2023-08-10 08:00:21
Beyond the pain and scratching caused by the mosquito bite, the risk of transmission of vector-borne diseases can be significant. Among the means of protection, mosquito repellents come first. But how to use them well to be protected without risk? Here are some rules of good use to know to use them in a safe and effective way.
Mosquito bites and mosquito repellents
Throughout the world, and even in France, different species of mosquitoes circulate. While some are harmless and cause simple itchy bites, others can transmit serious and even fatal vector-borne diseasesas malaria, dengue, it’s cool or and the Zika virus. Faced with all these mosquitoes, mosquito repellents are available to repel them and prevent bites. There are two main types:
- Mosquito repellents intended to be applied to the skin;
- Anti-mosquito products intended to impregnate fabrics and clothing.
Please note that these products are not interchangeable. Do not apply an anti-mosquito product intended to impregnate fabrics or a mosquito net to the skin and vice versa. Similarly, products intended for veterinary use should not be used.
Among the advice and recommendations for travelers issued each year by the Haut Conseil de la Santé Publique, are: indications and rules for using mosquito repellents. Ces repellents may contain different active substances:
- DEET (N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide);
- IR3535 (Ethyl N-acetyl-Nbutyl-β-alaninate);
- Icaridin (Sec-butyl 2-(2-hydroxyethyl)piperidine-1 carboxylate);
- The KBR3023 ;
- Le PMD (para-menthane-3,8 diol) ;
- And a natural product, the essential oil ofEucalyptus citriodora.
Mosquito repellents, well used they protect against bites
Mosquito repellent products meet European biocide regulations, and for products containing DEET and a majority of products containing IR3535, the products also meet European drug regulations. If you buy mosquito repellents on the internet or outside the European Union, they may contain other substances not authorized in France. Remember to buy enough mosquito repellent before you go on vacation, if you are going to a distant destination. The choice of mosquito repellent also depends on the level of bite risk and the risk of vector-borne disease transmission.
Second precaution, mosquito repellents contain substances biocides acting on mosquitoes and sometimes on other disease vectors (mites, arthropods, etc.). Some of these substances cannot be used in infants and young children or in pregnant or breastfeeding women. It is necessary check the labels and seek advice from a health professional (doctor, pharmacist) to find the most suitable product for each member of the family. In young children, the ideal is to opt for another means of protection, such as a mosquito net to avoid skin contact with a biocide.
Rules of good use to know to protect yourself without risk
To properly use mosquito repellent products intended to be applied to the skin, here are some unavoidable rules :
- Read the instructions for use and respect the maximum number of daily applications;
- Check usage restrictions (in particular age);
- Respect the conditions of application;
- Favor cream or lotion repellents rather than sprays;
- Apply products only to exposed areas of skin;
- Do not apply in case of lesion, wound or irritation of the skin;
- Do not apply near the eyes, mouth, on the hands and face of children or on the hands and breasts of a breastfeeding woman;
- Respect a minimum delay of 20 minutes between the application of sunscreen and mosquito repellent;
- Repeat the application after swimming;
- Wash the skin before going to bed or as soon as there is no longer any risk of a bite;
- Do not spray the spray directly on the skin, in a closed room or near food;
- Do not spray near a flame (some products are flammable);
- Store mosquito repellents out of reach of children.
Estelle B., Doctor of Pharmacy
Sources
– Health recommendations for travellers. www.hcsp.fr. Accessed July 24, 2023.
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