Yes, I noticed those in the newsletter, myself. Best as I know, their isn't scientific support for any of them.
And there is scientific support that DEET is more effective than Avon's Skin So Soft & plant oils, amongst others. For example, ----> Lemon Eucalyptus Will Do Bupkes
http://www.lcmcd.org/relellents.pdf
The Apr '03 issue of "Consumer Reports" found that the DEET repellents 3M Ultrathon, Off! Deep Woods for Sportsmen & Muskol Ultra 6 Hours finished on top, followed by BugOut, Sawyer Controlled Release, Cutter Unscented, Off! Skintastic with Sunscreen SPF 30, Cutter Skinsations & Avon Skin So-Soft Bug Guard/ Sunblock, in that order. Those relying on plant oils such as citronella, soybean, coconut, and geranium "provided little if any protection."
For true protection, let's start with the following edited version of my "Ask RSD" column in the Oct '99 issue of "Rodale's Scuba Diving:"
"Sand fleas & mosquitoes can be a real bother, not to mention that they are sources of some serious tropical diseases.
The danger & bother of insects can be substantially reduced by these precautions: (1) Wear long sleeves and pants, avoiding dark or bright colors, especially at dawn and dusk. Protective clothing such as the "Buzz Off" brand can be useful. As an extra precaution, you may treat clothing with permethrin (As in the easy to use Sawyer Products
http://www.permethrin-repellent.com/ ; (2) Try to stay indoors at dawn and dusk when many flying insects are most active, and avoid sandy areas as much as possible at any time of day, especially when there is no breeze. When making reservations, make sure the resort has screened windows; (3) Wear insect repellent. The best protection against these and other insects is full strength DEET. Some divers like things such as Avon's Skin-So-Soft & Cactus Juice, less toxic products than DEET, by the science is solidly behind DEET for lasting effectiveness; (4) Avoid scented toiletries and perfumes; (5) Upon arrival, treat your room with a bug bomb such as Shelltox or Fish. You can touch up with spray after that as needed."
If you do get stung, bathing in or applying colloidal oatmeal, which can be purchased at the pharmacy or grocery store, may afford some relief. Follow this by the topical application of hydrocortisone cream/lotion (prescription strength preferred), as directed. If you do not have or cannot use hydrocortisone, Calamine lotion with menthol can be applied. You may also find benefit from a nonsedating oral antihistamine. Of course, it is best not scratch at bites.
Remember that if you have a severe allergic reaction, don't get substantial resolution from self treatment, or the eruption seems to be getting worse or infected, you should seek medical attention in a timely manner."
Okay, now let's look at DEET. Most DEET containing repellents are the 15-30% range of concentration. The testing of various strengths of DEET has shown that after about 30% little additional effectiveness is to be had by upping the strength, and virtually none after about 50%. As such, there is simply no point in exposing yourself to the toxicity of more potent brews. I suggest that if decide to go this route, you look into UltraThon at 32%
http://www3.3m.com/search/search?request=searchKeyword&query=ultrathon.
As regards to the health risks of DEET, used as directed over relatively brief periods of time, say a week, it also been shown to pose no risk when applied to exposed skin. I can cite studies if they will make you feel more confident. If you wear light-weight, loose fitting clothes, it generally is safe to use DEET underneath. Doing so with heavy, snug fitting clothes can result in dermatological problems & worse. As clothing can be treated with the above referenced permethrin, you can avoid the matter.
It is true that DEET can dissolve synthetics like plastics, rayon & nylon. Best to stay with natural fibers.
This is educational only and does not constitute or imply a doctor-patient relationship. It is not medical advice to you or any other individual, and should not be construed as such.
Best regards.
DocVikingo
