Is Permethrin-treated clothing safe during pregnancy?
Permethrin is for clothing and gear, not skin. Treated clothing protects through several washes.
What the sources say
CDC recommends permethrin-treated clothing and gear for bite protection and says permethrin products should not be used directly on skin. Treat items per the label (ideally have someone else spray, outdoors) and let them dry before wearing. For skin-applied permethrin (lice/scabies creams), MotherToBaby notes topical absorption is typically low, and CDC has recommended permethrin for breastfeeding women with lice or scabies for that reason. Pair treated clothing with an EPA-registered skin repellent.
Common alternatives
Also listed as
insect shield clothing, permethrin, permethrin clothing, permethrin gear spray, permethrin spray, sawyer permethrin, treated clothing
Sources
Last reviewed . This is general information, not medical advice. Ask your doctor or midwife about your own situation.