The active ingredients Icaridin and Deet are counted among the repellents. They reliably repel mosquitoes and ticks and are therefore used in numerous mosquito repellent products. Both substances work reliably, with more experience available for Deet. However, the active ingredient also has more side effects than icaridine, and in individual cases it can even be harmful to health. Read here what you need to consider when using Deet and Icaridin and which product is more recommendable in comparison.
Effect against mosquitoes
Products with Icaridin or Deet (diethyltoluamide) offer safe mosquito protection. The protective effect of the sprays is based on the fact that they have a deterrent effect on insects – especially mosquitoes – due to their odor. After application to the skin, a protective scent coat is formed there, which drives away the insects. The products are effective against insects such as the common biting fly, mosquitoes of the genus Aedes, Culex and Simulium, the Anopheles mosquito and the common wood tick. Depending on the concentration of the active ingredients, the protective effect against mosquitoes lasts for about eight hours and against ticks for about four hours. The exact length of protection depends not only on the concentration but also on the amount of spray used and the type of insect. Likewise, factors such as humidity, temperature, wind and perspiration play a role.
Side effects of icaridin
You should not use products containing icaridin if you have a hypersensitivity to the active ingredient. This manifests itself, for example, by itching and reddening and flaking of the skin after application. In general, however, skin irritations rarely occur with Icaridin, as the active ingredient is considered to be well tolerated. When using the product, however, make sure not to apply it to open wounds or near mucous membranes. Contact with the eyes or diseased skin should also be avoided. Also, be careful not to inhale the spray when using it.
Side effects of Deet
When using Deet, skin irritation such as redness and burning may occur in isolated cases. However, these side effects usually occur only with frequent use. Since the active ingredient also irritates the eyes and mucous membranes, it should not come into contact with them, just like icaridine. In addition, sensitivity disorders such as tingling or numbness may also occur during use. This is because Deet can penetrate the bloodstream through the skin and have undesirable side effects on the nervous system. In severe cases, the active ingredient can cause seizures and brain damage. Therefore, be sure to talk to a doctor before using Deet if you are also using products that help active ingredients penetrate the skin. At very high concentrations of Deet (above 30 percent), severe skin irritation may occur as a result of use. Among other things, blistering, ulceration or necrosis may occur. Because Deet attacks plastics and leather, it should not come into contact with items such as sunglasses, plastic bottles, leather shoes or bags, etc.
Mosquito repellent during pregnancy
During pregnancy, you should use products containing icaridin only after consulting a doctor. While there is probably no risk associated with use during pregnancy, there is insufficient experience to date. During breastfeeding, Icaridin should not be used immediately before breastfeeding. In addition, the skin of the breasts should not be treated with the active substance. There is also insufficient experience to date with Deet, which is why it is also better not to use this active ingredient during pregnancy and breastfeeding. If Deet is used on children, the active ingredient should not be applied regularly or over large areas.
Icaridin or Deet?
Both products containing Deet and Icaridin provide reliable protection against mosquito bites. Products with Deet have the advantage that their protective effect has been studied longer and in greater detail. In malaria areas, the use of Deet is often recommended because the active ingredient is considered safe against both diurnal and nocturnal mosquitoes. Icaridin is better tolerated than Deet and can therefore be considered the agent of choice in malaria-free areas. However, the active ingredient is also intended for use in malaria areas. In this case, talk to your doctor about which active ingredient is more suitable.Those who are sensitive can test mosquito repellent products that contain a combination of icaridin and dexpanthenol, making them particularly gentle on the skin.
Proper use of repellents: 5 tips.
No matter which mosquito repellent you choose, it’s important to use it correctly for proper protection:
- Use the repellent early and over a wide area on all areas of the skin to be protected. If you have very thin clothing, you should also apply the agent under the clothing.
- The protective effect is reduced by high humidity or sweat. Therefore, apply the repellent again at regular intervals.
- If you use sunscreen together with the repellent, you should always use the repellent last. Note that the sunscreen can be lowered by the use.
- Do not apply the product to open wounds, diseased or irritated skin or mucous membranes.
- Do not use repellents on children under two years of age.
Always remember: no repellent provides one hundred percent protection against an insect bite. Protect yourself therefore just in areas where dangerous diseases such as malaria can be transmitted by mosquitoes, by appropriate clothing or mosquito nets.
