They can cause everything from small, itchy bumps to severe allergic reactions and sometimes even disease. It works by blocking the receptors on mosquitoes' antenna that are attracted to things like moisture, warmth, carbon dioxide and odor, all produced by humans. However, there has been a fair amount of controversy surrounding this chemical repellant. Three of them died from toxic encephalopathy, a condition that causes swelling of the brain that may lead to convulsions and death. In addition, up to 17 percent of what penetrates the skin is absorbed into the bloodstream.
Children also tend to be very active.
Sweating, water contact and wiping can remove the repellant, leading to frequent reapplication and increased risk of toxicity. Despite the cautions and health effects, DEET is still widely used as a topical insect repellant. A parent's best bet is to use products with natural insect repellants. Citronella oil is probably the most popular botanical oil used in natural repellant products. It is derived from dried, cultivated grasses and has a distinct smell that stuns the sensory units of insects.