Sunglasses, wide brimmed hats and keeping arms & legs covered will also reduce risk of sunburn
Snow can reflect as much as 85% UVB radiation & combined with high altitude can lead to severe sunburn.
Other environmental factors i.e. wind, temperature & humidity can contribute to skin damage by UV radiation.
Travelers using doxycycline for malaria chemoprophylaxis should be made aware of risk of increased photosensitivity.
Keeping exposed areas covered i.e. long sleeves and long pants and remaining
Indoors during mosquito feeding times are the best ways of preventing being bitten.
Using a good insect repellent containing the active ingredient DEET at a concentration between 20 & 30% (see Safety Tips on using Personal Insect Repellents - Health Canada)
DEET should not be used on infants under 6/12
Children 6/12 to 2 years - 10% or less – used sparingly & avoid face & hands
Children 2 – 12 years 10% or less , applied no more than 3 times a day & do not apply to face or hands – prolonged use should be avoided
Adults – 30% DEET will provide approximately 6.5 hours protection
15% DEET will provide approximately 5 hours of protection
10% DEET will provide approximately 3 hours of protection
5% DEET will provide approximately 2 hours of protection
Sleep under mosquito netting – net should be tucked under mattress before dusk
Netting should be treated with permethrin – remains effective after laundering
Permethrin can be directly applied to clothing – persits on cloth for up to 2 weeks
Indoor protection can be achieved by physical & chemical barriers - windows should be screened
Coils containing an insecticide can be burned – usually containing pyrethroid
Spraying with a pyrethroid aerosol
Paulina Pike RN COHN(C)