The active ingredient in
The efficacy of IR 3535 in preventing tick and mosquito bites (which carried the risk of transmitted disease) has been compared to DEET, the most common insect repellent in commercially available products. A head-to-head evaluation of multiple insect repellents at various concentrations found IR 3535 (7.5%) as effective as DEET (7.5%)' Both products provided 3-4 hours of repellent effect in a laboratory setting. Off! Skintastic for FamilyTM is 7.0 % DEET. Avon Skin So Soft Bug RepellentTM does not list the concentration of IR 3535. However a previous study comparing repellents at various concentrations (utilizing similar methods) demonstrated IR 3535 repelled insects from skin for only 22.9 minutes of insect repellent benefits2. The duration of repellant of other products was similar. Due to the conflicting evidence neither the CDC nor EPA endorses the use of IR 3535 to prevent tick or mosquito bites.
When tick and mosquito borne illnesses are a concern, products with IR 3535 may provide effective protection from bites if reapplied according to label instructions. However evidence reveals DEET provide longer lasting protection.
Is DEET safe and effective?? See next week's question.
Thanks to Kim Barker PharmD, for submitting this question of the week. Tox thought: Stick with the DEET.
I am interested in any questions that you would like answered in "Question of the Week." Please e-mail me with any suggestions at donna.segern,Vanderbilt.edu
Donna Seger, M.D.
Medical Director,
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Medical Entomology 2004; 41 (4): 726-730.
2. Fradin MS, Day JF. Comparitive Efficacy of Insect Repellents Against Mosquito Bites.