Adverse reactions due to chemical repellents are due to their misuse. We interview Marián Garcia

Today we have the honor of having a luxury guest, Marián García (yes, the one that many know as apothecary) come to tell us what we need to know about insect bite prevention, and also about how to treat them if one day we have neglected to protect.

I have proposed the interview after reading a blog post, referring precisely to these topics; his way of explaining things makes it easier for practical knowledge to reach his readers in an understandable way (which is to be appreciated, the truth), so I did not lack reasons to ask him to take a few minutes

Marian She is the mother of two children of two and three years, and is also a pharmacist, nutritionist and doctor in Nutrition, come on that is full of merits. He tells us that the decision to create his own blog was motivated by the intention of making the advice he gives in pharmacy reach more people, and also because sometimes I observed ignorance in health issues by the population. He has been working in a pharmacy office since 2005, and from there he advises patients daily, and especially fathers and mothers (who often have doubts about the health of their children).

So, with that interview, I am sure that by now you feel like reading.

Peques and More.- Summer and insects seem to go hand in hand, although we weigh, and here it is not worth that 'if you can not against mosquitoes, join them' right? What are the most annoying bite insects in Spain?

Marián García.- In Spain, the podium is headed by the mosquito, whose bite, fortunately, is usually very mild. Bee and wasp stings are also common, somewhat more painful and difficult to avoid, since the most commonly used repellents are not effective against them.

We must pay special attention to a new animal that has been living with us for a little over ten years, especially in the area of ​​the east: the tiger mosquito. Its sting, although not poisonous, can be very painful and, to drive it away, a more concentrated repellent is needed than for the conventional mosquito.

There are natural repellents, such as citriodiol, which have proven to be as effective as synthetic repellents, however, the duration of their effect is shorter and must be applied more frequently

PyM- But not only annoying, because there are some that can even transmit diseases, what can you tell us about it?

M.G.- Some mosquitoes can be vectors, that is, transmitters, of diseases such as malaria, yellow fever or dengue. To explain it simply, we could say that when the mosquito bites an infected person or animal, it acquires the virus or parasite that causes the disease, and subsequently inoculates it into the subject it bites again.

In Spain, fortunately, these diseases are eradicated but we must take it into account to take precautions when traveling to endemic areas.

  PyM.- You recently spoke in your blog about natural and chemical repellents. How much of myth in some natural solutions such as tea tree oil? Will you always protect a chemical more than a natural one?

M.G.- There are natural repellents, such as citriodiol, which have proven to be as effective as synthetic repellents, however, the duration of their effect is shorter and must be applied more frequently. On the other hand, not all natural repellents are equally effective. In the specific case of the tea tree, and although its use is widespread (mainly to prevent the feared lice) it is important to know that there is insufficient scientific evidence of its effectiveness.

PyM.- And for some to stop being afraid of putting on synthetic repellents, what components can we find that are not toxic to children according to their age? Curiosity can, so if the skin absorbs the product, does it still have no unwanted effect on us?

M.G.- It is important to note that adverse reactions due to chemical repellents they are generally due to their misuse (accidental ingestion) and not to systemic absorption. There are few registered cases of toxicity by absorption in the blood, and they usually occur in children and infants to whom highly concentrated chemical repellents not suitable for their age have been applied.

For this reason, in children under one year of age I would recommend using natural repellents such as citronella, less effective but totally safe. After one year, IR3535 can be used, which has a more lasting effect than citronella, and whose toxicity is minimal. And, from two years, and with complete tranquility, the DEET, a chemical repellent whose safety is widely studied and whose use is considered of choice by WHO.

On the other hand, it should be borne in mind that the "natural" label does not amount to "harmless" and that some natural repellents such as citriodiol should not be used in children under two years.

Adverse reactions due to chemical repellents are generally due to their misuse (accidental ingestion) and not to synthetic absorption

PyM.- I think that it will not only be about spreading from the feet to the neck (because of not filling our mouths and eyes), but also avoiding the bites incorporating other physical measures. Mosquito nets if we are at home and ... if we go out?

M.G.- Ideally, protect them by covering their skin to the fullest but you have to be realistic, and in Spain, on July 25, it is difficult (and even not advisable) to dress children with long pants and long sleeves. However, in addition to the use of repellents, there are other useful and simple measures that we can use to minimize the risks of bites:

• Take the children with shoes, even if they go in a cart or baby carrier, and cover them with a blanket or chiffon shawl if they fall asleep.
• Use mosquito nets for cuckoo and carts.
• Do not use perfumes and colognes.
• Avoid bright colors for carrycot and clothing, such as yellow or white.
• Extreme cleanliness in the cart (the happy crumbs and worms) that are also a claim for the bugs.
• Prevent children from sitting next to light bulbs such as street lamps.
• Avoid hot and humid places (special attention to the games on the curbs of the pools or swamps).
• Extreme precautions in gardens or blooming field (no matter how beautiful the photo is next to those poppies, it is necessary to assess that the probability of insects swarming there is high).

PyM.- Better to prevent than cure, but if one day I forget to put repellent on my children and they get bitten by a mosquito, a flea, a ... How do I treat the bite to minimize discomfort?

M.G.- Ice is one of the most effective (and cheap) remedies to initially treat inflammation. Subsequently, to relieve the itching, in infants and very young children we can use products based on natural plants (there are them in cream or stick format). And, after two years, the use of topical antihistamines may be indicated.

In case of allergic reactions should go to the pediatrician to assess the case individually. We should never apply other medications, such as those containing corticosteroids, without a prescription.

It is very important to ensure healthy skin in children with sting allergies as there may be side effects to the allergic reaction (such as skin infections)

PyM.- I also wanted to ask you a couple of things; First of all, what symptomatology makes us think that a child is allergic to bites (before being diagnosed, of course)? And secondly, is any special care for the skin of these children advisable in addition to the treatment proposed by the doctor?

M.G.- Before a sting in a child, medical attention should be sought if they occur abnormal symptoms. Some of them are:

• Redness or rash at some point on the body other than the bite.
• Swelling in the tongue, lips, eyes or face.
• Difficulty swallowing or breathing (wheezing, wheezing, coughing ...).
• Weakness, dizziness or feeling faint.

It is very important to ensure healthy skin in these children as there may be side effects to the allergic reaction (such as skin infections). If the skin with the sting presents previous aggressions (such as a sunburn, for example), the consequences may be worse.

For this, in addition to always using a sunscreen, it is important ensure daily proper internal hydration, through fluid intake, and external by applying creams and moisturizing lotions. And, of course, to extreme all the preventive measures against insects that we have commented previously.

So far the interview with Marián, better known for his blog and twitter account as Boticaria García. I attest to the dynamism with which both are characterized, and that the contact with their followers is direct and continuous, so I am even more grateful that he has taken time to collaborate with us.

And I hope these tips are very useful for everyone, of course considering the time of year we are in, we will have the opportunity to apply them, that's for sure.

In Peques and More | Prevention as an effective way to prevent transmission diseases by insect bites, Beware of ticks: they can transmit Lyme disease