What to do when allergic to mosquito spray?

The article was written by Pharmacist Nguyen Le Trang - Clinical Pharmacist, Faculty of Pharmacy - Vinmec Times City International General Hospital.

The US Agency for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the use of insecticides to prevent diseases caused by mosquitoes. In tropical or subtropical countries, mosquito spray plays an important role in preventing malaria, dengue fever... Mosquito spray only works on sprayed skin or adjacent skin. close. Mosquito spray does not kill mosquitoes, but only works to make mosquitoes less attracted to the area.

Mosquito spray has ingredients like DEET, pocardin, bioDU, cajeput oil and IR3535. These ingredients are certified by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to not cause serious adverse effects on humans or the environment.
However, like drug allergy, food allergy or any other type of allergy, these or other side effects of mosquito spray can cause allergic reactions. for some people, while not affecting most others.
These so-called "foreign" substances cause the body's immune system to produce antibodies. On subsequent exposure, these “foreign” substances will bind to antibodies, causing the release of histamine and other inflammatory mediators (cytokines, interleukins, leukotrienes and prostaglandins) into surrounding tissues. This leads to a number of reactions such as vasodilation, mucus secretion, nerve stimulation, and smooth muscle contraction.
Some common manifestations of allergy to mosquito spray such as redness, itching of the skin; worse than peeling, burning skin. The reactions are usually more serious if inhaled or swallowed mosquito spray such as difficulty breathing, nausea, vomiting, tremors...

Select spray spray / mosquito spray extracted from plants. If the product contains DEET, choose a low concentration (15%). Test before use: test spray on a small area of ​​skin and observe for 24 hours, if there is no allergic reaction, you can continue to use. Do not spray on damaged skin. If accidentally sprayed into eyes/ears/nose or damaged skin, rinse with water for 15 minutes. Do not scratch or rub vigorously on the itchy skin, contact your doctor for instructions on how to properly handle it.