To avoid pesky bugs and damaged skin, South Texans are reaching for sun block and DEET, a chemical insect repellent. But doing this could be a dangerous combination if applied together or too often.

Mixing products could be dangerous for young children

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“Mixing sun block and insect repellent with DEET can increase DEET absorption three-fold, making it less safe, particularly for small children,” said Miguel C. Fernández, M.D., medical director of the South Texas Poison Center (STPC) and associate professor of surgery in emergency medicine and medical toxicology.

Use products separately
“DEET is generally fairly safe, but it doesn’t do you any good anywhere but on the skin or clothing. To play it safe we recommend that you use separate products. Put on sun block first, wait for 15 minutes and then apply your insect repellent. Remember that insect repellent is not to be applied as often as sun block and using separate products allows this. Instead of putting insect repellent directly on your skin, you can put a light amount on your clothing, but there are some precautions to take when doing this. There are some clothing materials that DEET can harm, such as some synthetics. Never apply DEET to open wounds, irritated skin or near the eyes or mouth, and it’s best to avoid skin folds.”

It is discouraged to use insect repellent with DEET containing content higher than 10 percent on children younger than 6 years of age. Some of the more serious symptoms of possible DEET poisoning include weakness, blurred vision and seizures.



Poisons
Poison is a substance that can make you sick or kill you if you eat, breathe or touch it. There are many common household products and medicines that can be harmful if used the wrong way or if used in the wrong amounts. Poisons come in many shapes, sizes, forms and colors. When it comes to poisons, one of the most important things to consider is “how much.” A little bit of something may not harm you, but more of the substance could. The poison specialists at the STPC say “It’s the dose that makes the poison.”

Medicines and all chemicals should always be stored in secure locations and out of the reach of young children. Child resistant containers are not necessarily childproof. Furniture polish, drain cleaner, antifreeze, windshield wiper fluid, gasoline and other fuels, and pesticides are some of the most dangerous chemicals in your home. A sip of any of these could be deadly, especially to a small child.

Action
What you do in the first few seconds following poisoning can mean the difference between life and death. Always call the STPC in all poisoning situations toll-free at 1-800-222-1222, then follow these steps:

Swallowed Poisons
Do not induce vomiting or give salt, vinegar, lemon juice, syrup of ipecac or any other substance unless advised to do so by the Poison Center or a physician. Some chemicals may cause added injury with vomiting.

Inhaled poisons
Get victim to fresh air.

Poisons on the skin
Remove contaminated clothing and flood skin with water for 10 minutes.

Poisons in the eye
Flood the eye with lukewarm water poured from a container 2-4 inches from the eye for 15 minutes.

The STPC is staffed 24 hours a day with at least one specialist in poison information on duty at all times, backed by a medical toxicologist. Access to all poison centers in Texas is provided through a single, nationwide unified toll-free number: 1-800-222-1222. Calls can be taken in any language and services are available for the hearing impaired.