weird q- insect repellant!!!

[puds]

i'm hoping some of you longer term ttc'ers or those with children already may be able to help!!
i'm off on holiday on wed but i'm hoping by then i'll be in the 2ww. don't want to get bitten alive but was wondering whether there are any insect repellents/after bite cream which would be safe to use or any that should be avoided.
thanks girls
xxx

 

[HannahD]

My Dr said that topical antihistimines are ok to use but to avoid pills when pregnant....although there must be thousands of women who have used these types of medications not realising and been ok.
I would've thought they'd all be safe to use but have a chat with the pharmacist, they'll be able to advise you on the best course of treatment.

Have a great holiday!

 

[buddabun]

Avoid ANYTHING with DEET in it.
That's pretty much every insect repellant out there so go for herbal ones like citronella etc

If you have to use DEET then spray it on clothes not directly onto your skin...

 

[puds]

thanks girls. I guess i'll just get bitten! i'll spray it on my clothes then! its so annoying having to do all these things just in case your pregnant when u probably aren't any way- we are going all inclusive but i'm not going to get my moneys worth of the alcohol either!!
xx

 

[HannahD]

Just remembered, lemon balm is a brilliant insect repellent and completely natural if you can get your hands on any ~ prob from a health food shop maybe?

 

[buddabun]

Sorry I was a bit alarmist with that last post. It's just DEET can do nasty things to unborn babies.

You do of course have to weigh the risk of being bitten against the risk of DEET-related problems. If you're going to a malaria-area (rhymed!!! ) then you are better off going with the spray as the high fevers associated with malaria (plus the strain on the body) can result in problems and even m/c.

As Hannah says there are lots of herbal ones on the market and I'd go for those if possible. Also be wary of some clothes that are impregnated (great choice of words, eh?) with insect repellent (usually get them in Millets and the like).

You off anywhere nice?

 

[puds]

thanks hun/ off to antigua- can't wait. not a malaria country so should be alright without the deet. going off to boots now to see if i can find a herbal one!! thanks for your help!
xxx