What you need to know about DEET (Diethyltoluamide - DEET) used to protect against mosquitoes

Mosquitoes are a big nuisance in our country, aren't they? Especially during the dengue epidemic, it's scary. So, almost all of us use some kind of lotion, cream or spray to protect ourselves from mosquitoes. If you go to a store, you can see many such products. One of the most popular and effective of these is the product containing DEET. But apart from just buying it, do you really know about it? There are many important things that we need to be careful about when using it. So today, let's learn everything about this DEET, just like we are talking to a friend.

Simply put, what is DEET?

DEET is an abbreviation for a chemical that repels insects. Its full name is Diethyltoluamide . But none of us are going to say that long name, we all know it as DEET.

Many people think that applying DEET kills mosquitoes. That's a misconception. DEET is not an insecticide, it's an insect repellent . That means it doesn't kill mosquitoes, it just keeps them from coming near us. Think about it this way: mosquitoes find us by detecting the carbon dioxide gas we give off and certain scents on our skin. When we apply DEET, it confuses the mosquitoes' scent sensors. In other words, mosquitoes can't 'find' us. When they can't recognize us as food, they just run away without biting us. So this not only helps keep mosquitoes away, but it also helps keep other annoying insects away, like leeches, fleas, and bedbugs.

Things you should tell your doctor before using DEET

It's important to talk to your family doctor before continuing to use a product containing DEET, especially if you have any health concerns, because not everything is the same for everyone.

Here are some things to definitely mention:

• About your skin conditions: If you have any skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, or if your skin is very sensitive, tell us about it.
• About previous allergies: If you have had an allergic reaction to DEET or any other medicine, food, or perfume in the past, you should also mention that.
• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding: If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding a baby, it is best to ask your doctor before using any chemical.

This is not to scare you. It's for your safety. Your doctor will assess your condition and advise you on whether or not it's appropriate to use DEET, or what type of product is best.

How do I use this correctly and safely?

DEET is a very useful product if used correctly. However, it can also cause problems if used incorrectly. So remember these steps carefully.

General things to keep in mind

• For skin only: This is for skin use only . Never drink it or get it in your mouth, eyes, or inside your nose.
• Do not apply to cuts or abrasions: If you have a wound, cut, abrasion, or rash on your skin, do not apply DEET to those areas.
• Do not apply under clothing: DEET should only be applied to exposed skin that is not covered by clothing. There is no need to apply it to the skin under clothing.
• Don't spray directly on your face: If you're using a spray, never spray it directly on your face. Spray a small amount on your palm first, then carefully apply it to your face, avoiding the areas around your eyes and mouth.
• Wash off after you get home: After you've been outside, wash the areas where you applied DEET with soap and water. You don't need to keep it on your skin all the time.

Be very careful when using on small children!

This is the most important part. Because young children's skin is very sensitive and they often put their hands in their mouths, you need to think twice about using DEET.

If using for a child over 2 years old, be sure to keep these things in mind:

• Choose a Low Concentration: Choose a product with a DEET concentration of 10% or less for use on children. Read the label.
• Apply it yourself: Don't let your child apply it on their own. Put it in your hand and apply it to their skin.
• Don't apply it to your hands: Don't apply DEET to the hands of young children, as they will inevitably put their hands in their mouths or eyes.
• Avoid the area around the eyes and mouth: When applying to the face, be careful not to get it in the area around the eyes and mouth.

What if you use too much by mistake?

Imagine what would happen if a small child accidentally drank this, or if someone used too much. This is an emergency.

Another thing is, you can call the National Poisons Information Centre located at the Colombo National Hospital and get advice on immediate steps to take.

What are the possible side effects?

Generally, DEET rarely causes major side effects if you follow the instructions. However, some people may experience some side effects. Let's break it down to make it clearer.

Things to remember when storing

• Keep out of reach of children: This is the most important thing. Keep it in a locked place out of reach of small children and pets.
• Keep away from fire: Many products containing DEET, especially sprays, are flammable. So don't store them near stoves or fireplaces. Don't use them while smoking.
• Store at room temperature: Store at room temperature, away from extreme heat or cold. Do not leave in hot places, such as inside a car.
• Discard if expired: Check the expiration date on the bottle. If it's past the expiration date, it's safest not to use it.