Anxiety about using bug spray

[JoyousExpectation]

Hello all,

My teenage daughter is going to Costa Rica for a week with a group of other teens. On the list of things to pack for the trip is "Insect Repellent"

I have never used insect repellent before (mostly because of anxiety!) I bought a small spray bottle of Ben's 30% DEET insect spray. The directions are filled with warning and alerts.... especially about not getting it in the eyes.

Now I am having so much anxiety about her using it! I am definitely having catastrophic thoughts.

I cannot figure out if I am just being anxious or if I should not be giving my 15 year old daughter this toxic bug spray to put on herself. I am also worried about the horrible diseases she could get from mosquitos if she does not use bug spray. Can someone please give me some words to help sort my thoughts? Has anyone used Ben's Deet spray before?

[kenster1]

Hi before she goes she`ll need relevant jabs before she goes like I did before I volunteered in Africa or she might not be allowed in. like most repellents they`ll have a warning sign on them as long as it`s used correctly she`ll be ok.

[Dolphin14]

I use bug spray when I walk. I've never gotten sick.

Call your pediatrician for peace of mind

🐬

[cashew78]

Hello, I've never used that brand of bug spray before, but I have been to Costa Rica and I do use bug spray when on camping trips, etc. Firstly, yes, bug spray is useful in a place like Costa Rica because there's some pretty nasty mosquito borne diseases you don't want to catch --not fatal, but not particularly nice. The spray will keep the bugs away and, depending on where she goes (ie-the rainforests, etc), keeping the bugs away is great because there's a lot of them. Secondly, bug spray in general is harmless unless you foolishly/intentionally ingest the stuff or spray excessive amounts into places it shouldn't go (like a quarter-cup of the stuff into your ear canal for instance). The Deet is the scariest part because it's the most necessary for keeping the bugs off, and even that easily washes off in the shower. And trust me, she will shower a lot; it's literally that hot and humid. As long as you follow the instructions and don't use excessive amounts, bug spray in general is okay; the trick is simply to spray it into your hands, then lightly rub that on your arms, legs, neck, and even your face. That's how you prevent an accident by spraying it into your mouth or eyes and you can reapply as needed. It's all going to come off in the shower anyway. Good luck.

[JoyousExpectation in reply to cashew78]

Thank you for the insight! I am having catastrophic thoughts about her applying some to her face and then when she sweats it runs into her eyes and causes a horrible reaction. Is that anxiety thinking? Would the eye damage really only be a big problem if it was sprayed directly into your eye? This is the kind of conversation I can only have with someone who understands anxiety.

[cashew78 in reply to JoyousExpectation]

hello again,while what you describe is possible, the worst that's happened in my experience is a mild stinging in the eye. Because it's only a very small amount, it won't cause much of a problem and you can easily flush your eye with water if needed. Like I said, unless you go out of the way to drink a cup of the stuff it shouldn't affect you in an adverse way. Insect repellent would have been pulled from the market a very long time ago if it was as damaging and dangerous as you seem to suspect. You don't want to leave Deet on your skin indefinitely, sure, but the amount one would need over a couple days or weeks shouldn't cause a problem as long as you wash it off regularly. Good luck