Transcript Insect Repellent

INSECT REPELLENTS
Daniel J. Trozak M.D
WHAT REALLY WORKS!
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DEET (Ultrathon® or Sawyer Controlled
Release®) on exposed sites and permethrin
(Permanone®) on clothing. 99.9% for 8-12 hrs
Ultrathon® 3.5-4 hrs for Sawyer’s C R®
 Picaridin products (Cutter Advanced®) on exposed
skin and permethrin (Permanone®) on clothing
99.9% 1.5 hrs.
 Lemon-eucalyptus oil product (Off Botanical®) on
exposed skin and permethrin (Permanone®) on
clothing 99.9% 1.5 hrs.
 Soy bean product (Bite Blocker®) on exposed skin
and permethrin (Permanone®) on clothing 99.9%
1.5 hrs.
EPA Guidelines for the Safe Use
of Insect Repellents
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Verify that the product has an EPA approved label
Read the label before each usage
Use only as directed and against the insects listed
Keep it out of children’s reach
*Most repellents or their vehicles have
significant toxicity , if ingested!
Apply only to body sites listed
*many have significant mucous membrane
irritancy and would be more readily absorbed
when applied to or around mucous membrane
sites!
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Avoid application to cuts, open wounds, areas
of dermatitis
Do not apply around eyes, mouth or hands of
children
Use adequate amounts but avoid frequent reapplication
Wash off with soap and water after exposure
If you suspect toxicity, wash off with soap and
water and contact poison control. Have the
product label available.
For information 24/7 call the National
Pesticide Network @ 1 (800) 858-7378
What Doesn’t Work!
NEJM V. 347 pp. 13-18, 2002
References
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Insect Repellents: An Overview. J Amer Acad Derm 36: pp 243-49, 1997
Insect Repellents. The Medical Letter 31: iss. 792 pp 45-47, 1989
The Regulatory Controversies That Surround DEET. Cosmetic Dermatology 9,
#3 pp 56-58, 1996.
Insect Repellents. The Medical Letter 45: Iss. 1157 pp 41-42, 2003.
Vector Borne Diseases Reaffirm Need for Insect Repellent. Skin and Allergy
News: p 33, September 2003.
Comparative Efficacy of Insect Repellents against Mosquito Bites. NEJM 347:
pp 13-18, 2002.
Insect Repellents-Past, Present And Future! Pesticide Outlook: pp 154-158,
August 2001.
Catnip Repels Mosquitoes More Effectively Than DEET. August 28, 2001,
WWW.sciencedaily.com
Medical Pearl: Permethrin can prevent arthropod bites and stings. J Amer Acad
Derm 51: p 289, 2004.
Picaridin; A New Insect Repellent. J Drugs Derm 3: 59-60, 2004.
CDC Insect Repellent Update April 28, 2005
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/RepellentUpdates.htm
Picaridin-A New Insect Repellent. The Medical Letter 47: Iss. 1210, 2005.