Mosquito Protection and the Zika/Chikungunya Virus Threat
Mosquito Protection and the Zika/Chikungunya Virus Threat
Dr. Anca Tchelebi gives advice on Mosquito protection and what you can do to protect yourself and family from Zika and Chikungunya Virus.
Even though this is not a cosmetic subject it is one that concerns us all. The threat of all the diseases and malformations caused by the Aedes species mosquito is getting closer to home.
Many of you already know that I have been a victim of this mosquito while on a trip to Columbia a few years ago. I contracted chikungunya, another illness caused by a mosquito from the same species. It was not an easy six months. This mosquito is becoming a threat to us all and I think it is very important to know how to protect ourselves against it.
Mosquitos love stagnant water so make sure you empty all outdoor containers after it rains and avoid spending too much time unprotected close to ponds, bird baths, and even lakes. The Centers for Disease Control recommends to use as repellant products which contain any of the following: DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus or paramethane-diol.
Many of us are concerned with the toxic effect of DEET. The Agency of Toxic Substances and Disease Registry a well as the American Academy of Pediatrics advises that the use of products which contain 20-30% of DEET are safe to use by adults and children. Among the products available on the market are the OFF products like, OFF Deep Wood product, Family Care Smooth and Dry ,and Skintastic Family Care by S.C.Johnson and Company. In case you do not feel comfortable using a product which contains DEET, you can look for a product which has 10-15% picaridin like Sawyer Picaridin Insect Repellent (Sawyer) or Natrapel8Hour (Tender Corporation).
For children with sensitive skin you can try impregnating their clothes with permethrin or just buy for them permethrin treated clothing. For those traveling in areas which are infested by the mosquito, you may also want to purchase hats with netting, shirts with long sleeves and impregnate your clothing with permethrin. Make sure you sleep in beds which have protective nets and carry a repellent which contains DEET.
Dr. Tchelebi-Moscatello is a board-certified radiation oncologist and medical aesthetics specialist with a focus on cosmetic services. She studied medical aesthetics in Paris, France, and continues to stay updated with the latest aesthetic techniques under leaders in the field to provide patients with beautiful, natural-looking results. Along with being a member of the Academy of Cosmetic Physicians, the American Academy of Medical Aesthetics, The American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, and the American Academy of Mesotherapy, Dr. Tchelebi-Moscatello is also a member of the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery.
