TICK REPELLENT - What do others use for Tick Repellent? I know Dr. J recommends Avon Skin So Soft as it doesn't contain DEET, which is a chemical. However, I sprayed the Avon Skin So Soft on my son today and it is scented. Anything just as effective and odorless without DEET? I cannot handle any fragrance at all. Thanks.
**EDITED OUT DOCTORS'S LAST NAME**
[ 05-05-2013, 01:26 PM: Message edited by: faithful777 ]
Posted by faithful777 (Member # 22872) on :
You could try using pure essential oils, Judie. Can you tolerate those?
Posted by Judie (Member # 38323) on :
Unfortunately, no essential oils. I sampled some at the health food store the other day and was sneezing with my nose stuffed up for several hours afterwards. It was quite a disappointment.
I went to camping stores today and got small bottles of Natrapel 8 hours and Coleman Odorless Insect Repellent to try.
The Coleman has 3 (N-butyl-N-acetyl) in it. I have no idea what that is but at this point, I've got to find something that doesn't irritate my skin or nose.
I was reading that it's also called IR3535 and it's what's in Avon products.
They look like they contain a lot of alcohol and I don't know how my nose and skin are going to react.
However, both are DEET free.
I also saw Coleman Natural repellent there. It looks like it only contain 1 essential oil (lemon eucalyptus). It didn't smell as strong as the other essential oil ones, but the label didn't say if it could be used on skin.
All say they repel ticks.
I hope this info helps others in their search...
Posted by jlcd1 (Member # 18138) on :
made by a LLMD and I don't think it smell's that much.
Posted by beaches (Member # 38251) on :
"SKIN SO SOFT" Bug Guard Plus IR3535� Expedition� SPF 30 Aerosol Spray by Avon is unscented.
Dr. J. told us the Expedition product is more effective than Deet.
If you're interested in ordering this or another Avon product, there's a way to also make some money for the Lyme Disease Association (of which Lymenet is affiliated):
-You can spray it directly on the skin and it doesn't need to be rubbed in.
-There was a burning sensation that it gave me, but no noticeable chemical burn.
-I was with someone who did not use repellent. He got bit.
-Bugs DID land on me, but I did not get bit.
Negatives:
-The stuff smells terrible. It seriously irritated my nose.
-It's IMPOSSIBLE to remove by regular means. I tried every soap in my arsenal (I have many odor removers because of MCS, including baking soda, olive oil and other non-soaps).
NOTHING worked. I finally had to shave my arms and legs. It chemically bonded to my skin. This only removed about 80% and I still smell it.
I have no idea what the hair will be like on my arms when it grows back.
Posted by CherylSue (Member # 13077) on :
Ticks-n-All is not that effective. Just used it this early evening for a walk around the neighborhood. I have two mosquito new bites.
Posted by Judie (Member # 38323) on :
I found that Colemans Skin Smart works for me and it not scented. It uses the same ingredient to repel ticks as Avon and I found it gentler.
Cutters Backwoods is also unscented, but it has DEET.
Both smell like nothing to me once the alcohol evaporates.
Posted by cottonbrain (Member # 13769) on :
I love Repel, made from natural oils. If you are sensitive to essential oils, the citronella in this may aggravate your symptoms?
Posted by Razzle (Member # 30398) on :
Essential oils sold in health food stores are perfume grade, meaning they are likely not distilled properly for maximum therapeutic benefit and/or may contain impurities, artificial or chemical additives, and/or may be diluted with cheap carrier oils.
I also get a stuffed up nose from health food store essential oils. I'm fine with Young Living oils.
Posted by beck (Member # 43653) on :
The Tick Tackler Outdoor Bug Protection Patch has worked well for us. It repels all vector insects, including ticks.
It is a patch that you put on your skin and it contains vitamin B1 which repels insects. It is all natural and does not contain any chemicals.
The only draw back is that it is too expensive to use everyday. We only use it if we are going to be outside a lot, such as a day of yard work or going hiking.