Allergic reaction to Deet Mosquito repellent – What is the cure?

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   ptosisposted 12 years ago

   Allergic reaction to Deet Mosquito repellent – What is the cure?
   
   I never really used Mosquito spray before and use almost daily for 3 weeks - now breaking out on the exposed areas. Tried baking soda, antihistimines, aloe vera, cocoa butter to no avail. How long to heal?
   
   
   

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2. 0

   RTalloniposted 12 years ago

   Have you called a poison control center?

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3. 61

   duffsmomposted 12 years ago

   Wow, that looks like Shingles.  Are you sure it is from the DEET.  See a dermatologist or your doc.   Witch Hazel is soothing..

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      ptosisposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Already had shingles. Stopped using DEET, took antihistamines and 1% hydrocortisone cream helped a lot. still have marks on back of legs that are senstive to sun.

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4. 79

   Lwelchposted 12 years ago

   Almost looks like poison ivy.  Whatever it is... UGH!  The fact it was what was exposed to deet is suspect though.
   
   Deet rarely causes problems of that type, but aas we know, anyone's skin can go wacky when exposed to anything!
   
   3 weeks is a very long time  I would try a doctor.   If you don't have one or have no insurance, the nurse centers at walgreens, cvs, kroger, etc could likely look it over.
   
   You may need a heavy duty cortizone shot.
   
   You could try apple cider vinegar or tea compresses.  Both have tannins which help to dry things out.  Maybe try some Ivy Dry as it looks like you have pustules.   I would also try cortizone cream or itch x in the mean time as they aren't on your list yet.  Ice should ease the itching. 
   
   Let us know what the doc says and does!  You have me curious now!

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      ptosisposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      cortizones & antihistimines worked.

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   artist101posted 12 years ago

   It looks like poison Ivy to me too, but anything is possible. Hives are probably the most frustrating ailment for patients, and doctors alike. Until you know what caused it , it will continue.
   I'm not a Doctor, but the most effective treatment thus far, has been Benedryl, other anti histamines like hydroxyzine,  Zyrtec (OTC).
   Quit using all scented, and dye containing soaps, lotions, and laundry detergents.
   Avoid hot showers, it aggrevates allergic reactions.
   Topically, if it is poison ivy, Ivy Dry.
   Could also be a Viral infection, my advice: consult a physician.

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      artist101posted 12 years agoin reply to this

      http://artist101.hubpages.com/hub/Natur … -Psoriasis  for other advice on skin conditions

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      ptosisposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      bought some fancy oatmeal & almond soap but that when it went away with Benedryl & cortizone

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   ElleBeeposted 12 years ago

   DEET can definitely cause a significant problem. My grandfatehr actually ended up hospitalized b/c of an infection from it.  I can't think of anyways how to soothe it other than what's already mentioned, but it is important to make sure you are using a bug repellent intended for skin (as opposed to a spray intended to be sprayed in the air, on furniture etc).  Might also be worth looking for a spray w/ a lower percentage of DEET or a different active ingredient.

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      ptosisposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Diluted Lemon eucalyptus - so does vinegar but with vinegar will smell like a dirty nasty thing that hasn't taken a bath in a week. - Hey I just guessed that caveman had natural repellent.

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