E-Store 
Contact Us 
Download App 
Insect and Mosquito Bite Protection
Mosquitoes can carry dangerous viruses like dengue, malaria, zika and chikungunya.
Use an insect repellant containing the following ingredients:
- DEET
- This is most commonly used as it is also effective against other insects like sandflies, fleas and ticks
- DEET
- Picardin
- Protects against mosquitoes and sandflies
- Picardin
- PMD (P-methane-3,8-diol, the active ingredient in oil of lemon eucalyptus)
- Protects against mosquitoes, gnats and sandflies
- PMD (P-methane-3,8-diol, the active ingredient in oil of lemon eucalyptus)
Tips for Applying Insect Repellant:
- Apply repellant to exposed skin and clothing (but not under clothing)
- Use just enough to lightly cover the skin and clothing, but not saturate either
- Avoid contact with the eyes, mouth, rashes or open wounds and cuts
- Avoid spraying repellant directly on the face. Instead, you can spray a light layer onto your hands and use your fingers to apply it onto your face. Wash your hands after with soap and water.
- If both sunscreen and insect repellant are required, apply sunscreen first before the repellant
- Avoid applying insect repellant on the hands of young children, as they tend to put their fingers in their mouths and rub their eyes
- Avoid spraying insect repellant in enclosed areas so as not to inhale the repellant
- Avoid spraying insect repellant near exposed food and drink
Other Tips:
- Wear loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts and pants – however, mosquitoes may also bite through thin clothing
- Use a mosquito net if you will be sleeping outdoors
- Consider permethrin-treated clothing
By taking simple precautions like using repellent, wearing protective clothing, and staying in well-secured accommodations, you can enjoy your travels without the irritation or health risks of insect bites.
Author
Dr Amaris Lim
MBBS, MMed (Fam Med), GDip (Sports Med)
Dr Amaris is a Family Physician at Frontier Healthcare with a special interest in Sports Medicine. She also contributes as one of the Core Faculty for the Family Medicine Residency Program with the National University Health System (NUHS). She currently practices at Canberra and Bukit Batok.
