mosquito bites, suspected dengue infection, allergic reactions, inflammatory processes in the skin and complications derived from overexposure to repellents. These are some of the consultations that doctors are attending in the medical wards and are mostly due to the invasion of insects that is plaguing the Metropolitan Area of ​​Buenos Aires.

“There are also cases of pesticide poisoning used in the home,” adds the doctor Mariano Diaz (MN 100.179), a doctor specializing in Pediatrics and Toxicology and suggests avoiding a major complication due to the injury that scratching can cause.

Due to the current epidemiological situation of dengue and other mosquito-borne diseases, the classic recommendations on the use of repellentstaking extreme care of children from 2 months of age.

About the different types of insect repellents

In the pharmaceutical market, there are different types of insect repellents. One of the most widely used is DEET (N N-diethyl-m-toluamide). The concentration of DEET can vary from one product to another and in different presentation forms. The duration of protection depends on the concentration.

“A product with 10% DEET protects for approximately 2 or 3 hours, however, at 25% the protection is 6 hours on average. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that repellents used on children should not contain more than 30% DEET,” the expert clarifies.

«The citronella It is less effective than DEET and in the current epidemiological context, its use is discouraged,” he warns.

Recommendations to avoid the appearance of adverse effects caused by the use of repellents:

• Check the product label to find information about how much DEET the repellent contains.
• Use products whose concentrations do not exceed 30%.
• Always follow the instructions on the product label.
• Do not apply the repellent under clothing.
• Do not apply the repellent to cuts, wounds or irritated skin.
• Do not spray products with DEET in closed areas.
• Do not spray products with DEET directly on the face.
• Spray hands and then carefully rub over face, avoiding eyes and mouth.

In boys:

• Protect your baby’s crib or stroller with mosquito nets when outdoors.
• When using repellent on a child, the adult should apply it to their own hands and then spread it over the child’s skin.
• Avoid applying it to the child’s eyes and mouth and use carefully around the child’s ears.
• Do not apply repellent to children’s hands (children may put their hands in their mouths).
• Do not allow small children to apply repellent themselves.
• Do not use repellents associated with sunscreens in the same formulation.