In New Orleans, spring is but a brief fling before summer comes in hot — and brings swarms of mosquitos with it. Not only are mosquitos pesky and the bites painfully itchy, but also, they can make us sick. There are a few measures we can take, however, to protect our skin and our health, so we asked Dr. Deirdre Hooper, board-certified dermatologist and co-founder of Audubon Dermatology, for the low-down on bug sprays, including whether we should bother wearing them, if conventional formulas or natural prevention is best and what else we can do to fight the bites.
Should we wear bug spray when we’re outdoors?
Dr. Hooper: Yes. Insect repellents that contain 20 to 30 percent DEET protect us against mosquitoes, ticks and other bugs. Most bug bites are harmless, yet some can spread dangerous diseases like Zika virus, malaria and Lyme disease. It is important to take the necessary precautions to reduce your risk. If you are wearing bug spray with your sunscreen, apply the sunscreen first. Once it has dried, apply your repellent of choice. Avoid wearing sunscreen that contains insect repellent. Sunscreen must be applied liberally and often while insect repellent should be applied sparingly.
What concerns, if any, are there with conventional bug sprays, such as OFF! Brand?
Dr. Hooper: There are no concerns. DEET has proven to be a safe and effective prevention of bug bites when used as directed. Children 2 years and younger should not use repellents containing DEET. The CDC recommends mosquito nets with elastic edges to drape around strollers and carriers.
Who, if anyone, should avoid conventional sprays?
Dr. Hooper: Generally, insect repellents are safe for everyone to use. However, for those with sensitive skin, finding the right insect repellent is trial and error. All liquid repellents applied to the skin can cause some irritation as they are alcohol-based and can sting.
What can they look for instead of conventional sprays?
Dr. Hooper: Natural products can also cause skin irritation; however, those who are sensitive to DEET or prove to be allergic to the active ingredient in bug repellent can use products with ‘natural’ ingredients such as lemon eucalyptus, geranium, peppermint, or citronella. Products made of any of these ingredients have been deemed safe to use as insect repellents; however, they have a shorter period of protection against insect bites and need to be reapplied more often.
What else should readers know?
Dr. Hooper: Always follow the instructions and precautions on the label. Spray repellents in an open area to avoid inhaling it and apply just enough to cover clothing and exposed skin — more doesn’t make the repellent work better. Wash your skin with soap and water when done and wash your clothing before wearing again. Prevention is better than the cure: Cover the skin. Wear long sleeves and pants when possible. Tuck your shirt in your pants and your pants into your socks to prevent bugs getting caught beneath your garments. Avoid wearing heavy perfumes and scented lotions, as they attract some bugs. Avoid areas mosquitos and biting insects like such as flower beds and stagnant water. Use a mosquito net when possible.
Dr. Deirdre Hooper is a board-certified dermatologist specializing in cosmetic, medical and laser dermatology and an associate clinical professor in the Department of Dermatology at Louisiana State University and Tulane University. An honors graduate of Louisiana State University School of Medicine, Dr. Hooper earned her undergraduate degree in biology from Louisiana Tech University, where she graduated cum laude. Her postdoctoral training included Louisiana State University Department of Dermatology and a Women’s Dermatologic Society Mentorship with Dr. Pearl Grimes in Los Angeles, California. Audubon Dermatology was co-founded in 2006 with Dr. Sarah Jackson.
Dr. Hooper serves on the Board of Directors for the American Society of Dermatologic Surgery and Women’s Dermatologic Society, is Past President of the Louisiana Dermatology Society, as well as chair and member of numerous committees, and is a member of the American Dermatologic Association and the Noah Worcester Dermatological Society. She has participated in clinical studies and serves as a consultant speaker and Advisory Board member in the fields of injectables, acne, rosacea and skin cancer and serves as a reviewer for multiple medical journals. Dr. Hooper’s articles have been published in peer-reviewed literature, she has authored two book chapters and she lectures in the United States and abroad on cosmetic dermatology.
OFF! FamilyCare Insect Repellent Smooth & Dry, available at Walmart and most large retailers.
Cutter All Family Insect Repellent, available at Walgreens and most large retailers.
Babyganics Natural DEET-Free Insect Repellent, available at Target and most large retailers.