Mosquitoes are not just annoying but also cause various deadly and life-threatening diseases, which spread swiftly, especially during the monsoon. Vector-borne conditions like dengue, malaria, chikungunya, zika, and yellow fever kill millions across the world, and according to experts, can be controlled only through prevention from mosquitoes. However, most people rely on insect repellents to protect themselves from the bites and possible spread of these diseases.

Most repellents contain active ingredients like DEET, picaridin, or IR3535, which are considered safe for your health when used correctly. However, according to studies, continuous or prolonged use of different repellents - at least 8-10 hours daily, highly affects the blood, plasma, different tissues, and red cells. Repellents like aerosol, coil, etc. are responsible for causing lung diseases like asthma, apart from other acute and chronic health effects like skin and eye irritation, headache, dizziness, weakness, ear, nose, and throat infection, vomiting, allergy, pregnancy complication, immune system disorder and even cancer.

Experts also say repellents can cause a few effects on your skin like milk irritation or allergic reactions depending on your skin type. So, to be safe, always conduct a patch test on a small area of skin before using it all over your body, and strictly follow the manufacturer's instructions. It is important to avoid using repellents on open wounds, cuts, or inflamed skin.

Frequent application of chemicals on your skin can lead to certain side effects in the long run, a few of which include:

Many mosquito-repellent creams can lead to skin inflammation and redness if used frequently.

Mosquito-repellent ointments lead to skin rashes and dizziness if over-applied

For those who have sensitive skin, applying mosquito creams daily can result in itching, which can even cause bruises

If applied on small kids or people with sensitive skin, mosquito creams may cause various kinds of allergies, which include breathlessness

If you apply mosquito repellent around your lips or eyes, it can lead to an unbearable burning or numbing sensation

If consumed by mistake by a child, a mosquito repellent cream may lead to nausea and vomiting or even deadly food poisoning

A few natural remedies to treat the side effects caused by mosquito repellents include using:

Make sure to wash the affected area with mild soap and water so that if there is any residual repellent, it gets removed immediately. So, make sure to pat the skin dry instead of rubbing, as rubbing can further irritate the skin.

A cold compresses or ice pack wrapped in a thin cloth can be applied to the area that is inflamed or paining for at least 10-15 minutes as it will help reduce swelling and soothe itching

You can gently apply aloe vera gel if you feel skin irritation as it is loaded with natural soothing ingredients which reduce inflammation and itching

Calamine lotion provides instant relief from itching so, make sure to apply a thin layer to the affected area and allow it to dry

Add some colloidal oatmeal to a bathtub filled with warm water. Soak for 15-20 minutes to relieve itching and inflammation.