LymeNet Flash: can I mix ZInc oxide sunblock and DEET?

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»	LymeNet Flash » Questions and Discussion » Medical Questions » can I mix ZInc oxide sunblock and DEET?

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Author

Topic: can I mix ZInc oxide sunblock and DEET?

hiker53
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 6046

posted

Ran into a dilemma today while mowing. I needed sunblock (I use zinc oxide)but I also needed tick repellant.

Is it safe to put on the zinc oxide lotion and then rub lotion with Deet over that?

I know that rose geranium essential oil keeps ticks away and I just need a dab behind my ears and on my wrists, but it makes me feel "loopy". Too strong for me.

I ordered another spray with rose geranium, lemongrass, and cedar oils since there are also mosquitoes, but did not want to spray large body parts(arms,legs) with it in case it was too strong.

It is so hot and humid here that I am in shorts and t-shirt, but I have tick repellant shorts and socks.

Thanks for your input.

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Hiker53

"God is light. In Him there is no
darkness." 1John 1:5

Posts: 8929 | From Illinois | Registered: Aug 2004 | IP: Logged |

Judie
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 38323

posted

I use Coleman Skinsmart since you can put it on your skin.

There are risks with putting deet on your skin. I think it's user beware.

"Experts" say it's okay to put deet on your skin, but experts say other things too.

Posts: 2839 | From California | Registered: Jul 2012 | IP: Logged |

Abxnomore
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 18936

posted

I wouldn't put DEET on my skin. It's really toxic. It's better to spray it on your clothes and use a less toxic tick repellant on exposed skin with sunblock. Ideally, you shouldn't have any exposed skin but that's a tough way to live!

Posts: 5191 | From Lyme Zone | Registered: Jan 2009 | IP: Logged |

hiker53
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 6046

posted

Can I mix zinc oxide with Coleman insect repellant?

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Hiker53

"God is light. In Him there is no
darkness." 1John 1:5

Posts: 8929 | From Illinois | Registered: Aug 2004 | IP: Logged |

Lymetoo
Moderator
Member # 743

posted

Will you be out in the sun that long?? I never wear sunscreen.

I'm so chemically sensitive that I just can't anymore.

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--Lymetutu--
Opinions, not medical advice!

Posts: 96223 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001 | IP: Logged |

hiker53
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 6046

posted

I am out mowing and working in the yard for 90-120 minutes at a time.

Melanoma runs in my family which is why I use zinc oxide--the old fashioned ointment that whitens the skin, but is not easily absorbed.

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Hiker53

"God is light. In Him there is no
darkness." 1John 1:5

Posts: 8929 | From Illinois | Registered: Aug 2004 | IP: Logged |

sixgoofykids
Moderator
Member # 11141

posted

Lymetoo, zinc oxide is non-toxic, non-chemical. I seldom wear sunscreen either, I just go out for as long as my skin can handle it. I make a lotion with zinc oxide and carrot seed essential oil when I need to be in the sun longer.

Hiker, I don't know why a tick repellent would be a problem with zinc oxide, but I don't know. Melanoma is more associated with low vitamin D than sun exposure, so you might be sure your vitamin D levels are good. [Smile]

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sixgoofykids.blogspot.com

Posts: 13449 | From Ohio | Registered: Feb 2007 | IP: Logged |

Abxnomore
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 18936

posted

I would suggest applying the zinc oxide first so it's absorbed into your skin and then put the insect repellent on a bit later. Have you tried Badgers Sunscreen? It's basically zinc oxide and works very well. I don't see a problem with using both.

http://www.solartex.com/skin-care/badger-spf-30-organic-sunscreen-base-with-zinc-oxide-unscented-natural-sunscreen?gdftrk=gdfV28814_a_7c2491_a_7c8536_a_7c190c&gclid=CjwKEAjwwN-rBRD -oMzT6aO_wGwSJABwEIkJ8Dgn4AtEJ_V_umpWktuwEJQYcVyV8ntVqJix33uAqxoCKn_w_wcB

Badgers makes a very good insect repellent, as well.

I agree with Six Goofy about the vitamin D levels.

Posts: 5191 | From Lyme Zone | Registered: Jan 2009 | IP: Logged |

hiker53
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 6046

posted

Thanks, everyone. [Cool]

I do use Badger sunscreen.

My Mom had melanoma and good vitamin D levels. She survived it thankfully, but my uncle lost an ear to melanoma. Both were fair skinned and grew up in the hot Texas sun.

I am fair skinned, so I will continue to put on zinc oxide when I mow or am out for longer periods.

I do take extra vitamin D and on my 20-30 minute walks I use no sunscreen.

I just wanted to make sure there would be no crazy chemical reaction between zinc oxide and bug spray.

--------------------
Hiker53

"God is light. In Him there is no
darkness." 1John 1:5

Posts: 8929 | From Illinois | Registered: Aug 2004 | IP: Logged |

Lymetoo
Moderator
Member # 743

posted

Thanks for the info, Six. I'm rarely out in the sun enough to worry about using anything. I would probably still react to the oils in the zinc oxide cream.

--------------------
--Lymetutu--
Opinions, not medical advice!

Posts: 96223 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001 | IP: Logged |

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