How to advise parents on insect repellents in era of Zika, chikungunya
Bernard A.Cohen, M.D., FAAP
Focus on Subspecialties
Due to the upsurge in insect-borne infections such as chikungunya and Zika, it is
of critical importance for pediatricians to be aware of and counsel their patients
on the safe and effective use of insect repellents.
Both viruses are transmitted by the Aedes mosquito vector, some species of which — aegypti and albopictus — are present in large parts of the southern and southeastern United States. Since
effective and approved vaccines do not exist for these viruses, prevention of bites
by wearing appropriate clothing and using insect repellents as well as controlling
the mosquito vector are especially important in affected geographic areas.
The risk of mosquito bites can be reduced by eliminating areas where mosquitoes breed
(e.g., standing water), limiting outdoor activities in areas and times of high mosquitoes,
wearing clothing that covers the skin, and using barriers to protect the skin (e.g.,
mosquito netting, screens for strollers). People also should use insect repellents
to protect themselves and their children.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration
recommend the use of products containing active ingredients registered by the Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA). In the 1990s, the EPA evaluated unregistered products such
as citronella oil, cedar oil, geranium oil, peppermint and peppermint oil, and soybean
oil for safety and determined that they posed minimum risk. The products, however,
were not evaluated for effectiveness. All EPA-approved products should bear an EPA
registration number, while those deemed safe but are unregistered appear on the EPA
minimum risk pesticide webpage, https://www.epa.gov/minimum-risk-pesticides.
In general, products containing citronella and other botanical oils are inferior to
DEET, picaridin, PMD or IR3535, and data for their use in children are limited. The
ideal insect repellent should have demonstrated efficacy against a large number of
arthropods and adequate duration of effect, should be nonirritating and nontoxic,
cosmetically acceptable, cost-effective, chemically stable, and should not stain or
damage clothing.
DEET
DEEThas been the most widely used ingredient with the most data on safety and efficacy.
It has broad-spectrum efficacy against mosquitoes, ticks, chiggers, fleas, gnats and
some flies. Concentration in products varies from 5%-100%, but there is no evidence
that concentrations above 50% increase efficacy. The Academy recommends using products
containing up to 30% DEET in children.
Toxic encephalopathy has been reported with prolonged exposure and/or ingestion in
infants and young children. Rarely, contact irritant reactions including urticarial
and blistering rashes have been reported. Regular application during the second and
third trimesters of pregnancy in one study did not result in adverse effects for the
fetus (McGready R, et al. Am J Trop Med Hyg. 2001;65:285-289).
DEET may damage clothing and plastics. IR3535
IR3535 is available in the U.S. in concentrations ranging from 7.5%-20%. Studies have
shown that the higher concentrations are necessary for efficacy against mosquitoes
and that 7.5% is not effective.
Moreover, many products containing IR3535 also contain sunscreen, which might decrease
the efficacy of the sunscreen. The Academy recommends avoiding products that contain
both sunscreen and repellent since sunscreen should be applied more often than repellent.
Picaridin
Picaridin was approved in 2012 in the U.S. after extensive use in Europe and Australia.
It is available in concentrations of 5%-20%. The ingredient is odorless, low risk
for irritation, does not damage clothing, and there have been no reports of toxicity.
The Academy recommends using products with up to 10% picaridin.
Oil of lemon eucalyptus
Oil of lemon eucalyptushas been shown to be effective against malaria-transmitting mosquitoes for up to six
hours. It is not recommended for use in children under 3 years old.
Catmint and other essential oils
These oils have been shown to have limited protection against mosquitoes. Although
they have a good safety profile, higher concentrations that might cause skin irritation
are required for good efficacy.
Citronella
Citronellaprovides efficacy against mosquitoes for a short period, usually less than an hour.
There is little evidence of efficacy against other arthropods.
AAP recommendations
Parents should read and follow repellent product instructions carefully to ensure
safety and efficacy.
Products should be applied to clothing and exposed skin only.
Spray formulations should be applied outdoors to minimize inhalant exposure.
When children return indoors, the skin should be washed with soap and water.
Clothing treated with repellents should be laundered before wearing again.
Dr. Cohen is a member of the AAP Section on Dermatology Executive Committee.
A hot summer's day to celebrate America's Day of Independence (and my favourite American holiday). Kelly was our host, and we spent a very convivial time in the shade of the trees of her
garden, and the youngsters enjoyed the pool and entertaining Kelly's dogs.
Cerese brought smashing devilled eggs - an absolute must for the 4th of July
Willem and Phil at the outside kitchen
Lesley; Michel; Katharine; Jessica.
Many great hats on display
Kim. Look at that blue sky.
Dawn and Willem
Maquita, Sylvia and Dawn
Maquita and Reinaldo
Many thanks to Kelly for a wonderful day in a beautiful garden. The shade of the trees enveloped us all and protecgted us from the strong sun.
The BCA (British Cultural Association) put on a Shakespeare commemoration event in June, to
celebrate the 400th anniversary of the Bard's death.
The event began outside in the gardens of the Nelson Mandela MRI, then moved indoors for the apero hour, which was followed by a hearty and friendly Shakespeare Quiz.
Attendance at the event was high - a big thank you to those AWG members who came and supported it
A duel in a scene from Hamlet
Other scenes acted by the Showtime group of BCA included Juliet (Martine F), Lear and Cordelia, Lady Macbeth and Portia from the Merchant of Venice
The Shakespeare Quiz had two teams:
The Black Team, led by BCA President Donald Crowden also included AWG's Katharine J, and Lawrence M
The Red Team, led by Caroline di M, included AWG's Hannah L and Ed H.
Ed, Caroline, Hannah; Katharine J, Donald, Lawrence
The Quiz - whose questions were set/collated by Philippe M, rolled along at a brisk pace, with mostly
correct answers, and some audience participation. The quiz included questions on Shakespeare's life, his plays and sonnets.
The event took place a few days before Britain's Brexit Referendum. The acting of scenes from his plays demonstrated not only that Shakespeare had a good handle on the politics of power/control (and
corruption)....... but also that nothing much has changed in the last 400 years.
Thank you to everyone who participated, and everyone who came, and also a big thank-you to
the Jaana and the staff of MRI who allowed us to use the gardens and the main room on a saturday
afternoon (when they're normally not working) and also were the wine hosts for the apero.
We are most grateful.
