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Mosquito Repellent Options
Repellants are an important tool to assist people in protecting themselves from mosquito-borne diseases.
Until spring 2005, DEET-containing products have been the mainstay of effective mosquito repellents and have been the sole formulation recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Just in time for the 2005 mosquito season, the CDC has now added two new active ingredients to the recommended list. These are picaridin (also known as KBR 3023) and oil of lemon eucalyptus [(p-menthane 3,8-diol (PMD)].
Picaridin has been in use for many years in mosquito repellents in Europe, Australia, Latin America and Asia, and it is recommended by the World Health Organization for malaria prevention. In the U.S., the first commercially-available product contains 7% picaridin and is being marketed under the name Cutter Advanced. Other picaridin-containing products are expected to be available in the near future.
Testing shows picaridin and DEET offer the longest-lasting protection. DEET at a 24% concentration can provide protection for up to 5 hours. Oil of lemon eucalyptus protects for shorter periods, similar to low concentrations of DEET. CDC cautioned that oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under the age of three years.
A study published in 2002 in the New England Journal of Medicine found that perennial favorites citronella and Avon Skin-so-Soft, as well as DEET-impregnated wrist bands, offered only very short protection times. Of the non-DEET products, a 2% soybean oil product provided up to 90 minutes of mosquito protection. The NEJM article did not evaluate a picaridin product because it was not licensed for use in the U.S. at the time of the study.
Mosquito Repellent Precautions:
- Apply repellents only to exposed skin and/or clothing (as directed on the product label). Do not use repellants under clothing.
- Never use repellants over cuts, wounds or irritated skin
- Do not apply to eyes or mouth , and apply sparingly around ears. Don’t spray directly on the face--instead spray hands first then carefully apply to face.
- For children, adults should first apply the repellent to their hands then wipe it on the child’s skin
- And, of course, always read the label and follow instructions!
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