Mosquito and other insect bite avoidance and treatment

It is worth reminding / informing you that Malaria is not the only disease associated with mosquitoes, There are others including: Zika virus, Japanese Encephalitis and Yellow fever  which can have more serious consequences.

Here are some top tips you can provide to customers:

• Mosquitoes are able to bite through tight fitting tops/trousers etc. Where possible, wear loose fitting clothes e.g., long sleeve tops, long trousers.
• If sleeping outdoors in unscreened accommodation/shelter, advise to use insecticide treated mosquito nets.
• Mosquitoes will bite during the daytime, nighttime, indoors and outdoors so ensure to use insect repellent – signpost to your product range.

You can signpost to Numark’s Own Brand range if you have this available. If not, speak to your pharmacist about ordering this range from our eShop.

Numark Bite and sting relief cream

https://numarknet.com/numark-bite-and-sting-relief-cream 

Numark Family Strength Insect Repellent

https://numarknet.com/numark-insect-repellent 

Numark Extra Strength Insect Repellent

https://numarknet.com/numark-strength-insect-repellent 

The NHS Insect Bites and Stings has lots of information on prevention and treatment of other insect bites for example removing bee or wasp stingers, ticks and, caterpillar hairs and follow on treatment.

There is also a very useful link covering removing ticks at Tick Removal. The below Tick remover is available from Phoenix. Product number  "4096095" Care Plus Tick Out Remover.           

There are various dos and don'ts with all insect bites including:

Outside of supplying anti-malarials by far the single best thing you can do in the community pharmacy is give advice and guidance to customers on how to avoid being bitten in the first place. GOV UK Mosquito bite avoidance has some great advice and guidance for example:

• Insect repellent with at least 50% DEET.
• Clothing with long sleeves, trousers, skirts and dresses, socks, and shoes to stop mosquitoes biting the skin.
• If your accommodation is not air-conditioned or if you are sleeping outdoors, use insecticide-treated mosquito nets and ensure the ends are tucked under the mattress.