Repellent: know the precautions for safe use

The dermatologist reveals the ideal repellent and explains how to correctly apply the product on the skin

Since the beginning of the year, Brazil has faced an explosion of cases of dengue, a disease transmitted by the Aedes to Egypti mosquito. According to the Ministry of Health, there are at least 1 million suspected cases in the country.

Since the vaccine is not yet widely available, it is important to use other strategies to prevent insect bites, such as mosquito nets, bed nets, and insecticides, as well as electric and topical repellents.

“The latter is usually effective, but you have to understand how, which repellent to apply and how,” says dermatologist Otávio Macedo, of the Clínica Otávio Macedo & Associados.

What is the ideal repellent?

The Brazilian Society of Dermatology (SBD) and Anvisa recommend that, to be effective against dengue mosquitoes, the repellent must contain at least 20 to 25% Icaridin, 10 to 15% DEET and IR3535.

“Concentrations vary which is why it is important to check the label. People who are allergic or have sensitive skin should test on a small area of ​​the skin to see if there is no reaction,” warns the doctor.

Just like sunscreen, repellent also comes in versions formulated for children or adults. In general, repellents with lower concentrations of Icaridin or DEET are recommended for children and pregnant women.

Precautions

Ideally, apply only enough to cover exposed skin. If you use the product in the form of a spray, the dermatologist recommends spraying it on your hands and then applying it to your face, avoiding your eyes and mouth. If you plan to use sunscreen, wait for the first one to dry and apply the repellent 15 minutes later. It is also important to always wash your hands after applying the product.

Excessive use of the product or frequent reapplication may cause skin irritation. Reapplication is only necessary after contact with water or sweat, but it is important to always check the manufacturer’s instructions because some repellents only last four hours.

According to the expert, applying the repellent to the skin and covering it with clothing can cause irritation, as the fabric ends up suffocating the product on the skin. Furthermore, prolonged inhalation of the product can cause irritation and intoxication.

“When you are in a place not exposed to mosquitoes or when you go to sleep, I recommend taking a shower to remove the product and hydrate your skin” advises dermatologist Otávio Macedo.

Source: Terra

Ben

Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.