With the weather heating up, we are all spending more time outdoors. Unfortunately, that also means having to deal with mosquitoes! Not only are mosquito bites painful and itchy, but they can also spread some serious bloodborne diseases, including Zika and West Nile Virus. It is important to take precautions to protect your family from mosquito bites this summer. Check out these helpful tips from your local pharmacy in Powell, TN.
Use Insect Repellant
One of the best ways to discourage mosquitoes from biting you and your family is to use an EPA-registered insect repellant. You can pick up a bottle at your local pharmacy in Powell, TN. Ask the pharmacist for their recommendations on what best suits your family, but you will want to look for a brand that uses one of the following active ingredients, which have all been proven to be safe and effective:
- DEET
- Picaridin
- IR3535
- Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (OLE)
- Para-menthane-diol (PMD)
- 2-undecanone
It is important to note that PMD and OLE are not suitable for children under the age of 3, so be sure to check with your local pharmacy in Powell, TN, that the insect repellant you have selected is going to be suitable for your family if you have small children. It is also important to follow the directions on the bottle and make sure that you are applying sunscreen first and then adding insect repellent over it for the most effective protection.
Tips For Babies & Children
It is a good idea to dress children and babies in clothing that will cover their arms and legs as this will offer protection from mosquitoes and other biting or stinging insects. If you have an infant in a stroller or baby carrier, it is worth investing in mosquito netting to help keep the bugs at bay. As noted above, it is important to choose an insect repellent that is suitable for children, and you should apply it by putting it on your hands and then applying it to their face rather than spraying it directly on their face.
Protective Clothing
You can also help to protect against mosquitoes by wearing protective clothing when you are outdoors, especially when there are lots of trees and bushes around. Loose-fitting long-sleeved shirts and pants are the best choice as these will cover your skin while also keeping you cool. It is also more difficult for mosquitoes to bite you through loose-fitting clothes compared to those that are close-fitting against your skin. You may also want to purchase permethrin spray to treat your clothing with. This insecticide has proven to kill and repel mosquitos and will protect your clothing through several washes. You can buy Permethrin from your local pharmacy in Powell, TN, but make sure to treat your clothing only - do not apply it directly to your skin.
Invest in Mosquito Control at Home
As well as using protective clothing and insect repellent from your local pharmacy in Powell, TN, you can also take steps around your home and yard to control the mosquito population. Make sure you have screens on your doors and windows and that they are in good repair. Using your air conditioning can also discourage mosquitoes from entering your home. Mosquitoes need water to breed, so look for standing water around your garden, including buckets, toys, birdbaths, and pools. You may also wish to call local pest control providers to treat your yard.
Treating Mosquito Bites
Even with all the preventative measures in place, you may still be bitten by mosquitoes, so it is important that you know how to treat them if they happen. Most mosquito bites can be safely treated at home. They will usually heal on their own in a few days, but you can take the following steps to soothe the itching and prevent scratching the bite, which can cause infection.
- Apply Lotion or Cream - Ask your local pharmacy in Powell, TN, for calamine lotion or an over-the-counter antihistamine or corticosteroid cream that you can apply to the bite to soothe the itching.
- Rub with an Ice Cube - An ice cube rubbed over the site of the bite for 30 seconds can soothe the itching and offer some relief.
- Apply Pressure - Applying firm pressure to the bite for around ten seconds is another method that can help to soothe the itch and help you avoid scratching it.
- Oral Antihistamine - If you have a more severe reaction to mosquito saliva you may find your bites are more swollen and itchy. If this is the case visit your local pharmacy in Powell, TN, for some oral antihistamines.
If you begin to develop a fever, severe headache, or body aches following a mosquito bite, it is important to consult your doctor to rule out infection or anything more serious.
Your Hometown Pharmacy Since 1966
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Vaughn Pharmacy is a local, family-owned pharmacy serving the community in Powell, TN. Specializing in providing personalized and attentive prescription programs to our patients, we believe you are more than just a number – you’re part of our family!
(865) 947-1581