Newsplex - What's Going Around - Headlines
What's Going Around: Insect Repellent 101
August 27, 2012
Doctors in central Virginia are making sure you know how to keep yourself bug bite free. In this week's What's Going Around we're talking about insect repellent 101.
Our medical information is coming to us from Dr. J. Yates Sealander of Madison Family Medicine. We're talking about the two main types of insect repellent: DEET and Permethrin. Dr. Sealander says both are safe when used properly.
DEET can be found in common sprays like OSS, Cutter's and Repel. They are mostly for spraying on skin to repel mosquitoes and biting insects. They come in varying percentages from 10 to 100 percent.
Sealander says 50 percent DEET gives the maximal protection. Products that contain 10 to 30 percent are safe to use on children. However, you should avoid use on children under two months old.
Permethrin can be found in the brand called "Permanone" and is used on clothing, especially the pants and shoes to repel ticks. When applied to clothing, its effects on that clothing will last for more than 10 wash cycles.
Dr. Sealander says a combo of DEET on skin and Permethrin on clothing provides the best protection.
The comments sections of Newsplex.com are designed for thoughtful, intelligent conversation and debate. We want to hear from our viewers, but we only ask that you use your best judgment. E-mail is required, but will not be displayed with comment.
- Comments cannot be profane or vulgar. We will not post comments that use profanity or cross the lines of good taste.
- We will not post comments that use hate speech. Slurs, stereotypes and violent talk aren’t welcome on our website.
- Comments should not attack other readers or people featured in our stories personally. Any accusations should be backed up with facts.
- Any comment we post will be posted in its entirety. We do not edit any comment that we post.
- Comments should contribute to the discussion. We will not post comments that don't advance the discussion. Flaming and/or trolling will not be tolerated.
- Comments should not attack other posters. Let's keep the focus on the content of the story.
As a host Newsplex.com welcomes a wide spectrum of opinions. However this is a site that we host. We have a responsibility to all our readers to try to keep our comment section fair and decent. For that reason The Newsplex reserves the right to not post or to remove any comment.
If you have any ideas to improve the conversation or this section let us know. Send an e-mail to webmaster@newsplex.com.
powered by Disqus
View All Sections
Gray Television, Inc. - Copyright © 2002-2013
Designed by Gray Digital Media