When planning your travels, insect repellent is one of the most important items to pack. In many parts of the world, mosquitoes can carry serious diseases that pose a significant risk to your health. At Sudbury Court Pharmacy’s London travel clinic in Harrow, we help travellers choose the best insect repellent for their destination, ensuring they are well protected before they set off.

Insects That Spread Serious Illnesses

Mosquitoes are the primary carriers of several dangerous diseases. In tropical and subtropical regions, they can transmit malaria, dengue fever, Zika virus, and yellow fever. These illnesses can range from mild flu-like symptoms to severe complications that require urgent medical attention.

In some areas, other insects such as sandflies, ticks, and blackflies can also spread diseases like leishmaniasis, tick-borne encephalitis, and onchocerciasis. While mosquitoes often get the most attention, a comprehensive insect protection plan should take all possible risks into account, especially if you are travelling to rural or forested regions.

What Illnesses am I at Risk of Getting on Holiday?

The illnesses you might be exposed to on holiday depend on where you are travelling. For example:

Malaria: Common in parts of Africa, Asia, Central and South America, and Oceania.

Dengue fever: Found in tropical and subtropical climates, particularly in Southeast Asia, the Caribbean, and Latin America.

Zika virus: Has been reported in many of the same regions as dengue and can cause complications during pregnancy.

Yellow fever: Present in parts of Africa and South America, with vaccination required for entry to some countries.

Consulting a travel health professional before your trip is vital. They can advise on the specific risks at your destination and recommend the best insect repellent alongside other preventative measures such as mosquito nets or vaccinations.

Ingredients That Offer Strong Protection

When choosing the best insect repellent, the active ingredient is the most important factor. The three most effective ingredients recommended by health authorities are:

DEET (N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide): Effective against a wide range of biting insects and available in different concentrations. Higher strengths provide longer-lasting protection.

Picaridin (also known as icaridin): Offers similar protection to DEET but is often preferred for its low odour and reduced risk of skin irritation.

Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (PMD): A plant-based option that provides good protection, although usually for shorter periods compared to DEET or picaridin.

Choosing between these depends on your personal preference, skin sensitivity, and the duration of protection you need. For high-risk destinations, a higher-strength product containing DEET or picaridin is often recommended.

When to Reapply for Maximum Effect

The best insect repellent will only work if used correctly. Reapplication is key, as most repellents wear off over time due to sweat, water exposure, or natural evaporation.

• Higher-concentration products can protect for up to 8–12 hours, while lower concentrations may last only a few hours.

• Always reapply after swimming, heavy sweating, or towel-drying.

• In high-risk areas, it is better to reapply too often than risk losing protection.

Following the product instructions carefully ensures maximum effectiveness and helps you stay protected for the duration of your trip.

Using Repellent with Sunscreen

If you are travelling to sunny destinations, you will likely need both sunscreen and insect repellent. To get the best protection from both:

• Apply sunscreen first and allow it to absorb into the skin.

• Apply insect repellent on top after about 20–30 minutes.

• Be aware that combining the two may slightly reduce the effectiveness of the sunscreen, so you may need to reapply sunscreen more frequently.

This method ensures that neither product interferes with the other, maintaining both sun safety and insect protection.

Travel Clinic Recommendations

At Sudbury Court Pharmacy’s London travel clinic in Harrow, we offer personalised travel health advice, helping you choose the best insect repellent for your specific destination and travel style. We also supply additional protection such as treated mosquito nets, travel-size repellents for carry-on luggage, and guidance on other bite-prevention strategies.

For some destinations, we may recommend combining repellent with preventive medication, such as antimalarials, or vaccinations like yellow fever. This layered approach ensures you have the best possible defence against insect-borne diseases.

Planning ahead gives you the widest choice of products and the opportunity to address all aspects of travel health. Whether you are heading to a tropical island, exploring rural villages, or embarking on a multi-country journey, we can help you prepare for a safe and healthy trip. Book an appointment today or contact us to find out how we can support your holiday health.

This blog was written on behalf of Sudbury Court Pharmacy and Travel Clinic by Pharmacy Mentor.