Insect repellent at a glance

Insect repellent at a glance

In the springtime, everything comes back to life, including insects! To protect ourselves from them, DEET-containing insect repellents are generally a good solution. These, however, can lead to various health problems, ranging from itching and irritation to more serious illnesses. That’s why it’s important to choose the right product and carefully follow the instructions.

Recommendations

Select a product that contains a 5 to 30% concentration of DEET.

Children under 6 months of age

  • Do not use insect repellent with DEET.

Children 6 months to 2 years of age

  • Use insect repellent (with 10% or less of DEET) only if there is a risk of complications from insect bites, and, in such cases, use only once per day.

Children from 2 to 12 years of age

  • Use insect repellent (with 10% or less of DEET) only three times per day.
  • Avoid hands, opens wounds and irritated skin.
  • Once protection is no longer required, wash treated area with soap and water.
  • Avoid breathing in spray mist from aerosol products. Apply in a well-ventilated area or outdoors.

Prevention

Certain precautions, other than the use of insect repellents, can be taken to help prevent insect bites and stings.

  • Wear long, light-coloured clothing.
  • Do not wear perfume or hairspray.
  • Avoid going outside at dawn or dusk, since mosquitoes are most active during these times.
  • Stay away from stagnant water.

First aid

Only time can heal symptoms caused by insect bites. But certain treatments can help take the sting out. Here are a few:

  • Apply ice to lessen swelling;
  • Use calamine lotion to soothe the itch;
  • Take an antihistamine to reduce itching and swelling.

Keep these products in your first-aid kit. Tweezers can also come in handy if you need to remove a bee stinger. Of course, if you have a severe allergy to insect bites, never leave home without your epinephrine auto-injector, better known as an EpiPen®!

Pharmacy Services

Do you have questions about insect repellents or how to treat symptoms caused by insect bites and stings? Talk to your pharmacist. He’s there to help!

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