You need to take into account the age of the child and the time you are going to spend on the street.
Which mosquito repellents are suitable for children
The instructions from the American Academy of Pediatrics list four effective remedies for the bites of blood-sucking insects – mosquitoes, horseflies, ticks and fleas.In the Yod telegram channel, we tell you how to take care of your health based on evidence-based medicine.
- DEET-based repellents
DEET (diethyltoluamide) is a chemical that blocks mosquito receptors, preventing them from finding humans. It has been used as a repellant since the middle of the last century and is still one of the most effective and safe means to protect against blood-sucking insects .
The more diethyltoluamide the mosquito spray contains, the longer its effect lasts. So, products with 5% DEET provide protection for up to 2 hours, with 10% – about 3 hours, with 15% – 5 hours and with 30% – 6 hours.
A higher content of the substance does not provide additional benefits, pediatricians do not advise buying such mosquito repellents for children. In addition, DEET repellents are not suitable for babies under two months old.
- Means based on picaridin
This synthetic substance works in much the same way as DEET – it prevents blood-sucking insects from smelling prey.
Products with 10-20% picaridin provide 95% protection in the first 6 hours and 85% after 8-9 hours after application.
They are considered safe, but require strict adherence to the instructions when applying.
- Products based on essential oils
Repellents with lemon eucalyptus oil or 2% soybean oil can provide bite protection for 2-3 hours. In this case, we are talking about insect repellents, and not essential oils in their pure form.
Repellents with 10-12% citronella essential oil are less effective – it only works for about 15-20 minutes, an hour maximum.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that mosquito repellents containing lemon eucalyptus oil (OLE) and one of its ingredients, paramenthanediol (PMD), are not suitable for children under three years of age .
In addition, any essential oil can cause an allergy in a child, although this is quite rare.
- Permethrin based products
Permethrin is a synthetic insecticide and acaricide that kills insects on contact. It protects well from both mosquitoes and ticks .
Products with permethrin are intended for processing clothes and shoes, tents and sleeping bags. They should not be applied to the skin or splashed on an already dressed child.
When using such compositions, it is necessary to process things or camping equipment 24-48 hours before use so that they have time to dry.
Unlike mosquito repellants, permethrin mosquito repellents work for a really long time. Even after washing, the item treated with insecticide retains its protective properties.
Which mosquito repellant won’t help?
The American Academy of Pediatrics advises against spending money:
- on bracelets that contain synthetic repellents;
- garlic or vitamin B1;
- ultrasonic devices that supposedly repel insects.
Some lovers of eco-friendly methods of dealing with bloodsuckers have birds or bats at home to hunt mosquitoes and flies. But this exotic option also cannot be considered an effective protection against bites.
How to properly apply mosquito repellent for children
When applying repellents, follow a few rules:
- Read the instructions and follow all directions. Don’t neglect safety precautions. Do not apply more repellant than prescribed – this will not make the remedy more effective.
- Sprays or aerosols should only be used outdoors. In enclosed spaces, the product may enter the respiratory tract.
- Supervise the process of applying the repellent, even if the child is old enough to use it on their own.
- Do not spray on a child’s face. Moisten your hands with mosquito repellant first, and only then apply it to the skin with stroking movements. Avoid contact with eyes and mouth.
- Do not use repellent on areas of skin with scratches, inflammation, irritation. Try to protect such areas in a different way.
- Treat only the outer part of children’s clothing and exposed skin. Spray products with permethrin only on things.
What to do after applying mosquito repellent for children
If you apply the product for the first time, monitor the condition of the child’s skin. If you experience a rash, redness, or other allergy symptoms, immediately wash off the composition with warm water and soap and contact your pediatrician.
To reduce the risk, doctors advise avoiding reapplying the product, so choose a composition that immediately provides protection for the required time.
If you combine DEET with sunscreen , first apply the latter, and after 20 minutes – repellent. Then reapply SPF every 1.5-2 hours and after every swim or sweat. Repellent does not need to be reapplied.
To minimize the use of mosquito repellent, choose suitable clothing: trousers, a light shirt or long-sleeved T-shirt, socks and closed shoes, a wide-brimmed hat or cap. If the child is in a stroller, put a mosquito net over it.
When you leave the area with insects, wash the mosquito repellent off your child’s skin with warm water and soap. Wash his clothes before the next wear.
