Advice needed: insect repellent and sun-screen

[Toadflax]

My daughter will be going to spend a month working at a monkey sanctuary in the Kruger National Park in a few months time.

She has very fair skin and needs a high factor sun-screen and an insect repellent that contains DEET. Although some sun-screens contain insect repellent, she hasn't been able to find a sun-screen that also contains DEET. However, she has read one or two reports that say that applying a separate insect repellent on the top of sun-screen can reduce the sun-screen's effectiveness by up to half.

Can anyone offer any advice on this?

Thanks


Geoff

 

[h2o]

ive used boots own to good effect use the sunscreen and the insect reppelant

 

[He' s left the building]

From personal experience, I would imagine your daughter will apply sun-screen first thing in the morning, then possibly again around mid-day. The insect repellent would predominantly be needed towards dusk, by which time she will probably have finished work, had a quick wash and then applied the insect repellent.

Most of the times I've used both products, I haven't actually applied both together at the same time.

I know this doesn't specifically answer your query about the contra-indications of applying both products together, but I've never personally found it to be a problem??!

 

[fred gordon]

Without a doubt it has to be Skin so Soft from the Avon lady for the insect repellent. I have been amazed at how well it works for me. I have also noticed it for sale in fishing tackle and outdoor gear lately.

 

[In Wood]

Hi Toadflax, if your daughter is not going until after 14th March, she could do with going to the Outdoors Show at the NEC.
I am under strick orders not to say too much, but a very reputable company will be launching a new product that will fit both those requirements in one hit.

sunscreen and repelent all in one.

definately worth her checking it out.

 

[buckley]

Second vote for skin so soft, it smells great, and its the best repellant i've used!

Cheap as well.

 

[Nagual]

Second vote for skin so soft, it smells great, and its the best repellant i've used!

Cheap as well.

Thirdeded. We used this during the hight of summer, at just after dusk when the wee buggers were out in the brazilians. A good spray of this and wooosh no more midgies. Of course I'm not sure how you'd realistically and effectively use this together with sun screen.


Nag.

 

[andy_e]

In addition to the advice given and with a nod to InWoods cryptic hint, what about treating a set of clothes, long sleeve and long legs, and maybe a hat with Permethrin, for times when she's concerned about insects and has to wear sun-screen.

 

[robadams]

An important thing to know about DEET is that although it is by far the best repellant for the tropics it is also toxic when used for long periods and children should avoid using it. Any liquid applied to the skin is slowly absorbed and the repellant is rendered ineffective after a while.

The best way around this is to have a seperate DEET based repellant that you can apply to clothing. When the risk of mosquitos is at it's highest, around dusk, one should have as little exposed skin as possible. By applying the repellant to the cuffs and collars of your clothing as well as hats and sweat rags worn around the neck the repellant lasts longer and is less likely to be absorbed.

Do not apply to nylon or plastics, they melt away from the DEET.

 

[Nagual]

An important thing to know about DEET is that although it is by far the best repellant for the tropics it is also toxic when used for long periods and children should avoid using it. Any liquid applied to the skin is slowly absorbed and the repellant is rendered ineffective after a while.

The best way around this is to have a seperate DEET based repellant that you can apply to clothing. When the risk of mosquitos is at it's highest, around dusk, one should have as little exposed skin as possible. By applying the repellant to the cuffs and collars of your clothing as well as hats and sweat rags worn around the neck the repellant lasts longer and is less likely to be absorbed.

Do not apply to nylon or plastics, they melt away from the DEET.

Certainly is nasty stuff, many people dislike it, and many people are allergic to it. As with any chemical applied to the skin, it is best done in small increments to test the persons tolerance levels.

Nag.

 

[In Wood]

Hi Guys,
remember I said I could not say much, well the info is now out, well will be very soon.

Nikwax Launches Skito Stop...

At the Outdoor Show NEC, starting next Friday 14th March, we will be launching - a fabulous new range of high performance personal protection for travellers. The range combines insect control with other features like UV protection or after-sun skin conditioning, and includes a product that will banish biting insects from your tent or mosquito netting.

To celebrate the launch we are giving away 2 pairs of tickets to the Outdoor Show, all you need to do is play the Nikwax Webquiz where you can win a new
BaseWash Gel and then be entered into the draw to win tickets!
It's easy - click here to enter!
We look forward to meeting you at the show!

The Nikwax Team

 

[Stuart]

I personally avoid the use of sunscreen altogether, and cover everything up with clothing; it’s a far more practical approach to avoiding sunburn and keeps most of the insects off in all but the most infested areas.