Frequently Asked Questions
Each patch is individually sealed in a protective pouch.
There are two ways to open the pouch:
1) The tear notch on the side of the pouch.
2) The peel edge along one side of the pouch. Carefully open the pouch to expose the patch. Use your fingers rather than scissors to avoid damaging the patch.
The Don’t Bite Me! Patch has a liner similar to a band aid.
STEP 1: The patch should be applied to clean, dry and hair-free skin on one of the recommended sites: on the hip, the buttocks, upper back and upper arm. Do not apply the patch to broken or irritated skin. Do not use moisturisers, creams or powder on the skin before applying the patch, as this may prevent the patch from adhering properly.
STEP 2: Peel off the liner and press that side of the patch against your skin.
STEP 3: Press firmly to make sure all the edges are secure.
The vitamin B1 and aloe vera are absorbed into the bloodstream, and carried throughout the body, providing a protective barrier against biting insects. The B1 creates an odour (undetectable to humans), which camouflages the odour of the carbon dioxide that we naturally emit through our pores. (The carbon dioxide emission is what attracts mosquitoes and other biting insects.)
FAQ's:
1. What ingredients are in the Don't Bite Me! Patch?
The only two ingredients in the Don't Bite Me! Patch are Vitamin B1 and Aloe Vera.
2. How long does one patch last?
One patch can last up to 36 hours depending on how your body metabolises Vitamin B1 & Aloe.
3. Can I take off the patch and reapply it later?
No. The patch needs to remain on once it is applied. It is designed for single use only.
4. Is it safe to use the patch every single day during the summer?
Yes. Vitamin B1 is a water soluble vitamin and will be excreted through your pores and urine. There are no know toxicity levels for vitamin B1 at this time.
5. Is the patch safe for use on children?
Yes, because the patch only contains Vitamin B1 and Aloe Vera, it is safe for use on children.
We suggest please test half a patch for an hour.
6. How old should my child be to use the Don't Bite Me! Patch?
We recommend three years and over. If you would like to use the patch on a younger child, please provide a copy of our manufacturer safety and data sheet to your physician for review.
7. What scientific evidence is there to support that Vitamin B1 works?
Some studies suggest that taking thiamine (Vitamin B1) 25mg to 50 mg three times per day taken orally is effective in reducing mosquito bites. Thiamine produces a skin odour that is not detectable by humans, but is disagreeable to pregnant mosquitoes "Pediatric Clinics of North America, 16:191, 1969". It seems to be especially effective for those people with large allergic reactions to bites. When taken orally, thiamine takes about 2 weeks before the odour fully saturates the skin, however with the patch, it only takes two hours.
8. Is the Don't Bite Me! Patch safe for pregnant and nursing women?
Thiamine is U.S. Food and Drug Administration Pregnancy Category C which means that there has not been enough research on vitamin b1 to form an opinion. Please consult your physician before using if you are pregnant or lactating.
9. Does the Don't Bite Me! Patch work for everyone?
We find that the patch works for about 8 out of 10 people who use the product. Because the patch works systemically, it all depends on how your body processes vitamin b1. Some people may require more than one patch for the product to work effectively for them.
10. When should I apply the Don't Bite Me! Patch?
The patch needs to be applied at least two hours prior to enjoying time outdoors. You can even put it on the night before!
11. Where should I apply the Don't Bite Me! Patch on my body?
We recommend four places on your body to apply the Don't Bite Me! Patch: Your rear, hip, shoulder blade or the outside of the upper arm (shoulder area). We do not recommend applying the patch to the inner arm. You should alternate locations of the patch on your body from use to use.
12. Can I just take Vitamin B1 pills instead of using the patch?
Yes, you can, although it will take longer to obtain the same results. You need to take 50 Mg's, twice a day for two weeks to accomplish the same thing the Don't Bite Me! Patch will accomplish in two hours. The patch is quicker because it by- passes the digestive tract, where the vitamin b1 can be broken down and lose efficiency.
13. Are there any side effects from using the Don't Bite Me! Patch?
Thiamine is generally considered safe and relatively non-toxic, even at high doses. Dermatitis or more serious hypersensitivity reactions occur rarely. If you have a skin reaction to the patch, apply Benadryl (or hydrocortisone cream) and it should improve shortly.
14. I'm allergic to adhesive, can I use the Don't Bite Me! Patch?
We do not recommend using our product if you are or ever have been sensitive to adhesive contained in other bandage or patch products. The Don't Bite Me! Patch is latex free.
15. Can I shower or go swimming while wearing the Don't Bite Me! Patch?
Yes. The patch is waterproof and will stay on while you are in the shower, bathtub, swimming pool or other bodies of water.
16. Should I wear two patches?
We recommend you wear two patches if you are: over 200 lbs, smoke, drink, are on birth control pills or have any other condition that diminishes thiamine absorption (see product ingredients).
17. 19. Do you ship internationally?
Yes, we ship internationally. Shipping charges are a little more to allow for the differences in shipping prices. Orders may take longer to receive due to additional time clearing your country's customs department. i.e. Canadian orders can take up to two weeks to receive.
18. How long will it take to get my order?
We ship daily via USPS from the UK delivery time 5-10 days. Expedited shipping is available at your request via Fedex.
PN: It's important to note that the effectiveness of vitamin B1 may vary significantly from person to person. Factors like individual metabolism and body chemistry could influence how well the vitamin works as a deterrent.
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