The great nightmare of many in summer are the mosquitos. Because although it is true that they almost never pose a serious problem for us, they are capable of altering our peace of mind and even taking away our sleep.
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To some because they are provoked skin reactions (itching, redness and edema)
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Others more susceptible because it can cause a intense and long-lasting swellingalthough this usually does not carry risks of a serious reaction.
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to others because they can transmit diseases.
But whether for one reason or another, what is clear is that during the summer months the demand for of mosquitoes increases considerably.
Do we know how to apply mosquito repellents?
With all this background and the fear that many are caused by mosquito bites, it is easy that at this time of the year all homes have been equipped in the pharmacy with the latest in repellent.
But do we know how to apply them?
He General Council of Official Colleges of Pharmacists made public last summers some instructions on how to use mosquito repellents which for two reasons is convenient to remember every year:
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So that protect us effectively from the bites
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so that not cause us intoxication or reaction some.
First of all, read the instructions for use of the product.
Not all of them have the same composition and not all of them can be applied in the same way and at all ages.. So that’s the first thing we need to be clear about.
Issues to consider with repellents
In general, several aspects must be taken into account:
- Do not use repellents under clothing. They should always be applied in areas that remain in the air.
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Use these products mainly during the times of the day where bites occur, i.e. early in the day and late in the afternoon.
- Avoid that the repellent comes into contact with mucous membranes, eyelids or lips.
- It should not be applied on wounds either.sensitive, sunburned or damaged skin nor on deep folds of the skin like armpits or groin.
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Since we are most likely using also Sunscreensit is best to put these first and allow at least 30 minutes to pass to later apply the repellent.
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If the repellent is in spray we must be careful not to apply it directly on the face. One has to put it in your hands first and then distribute it on the face.
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The repellents with atomizer it is preferable to apply them in open environmentsto avoid inhalation of the product, also making sure that there is no food nearby.
- Handwashing always after applying the repellent.
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When protection is no longer needed, wash areas of the body where repellent has been applied with soap and water.
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And as with medicines or cleaning products, it is convenient keep it out of the reach of children.
Precisely, for the little ones, pharmacists indicate that it is better to use physical barriers to avoid bites (long clothes, mosquito nets…).
If it is necessary to use repellents, due to traveling or living in areas where the risk of mosquito bites is very high, the product labeling and prospectus should be consulted to assess which is the most appropriate.
Bracelets to repel bites
One of the ways to avoid bites are.
Some of these bracelets contain biocides in their composition, for which reason they are subject to sanitary authorization and to the evaluation of their safety and efficacy by the Spanish Agency for Medicines and Health Products or for the General Directorate of Public Health.
In the market we can also find other category of braceletswhich contain substances that are not biocides, such as citronella, its function being aromatic and not repellent.
these bracelets are not subject to health evaluation and therefore do not carry a registration number on their labeling and they are not authorized.
Precisely for this reason, it is AEMPS which provides recommendations for the identification of these products and their correct use.
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Only those that have a registration number on their label are authorized.
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Avoid the exclusive use of insect repellent bracelets.
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One has to complement your protection by applying another repellenteither in lotion, spray or gel.