverse events, when comparing the thousands of other reports of exposure and millions of past users, DEET has a good safety record. The appropriate and safest concentration to use on children remains unclear, however. Due to potential absorption through the skin, prudence would dictate that the lowest effective concentration for the time period of exposure be used. Because research has shown that solvents with less skin permeation may be used as an alternative to the ethanol used in some commercial DEET preparations, manufacturers could develop products that are less likely to be absorbed. Pediatricians should be familiar with the duration of action of various formulations of DEET and the efficacy (and in some cases lack of efficacy) of other products in order to advise patients on safe but effective methods of insect control.
Medical University of South Carolina, Department of Pediatrics, Charleston, USA.
James R
JR
Roberts
J Routt
JR
Reigart
D000818:Animals; D009033:Culicidae; D003671:DEET / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D007299:Insect Bites and Stings / Q000517:prevention & control*; D007302:Insect Repellents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010938:Plant Oils / Q000627:therapeutic use
D007302:Insect Repellents; D010938:Plant Oils; D003671:DEET; C076730:citronella oil