Healthy + Happy
It’s bug season!
Here’s what the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends to prevent bites: Read the label. DEET (in 10 to 30 percent concentration) is the best defense against biting insects, but picaridin in concentrations of 5 to 10 percent can work as an alternative. D on’t use combination products with both DEET and sunscreen. DEET may make the sun protection
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factor (SPF) less effective and because sunscreen must be reapplied, you may overexpose your child to DEET. Dress your child in long, lightweight pants, a longsleeved shirt, closed shoes and a hat for activities such as nature hikes (we know it’s hot, but this offers the best protection). Do a skin check at the end of the day (ticks can be as tiny as poppy seeds!) in areas such as armpits, ears, the belly button and scalp.
©ISTOCKPHOTO.COM / ZURAISHAM SALLEH
Bug Off!
By Arricca Elin SanSone
NJFAMILY.COM | SUMMER 2020
