Mosquito Repellent & Skin Irritation: Causes & Relief

Some people do experience skin irritation from mosquito repellent. The most common cause of irritation is the active ingredient in the repellent, DEET. DEET can cause redness, itching, and burning of the skin.

Other ingredients in mosquito repellent, such as alcohol, can also cause skin irritation. Alcohol can dry out the skin and make it more susceptible to irritation from other chemicals.

If you experience skin irritation from mosquito repellent, there are a few things you can do to relieve the symptoms:

* Wash the affected area with soap and water.

* Apply a cold compress to the affected area.

* Use a calamine lotion or other over-the-counter anti-itch cream.

* Avoid scratching the affected area, as this can worsen the irritation.

If the skin irritation is severe, you may want to see a doctor.

Here are some tips for choosing and using mosquito repellent to reduce the risk of skin irritation:

* Choose a repellent with a lower concentration of DEET (10-30%).

* Avoid applying repellent to broken skin.

* Apply repellent only to exposed skin.

* Reapply repellent according to the directions on the label.

* Wash off repellent with soap and water when you come indoors.

By following these tips, you can help to reduce the risk of skin irritation from mosquito repellent.