The Buzzzzz About Bug Bites and Babies

Feb. 1, 2010 - PRLog -- Baby, it’s cold outside but perhaps you are lucky enough to have a nice trip planned to someplace warm and romantic. If so, and you are  pregnant or traveling with a newborn and / or breast feeding baby,  take the time to read this warning about insecticides.

Pregnancy and Insecticide

Exposure to insect repellents has always been a source of concern with regard to adverse outcomes to the infant because they contain the chemicals DEET (N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide) or permethrin which can cross the placenta and are considered toxic in high doses. Generally 6 to 8 % of the repellent is absorbed when applied topically to the skin.

Studies in the past have shown that exposure of DEET to the skin of rats has caused developmental problems, low birth weight, and even death of the rat embryo. Exposure to DEET in chick embryos has caused cardiovascular malformations. Topical use of DEET by children has documented reports of toxic encephalopathy and anaphylactic reactions. Other previous studies in humans have shown minimal or no health risks or adverse pregnancy outcomes in the neurological, gastrointestinal, or dermatological systems with exposure to DEET.

Permethrin is another insecticide. It is sold as a 5% cream and is commonly used in the treatment of scabies during pregnancy. Similar controversies exist from reports of no reproductive effects to feminization of male rats.

A new study published in Occupational and Environmental Medicine by Nieuwenhuijsen in December 2009 reviewed 471 cases of hypospadias born to women in South East of England between January 1997 and September 1998. There was a significant association between the incidence of hypospadias and the use of insect repellents during the first trimester of pregnancy. In addition there was an association between multiple pesticide use and hypospadias.

Hypospadias is a common birth defect where the opening of the urethra (meatus) is on the underside of the penis. The incidence of hypospadias has increased with reported occurrences varying between 1 in 500 in the 1970’s to 1 in 250 in the 1990’s. The opening can be located in various places from the under-surface near the tip of the penis to to the base of the penis, or even behind the scrotum (more severe cases). Some cases can be genetic, some due to surgical injury, but some can also be environmentally associated. It can also be associated with other congenital anomalies. Children can have abnormal spraying of the urine, malformed foreskin, and often have to sit down to urinate. All male infants should be carefully examined by their pediatricians after birth for this condition since these infants should NOT be circumcised. The foreskin is commonly used for surgical repair.

In summary, a common congenital anomaly, hypospadias has been associated with insect repellents. Further studies are needed to delineate the type, and the mechanisms of action of pesticides in causing this problem. Because of the controversy regarding toxicity, recommendations have been to apply the smallest amount of insecticide on protective clothing rather than directly to the skin. It is also advisable that better protection from biting insects through use of long sleeved shirts and leg coverings be used. All male children should be carefully examined for this condition at birth.

Newborn, breastfeeding babies and insecticide

Researchers are still trying to connect the dots between disease, breathing problems and pesticides, but there is no reason to take any chances. Here are few alternative ideas to insecticide usage that both parents could follow when in an area prone to biting insects.

1.Avoid taking yourself and your baby outdoors at dusk or dawn.
2.Do not use scented soaps for bathing yourself or your baby, as they attract mosquitoes easily.
3.When going outside dress yourself and your baby in lose and light colored clothing, and preferably full sleeved tops and pants.
If you must use a repellent with insecticide:

1.Never spray insect repellent in an enclosed area. This might cause breathing difficulties for your baby.
2.Never spray the repellent directly on the baby’s face. Instead, first spray the repellent on your hands and then apply to your baby’s face and exposed skin.
3.Before trying any insect repellent for babies, apply a small patch on the baby’s arm to check if the baby’s skin is sensitive to it or not.
4.Do not use insect repellent near the baby’s eyes, mouth and avoid applying the insect repellent on cuts.
5.Avoid, using insect repellent on the baby’s hands as most babies have the habit of putting their hands into their mouth.
6.Avoid applying the insect repellent on the baby’s skin more than once a day.
7.Once you and your baby are back inside the house, wash off the insect repellent immediately with unscented soap and water.
8.Never use insecticide on your breast or chest if you are breast feeding.

# # #

Beauté de Maman is an all natural and herbal skin care line developed by an obstetrician for her pregnant patients. Beauté de Maman is now sold around the world including China and the Middle East. The product line includes a stretch mark prevention cream, a pregnancy acne remedy, a facial scrub, a morning sickness supplement and a nipple gel to relieve sore and cracked nipples during breast feeding. Dr. Michele Brown is a board certified obstetrician with a thriving practice in Stamford CT. Beauté de Maman products can now be purchased at http://www.drugstore.com

Dr. Brown's Pregnancy Articles and more information can be found at http://www.beautedemaman.com