Heading into mosquito territory? Here’s what you need

For many, the summer months bring endless opportunities to explore the outdoors, whether they’re enjoying their backyards and tending their gardens, or camping and hiking further afield. But warmer temperatures also bring us closer to insects, bugs, and plants that can irritate the skin, while increased physical activity levels often result in scrapes and bruises. Fortunately, many forms of relief are readily available in numerous over-the-counter products.

Anti-itch/bug repellants

After Bite Itch EraserTender Corporation offers several products designed to either repel insects or treat their bites. Those products include:

• After Bite Itch Eraser. Delivered in a convenient applicator tube, this product promises to provide instant relief of itchy bites from mosquitoes, fleas, ticks, and other common insects. The product’s proprietary mix of soothing ingredients includes what the company terms “Grandma’s favorite home remedy: baking soda.” 
(www.tendercorp.com) (Product image courtesy of Tender Corporation)

Natrapel 8 Hour• Natrapel 8 Hour. This pump-sprayed DEET-free product promises to provide eight hours of protection from biting insects and ticks, courtesy of a CDC-recommended 20% formulation of picaridin, a synthetic insect repellent. According to Tender Corp., picaridin is the only formula that consistently performs as well as or better than DEET in independent, clinical tests. Product literature states that it is safe for use on jackets, fishing line, and other synthetic materials.
(www.tendercorp.com)  (Product image courtesy of Tender Corporation)

• Ben’s 30 Pump & Insect Repellent. Gentle on the skin, this product’s alcohol-free, water-based formula uses a 30% concentration of DEET repellent to provide longer protection, up to eight hours, from ticks and insects that may carry infectious diseases such as West Nile virus, Lyme disease, malaria, and eastern equine encephalitis. According to the manufacturer, it is made to evaporate slowly, stay longer on the skin, and be less absorbent. (www.tendercorp.com)

• Ben’s 100 MAX. This tick and insect repellent is specifically formulated with the maximum amount of DEET - its active ingredient is 95% DEET - to provide an extremely high level of protection against mosquitoes, ticks, flies, chiggers, fleas and no-see-ums, with up to 10

Ben's 30% Tick and Insect Repellenthours of protection in ”areas of high bug density with intense biting activity.” The compact spray pump is easy to carry, yet contains enough product for several days’ worth of protection.
(www.tendercorp.com)

• Ben’s 30% Tick & Insect Repellent Wipes. Each pack’s 224 individually wrapped tissues give users better control over the amount of repellent applied and the area to be covered. Each wipe contains 30% DEET.
(www.tendercorp.com) (Product image courtesy of Tender Corporation)

Buzz Away productsFrom Quantum Health comes Buzz Away Extreme Natural Insect Repellent, which the manufacturer claims is the most powerful natural mosquito repellent available. Its DEET-free formula combines essential plant oils with soybean and geranium oils. Available in spray bottles or towelette wipes, this product promises to repel mosquitos for up to four hours, along with ticks, fleas, gnats, and flies. According to Quantum Health, in a USDA test Buzz Away repelled mosquitoes for more than eight hours. 
(www.quantumhealth.com) (Product image courtesy of Quantum Health)

Picaridin Insect Repellent from Sawyer Products is said to have a repellent effect similar to that of DEET, but won’t harm gear and equipment. As well as repelling mosquitoes and ticks, this product repels biting flies, stable flies, black flies, gnats, chiggers, and sand flies. The manufacturer states that the lotion is effective up for up to 14 hours and the spray for up to 12 hours.
(www.sawyer.com)

Trauma/wound care

Tender Corporation’s Rapid Response Trauma Pak with Quikclot is designed to stop bleeding and control serious trauma at the injury scene until more advanced care can be applied. A waterproof pouch contains a gauze bandage, a triangular bandage, two dressings, a Quikclot sponge, a trauma pad, 4 antiseptic wipes, tape, and instructions on treatment of traumatic injuries. 
(www.adventuremedicalkits.com)

Easy Access Bandages, also from Tender Corporation, come in portable packs that slip into a pocket or purse for convenient transport while protecting the sterile, latex-free bandages from harm. The packs are organized by size, making it easy to grab the right one in a hurry, with one-handed application to minimize risk of contamination. (www.adventuremedicalkits.com)

Nexcare Waterproof BandagesNexcare Waterproof Bandages from 3M are designed to stay on in water and keep water out of cuts, scrapes, and blisters, even during hand-washing. The manufacturer describes them as ideal for activities that include swimming, gardening, canoeing, fishing, and water sports.  By maintaining their seal, these bandages protect against contamination by the dirt and germs that may lead to infection. 
(www.nexcare.com) (Product image courtesy of 3M)

Nexcare Sensitive Skin Adhesive PadsNexcare Sensitive Skin Adhesive Pads, also from 3M, are designed for fragile or sensitive skin types, such as are seen in infants and the elderly. The absorbent, non-stick pads use a gentle adhesive that makes removal less painful. According to the manufacturer, the pads are ideal for protecting cuts, minor burns, abrasions, and post-surgical incisions.
(www.nexcare.com) (Product image courtesy of 3M)

Johnson & Johnson’s Band-Aid Small Gauze Pads dress minor cuts, scrapes, and burns. Double-thick layers add extra cushioning and a low-lint design helps prevent irritation. Product literature states that the pads’ technology wicks away fluid to keep wounds clean while locking in ointment.
(www.band-aidbrandfirstaid.com)

Neosporin + Pain Relief Ointment and Cream from Johnson & Johnson helps prevent infection and provides maximum-strength pain relief from minor cuts, scrapes, and burns. This product is available in cream and ointment.
(www.neosporin.com)

Johnson & Johnson’s Neosporin Wound Cleaner for Kids is a no-sting, instant-foaming cleanser that helps kill infectious bacteria and germs found in open wounds. It is recommended for children two years of age and older.
(www.neosporin.com)